The Tampa Bay Rays are a team that needs power hitting and offensive production from the catcher position and A.J. Pierzynski is available.
His avaibility is considered a surprise as Pierzynski is one of the most productive offensive catchers in the majors. Last season he smacked 27 homers and drove in 77 RBI while hitting .278. These numbers ranked him fifth in hitting and RBI, while ranking second in home runs among catchers.
In Pierzynski, the Rays would get a veteran catcher who can also help out the pitching staff. He is a world champion and is all about winning.
Though it won't come up in the stat sheet, the most memorable moment in Pierzynski's career was when he hustled his way to first base after swinging and missing on a ball that was called in the dirt. He heard the ball bounce and then hit the glove and Pierzynski wisely took first base despite replays showing the ball land inside Los Angeles Angels' catcher Josh Paul's mitt.
Ultimately, Pierzynski's savvy baseball IQ led to the winning running and the White Sox were able to snatch momentum and get back into a series they eventually took.
Pierzynski's defense is sketchy throwing out just 26 percent of runners, but whatever he might give up on defense, he will surely give back on offense as the Rays' catching position barely gave them any offensive numbers, let alone any type of slugging.
Jose Molina played 102 games for the Rays at the catcher position. He batted .223 hit eight homers and drove in 32 RBI. Cris Gimenez played in 42 games, hit .260, one homer and drove in nine RBI. Jose Lobaton played 69 games hit .222, hit two homers and drove in 20 runs.
As you can see, Pierzynski single handedly out hit the Rays' catchers. The team had the best pitching in the majors posting a 3.19 ERA. The Rays hitting was 10th in the majors in homers, but they were 17th in RBI.
The Rays are fresh off a deal where they acquired young prospects from the Kansas City Royals sending over James Shields on the deal. The Rays aren't known for acquiring veterans and spending money on the market, but Pierzynski could protect Evan Longoria in the lineup as the catcher is a slugger.
With the Rays pitching staff, Pierzynski would be a great asset and can rub off his championship ways on the other guys in the club.
