Report: Pierzynski signs one-year deal with Texas
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 20, 2012 
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The only catching standout still on the market now appears to be off the market.
A.J. Pierzynski, the veteran coming off a career year with the White Sox, has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Rangers. Despite their obvious hole behind the plate, the Yankees never seemed interested in Pierzysnki, preferring their in-house defensive catchers over the offensive Pierzynski. And based on the one-year deal he’s signing with Texas, the length of a contract couldn’t have been an issue.
It seems the Yankees simply didn’t want him.
Two things I wonder about, but don’t have the answer to:
1. We know the Yankees were willing to spend on Russell Martin, which means they were planning to spend money on a catcher. Is it possible the news of Alex Rodriguez’s hip surgery led them to reallocate those funds toward third base?
2. Passed balls and caught stealing percentages only tell us so much about what a catcher does behind the plate. Could the Yankees internal metrics tell them that their in-house catchers are a more significant defensive upgrade than we might expect?
From my point of view, Pierzynski was always an obvious choice, especially on a one-year deal. The Yankees clearly thought otherwise.
Hopefully Cashman has a target he’s eyeing through trade for catcher, because what we have is pretty underwhelming, imo. Also, the fact that they weren’t interested in Pierzynski because of his defense doesn’t seem to make much sense, when you consider that we won multiple world championships with Posada behind the plate, and the White Sox won one with Pierzynski.
I tend to not think he has a trade sitting there as he just lost leverage in any trade talks with AJ off the board. With AJ still out there, he could pretend to walk away from a deal he didn’t like and claim he was signing him. Now, there’s no safety net. If he comes to an opposing GM looking for a C they’ll tie a napkin around their necks and begin to drool.
I think they’re going to go into the season with Romine and career backups who hit the waiver wire and reassess as the season moves on.
The reason we didn’t sign Pierzynski is because the guy is an ***hole.
Youkilis was easy to hate, but I don’t think we thought of him that way. Just an annoying, aggravating competitor. AJ is just…. a straight up jerk. I would not have any interest in playing with the guy or seeing him as a Yankee. Simply not Yankee material.
Yeah, heard that too that Austin would likely go back to high A to start.
Never thought we’d be in on AJP. Our catcher advanced metrics say he hits too well to be a good catcher. He’ll spend too much time at BP and ignore his pitchers.
blake says:
December 20, 2012 at 6:28 pm
I’m awaiting the Sanchez, Nova, Williams, Heathcott, and baneulos for Carlos Santana trade
I mean let’s face it, although Martin has been touted as a good defensive catcher, he was probably average last year at best. Part of why the Yankees have liked him is because of his home runs, and they’d admit that. So I’m not sure AJ being an offensive minded catcher would necessarily be a huge deterrent to them. If they passed on AJ it could have simply been because they didn’t want to shell out the extra money after they paid Youk. Maybe they’re just rolling the dice so to speak that Romine will be able to handle being the primary catcher, that way they save money and the gamble pays off.
Santana doesn’t fit Joe G’s advanced metrics catching profile. So, the farm is safe for now.
yankeefeminista says:
December 20, 2012 at 6:38 pm
Santana doesn’t fit Joe G’s advanced metrics catching profile. So, the farm is safe for now.
That’s true….he’s too much like Jorge Posada
Romine better be good…
If they go with Romine and he wins the spot in ST – good for him and gutsy call by Yankees — – -
HUGE opportunity for romine unless something changes. Let’s hope he sees his opportunity and comes to camp ready to become major leaguer!
I will say this, no team ever knows when a player is ready for the majors, and good or bad statistics in the minors do not mean one is ready or not ready. So maybe Romine is one of those guys who will shirk all the minor league stats and play better in the majors, but I still don’t see why the Yankees don’t pair him with a veteran catcher who can be counted on atleast to be average
Romine is going to break camp with the big club.
Unless he suffers an injury or walks up to the plate without a bat, I just can’t envision
he will begin the season in the minors.
Time for Cervelli or Stewart to take a backseat to the catcher of the future.
Take off the training wheels and let’s finally see what Romine can do
Warning Track Power December 20th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Romine is going to break camp with the big club.
Unless he suffers an injury or walks up to the plate without a bat, I just can’t envision
he will begin the season in the minors.
———-
Well, I mean, there’s good argument to say he should be starting and catching more games at the AAA level.
Romine has 70 career PA in AAA and he was not good.
Jerk-
Time to give the kid a chance in ST and see what he can do.
You never know, he just might be ready to break camp with the big club as of this year.
Stranger things have happened!
Jerkface December 20th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Romine has 70 career PA in AAA and he was not good.
i 1989girardi only had 115 PA and he was bad 2.
as bad as romine’s year was, he ops’d 30 pts higher than martin did. i dont think its crazy to think that he could put up better #’s than martin in, say 120 games.
thats not a high bar to clear.
From the limited amount I’ve seen Romjne Indonlike him defensively….very soft hands back there….very smooth and quite movements….
“I’ve seen Romjne Indonlike him defensively’
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i think that’s slovak for ‘screw martin’
’
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“i think that’s slovak for ‘screw martin’”
Screw Hal actually
AJP was such an obvious fit . .. I’m not buying the Defensive BS either… Martin was average to below average in most defensive categories. The man didn’t even catch our Ace …
Im also not buying the money issue either. The Yankees have the money. It can only leave me to believe that the Yankees are working on a trade ! *They better be * ..
@JonHeymanCBS: #yankees did NOT make an offer to AJ pierzynski. plan at present is to go with cervelli/stewart/romine
That makes zero sense
Even as one of those guys who’s willing to let things take their own course, I was practically certain they’d sign AJP. Why the hell not?
Romine is not the answer.
they will steal barajas…
Against All Odds December 20th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Shame Spencer December 20th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
The comments in the next thread are closed..?
LoHud has had enough of us!!
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Team Greedy on rise and you don’t want a problem with us guys mmhmm.
http://dazzledbytwilight.com/w…..180090.JPG
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HELL NO WE WON’T GO, HELL NO WE WON’T GO!!!
DONNA MARTIN GRADUATES! DONNA MARTIN GRADUATES!!!
….Sorry guys this news is just making me crazy. I might start a ‘We’re here, we need beer, get used to it!’ chant fairly soon…
le sigh.
Shame Spencer December 20th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Against All Odds December 20th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Shame Spencer December 20th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
The comments in the next thread are closed..?
LoHud has had enough of us!!
———————
Team Greedy on rise and you don’t want a problem with us guys mmhmm.
http://dazzledbytwilight.com/w…..180090.JPG
—————————-
HELL NO WE WON’T GO, HELL NO WE WON’T GO!!!
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You damn straight
PhiltheThrill says:
December 20, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Romine is not the answer.
Neither is Stewie or Cervy for sure…..
I Want to Thank the LoHud for Making Me A Yankee….
It’s one thing if the Yanks had been turned down or if AJ had wanted 2 years…..but to not have even made an offer? That’s strange…makes me think either a trade is coming or they are crazy
blake they just didn’t like aj’s defense…
mick says:
December 20, 2012 at 8:00 pm
blake they just didn’t like aj’s defense…
And they like the ones they have?
Maybe MTU will get his Jaso trade or something….
they like romines and stewarts
why can’t there be a trade?
I played baseball for around 15 years. I was a catcher. I have watched baseball for over 60 years. Please correct me if I am wrong but it seems to me that pitchers today bounce more balls in front of the plate than ever. And by bounce I mean deliberately throw braking balls designed to hit in front of the plate. If that is true then it seems to me that a new premium is being placed on a catcher’s defensive abilities. Not only is framing pitches, calling the game, having a solid arm and generally be the captain of the infield but being bale to block balls in the dirt has taken on greater than ever importance. Not only to keep runners in place but to instill confidence in the pitching corps that it is safe to bounce balls in front of the batter.
I truly believe this is the reason the Yankees traded Montero (that they felt at his size and general lack of mobility he would never be sufficient at blocking balls). I also feel that Cervelli is weak in this skill. Which to me means that quietly the Yankee brass is hoping Romine is ready to move to the majors but are remaining quiet so as to not raise expectations too high.
I calculated before Youkilis and Ichiro were signed that the Yankees at that point were about -20 mil from last year’s payroll. Youkilis + Ichiro = 18.5. My guess is that Hal doesn’t want to spend more than last year. Maybe they were trying to trade Granderson so they could “afford” AJP, or were trying to trade for a catcher.
So they may actually be planning to go with two of Romine/Stewart/Cervelli. We’re probably looking at Ibanez/Nunez for DH. Unless someone else offers Ibanez more than a pittance, then it might be Dickerson/Nunez, Dickerson giving some time off for the 3 of vs rhp, Nunez giving Jeter some time at DH. Maybe Mustelier is the 4th rh of, although that would surprise me.
Whoever they go with, they will probably be cheap, or there will be a trade.
I played baseball for around 15 years. I was a catcher. I have watched baseball for over 60 years. Please correct me if I am wrong but it seems to me that pitchers today bounce more balls in front of the plate than ever. And by bounce I mean deliberately throw braking balls designed to hit in front of the plate”
I think pitchers have always done this but yea I do see it a lot now….mainly because hitters will swing at more pitches out of the zone today than they used to….
But that said…..I still don’t want a zero bat catcher
People need to realize the phantom limb thing is real.. it’s not just real for us fans either, look at the writers!!
So many of them were sure there was some stealth move in the works.. just wait man, just wait. This team is going to add a Hariston or Ross type (and by that I mean a lesser version of either of those two since they’ll cost too much) and possibly Ibanez and that will be that.
These are the new JLo Yankees.
Everyone wants to yell and scream at Team Greedy.. but as more of these names come off the table I want you to know there’s room for you at Team Greedy’s table. We don’t shun anyone. We respect those that have faith. We envy you. But when that cold hard floor rises up and meets you on February 12th and your staring at this club mostly as is, know that you have support. It gets better (if you do drugs).
yankeefeminista December 20th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
Santana doesn’t fit Joe G’s advanced metrics catching profile. So, the farm is safe for now.
—
I think I detect sarcasm.
But I’m thinking Joe G doesn’t have anything to do with these decisions now.
Have no fear: The YFRP will be opened soon.
I’m just working on getting the space/location and discount coffee.
Hal is trying to do what so many have wanted for so long.
He is going with youth.
Right now it’s behind the plate.
Soon it will be all over the field.
Be careful what you wish for…
Maybe Mustelier is the 4th rh of, although that would surprise me.
======================
Why not? Hairston is not the answer. Ross wants too much.
We should have went with youth at 3B..
The irony is we spent our money on a 3B with back issues so we could leave a hole open for our young catcher with back issues
Has Adams had any back issues???
I need Patrick’s ‘why why why!!’ gif.
Youk is a better pickup than ajp.
He will back up Tex and DH a little.
He plays hard and the fans will love him.
Yankee brass is hoping Romine is ready to move to the majors but are remaining quiet so as to not raise expectations too high.
————————
They won’t be able to escape it for long. Once camp starts it’s going to be alright put up or shut up kid
You know what the fans will love more than Kevin Youkilis..?
Winning games.
why won’t they win 90 games next year?
mick December 20th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Maybe Mustelier is the 4th rh of, although that would surprise me.
======================
Why not? Hairston is not the answer. Ross wants too much.
—
It would surprise me because it’s not the Yankees MO. I’ve been suggesting Mustelier for 4th OF for a while now, if they aren’t getting Hairston/Ross.
@AndrewMarchand: Yanks never had interest in Pierzynski. After Martin signed with Bucs, a Yankee official simply said, “No” when asked about A.J.
It would surprise me because it’s not the Yankees MO.
==================
It looks like the MO is changing.
Hal appears to recognize that we are getting old and is trying to build a farm system.
Yankees new MO: refuse to spend money on anyone under the age of 32.
@BNightengale: Great move by #rangers getting AJ Pierznyski, one of most fiery competitors in #mlb
mick December 20th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
It looks like the MO is changing.
Hal appears to recognize that we are getting old and is trying to build a farm system.
—
I think it has more to do with money, but whatever gets them a chance.
Nunez and Ibanez will DH. The IF is set as is the OF. Mustelier will be the 4th OF. We will have 2 catchers. Nix and Adams as BUIF’s.
The staff will be golden. We will finish 1st again…
mick December 20th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
It would surprise me because it’s not the Yankees MO.
==================
It looks like the MO is changing.
Hal appears to recognize that we are getting old and is trying to build a farm system.
——————————-
They’ve been trying to build the farm for about 6-7 yrs now and the results have been mixed to say the least.
blake December 20th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@AndrewMarchand: Yanks never had interest in Pierzynski. After Martin signed with Bucs, a Yankee official simply said, “No” when asked about A.J.
——————–
WTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
They’ve been trying to build the farm for about 6-7 yrs now and the results have been mixed to say the least.
=====================
not like they are stockpiling them now
Maybe we’ll wake up tomorrow morning and this entire off season will have been a dream, ala-Dallas.
Stockpiling???
Where is all the catching and pitching depth? Weren’t they loading up on those two positions?
When Andy and Kuroda and maybe even Hughes leaves next yr what’s the rotation looking like?
i am glad they’re stock piling minor league players. now i can hear about how Player X is the next Manny Ramirez or Roger Clemens for three years only for him to either a.) not live up to the hype or b.) be apart of a trade that usually produces mixed results to poor results.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErvgV4P6Fzc
just for you shame…
why can’t there be a trade?
____
For who exactly?
Also, any trade will force us to give up the farm (for Mauer or someone of that significance)
Nunez and Ibanez will DH. The IF is set as is the OF. Mustelier will be the 4th OF. We will have 2 catchers. Nix and Adams as BUIF’s.
______
Would actually like this, but not Adams. Either he starts everyday or plays in AAA.
Bench: BUC, Musteiler, RH OF, Nix (Nunez could be the DH and play SS when Jeter needs more days off)….
“For who exactly?
Also, any trade will force us to give up the farm (for Mauer or someone of that significance)”
Santana is about the only one I can think of …
The problem with Nunez being on the bench is that he is not very good at baseball.
The problem with Nunez being on the bench is that he is not very good at baseball.
___
He can hit, he has speed, he is a righty, and i believe they could get larry bowa in there to work with him on his defense.
Where is all the catching and pitching depth?
============================
they have plenty of catching prospects.
the core was built around position players and they have a good group.
pitching aside from andy and mo has always been bought but they have a good group of potential there too.
Nunez should NOT be on the bench. He should be in the lineup everyday, either at SS or DH.
When Andy and Kuroda and maybe even Hughes leaves next yr what’s the rotation looking like?
____
Early guess: CC/Nova/Pineda and two 1 year veterans (or Phelps depending on how he does this year)
I know mick.. there are no games tomorrow..
I also think if Hughes has a good first half, the yankees should just offer him the Edwin Jackson deal. He is young and worth that on the market. Have staples in the rotation for years….
there is a plane…
A good group with potential would have been ok 3yrs ago but not now. They are cutting payroll and sticking to a budget. They need to hit on a number of guys going forward.
ac1,
you’re basing your “he can hit” statement off of 100 PAs on 2012? cause when Nunez saw extended time in 2011 he posted an OPS+ of 87. he can’t field, he can’t hit for power, and he doesn’t take walks. and why the heck would Bowa agree to work with him on his fielding? he was pissed when the Yankees sent Torre packing.
How great are these AL East soccer jerseys posted over at RAB? http://riveraveblues.com/2012/.....eys-80760/
I also believe that they should use 2013 to see if Joba Chamberlain can get back to being a starter (in AAA). Yankees can fill the bullpen. Joba has the #1 potential and wont be crazy expensive in FA. But, as usual the Yankee plan is all contradictory…
A good group with potential would have been ok 3yrs ago but not now.
====================
2014-2015 is not faraway..
They need to hit on a number of guys going forward.
=================
Hopefully they will…
you’re basing your “he can hit” statement off of 100 PAs on 2012? cause when Nunez saw extended time in 2011 he posted an OPS+ of 87. he can’t field, he can’t hit for power, and he doesn’t take walks. and why the heck would Bowa agree to work with him on his fielding? he was pissed when the Yankees sent Torre packing.
_____
I am basing this on all of Nunez plate appearences, not just 2012. He came up as a good fielder (he can get it back). Why would Bowa work with him? Because he is an adult and his issue wasnt with Hal or Girardi.
AAO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1R8LQ5-LI
Folks the Opening Day roster will not be the roster in June on including the postseason roster which there will be.
I say give chances to Mustelier and Nunez, both young, cheap, promising homegrown talent, and make a trade for a bat in midseason if necessary.
‘Plenty of guys to choose from in June and July.
i agree with mick. i think it came down to having to choose youk or pierzynski and cash chose youk.
they did need a RH bat at 3rd/DH and they need a b/u at first and he fits that bill.
i wasn’t hot on youk, but i’d probably rather go with romine/cervelli/stewart at C than adams and ? at 3b.
i wanted nunez at 3b but obviously the yankees decided against that.
mick December 20th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
They need to hit on a number of guys going forward.
=================
Hopefully they will…
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They are past the hopeful phase. If those guys don’t come through they are screwed. If they were continuing their spending ways they wouldn’t have to hit on all of those players.
ac1 says:
December 20, 2012 at 9:00 pm
I also think if Hughes has a good first half, the yankees should just offer him the Edwin Jackson deal. He is young and worth that on the market. Have staples in the rotation for years….
He will get more than that on the market with a good 2013…..but 13 million AAV would be tough to fit under the budget and I doubt they’d pay that
nunez is a SS.
and he will be a good one, he’s part of the youth movement.
ac1 December 20th, 2012 at 9:03 pm
I also believe that they should use 2013 to see if Joba Chamberlain can get back to being a starter (in AAA). Yankees can fill the bullpen. Joba has the #1 potential and wont be crazy expensive in FA. But, as usual the Yankee plan is all contradictory…
——————-
Never going to happen. The time to do it was yrs ago. I thought the point was to have as many options as possible.
Hey new post ->
If they were continuing their spending ways they wouldn’t have to hit on all of those players.
============================
Hal just wants to spend wisely.
Build the team around youth , then pick up needed FA’s.
This years group stunk anyway..
and this is why Jeter is my favorite player