Oct
31
2012

Mets Should Have A.J. Pierzynski On Their Radar For 2013

An article by Dan Valis

Pierzynski took one on the chin here, but clearly earned respect in his clubhouse

Sandy Alderson has made no secret about his intent to upgrade the Mets starting catching position. On Tuesday Ken Davidoff of the New York Post proposed Chicago’s Pierzynski as the Mets next backstop.

A.J. had a career year in his age 35 season. The fiery veteran topped his high in home runs with 27 jacks, and tied his high water mark of 77 RBI. This season was most likely an aberration in the power department as his 18 doubles were down from 29 in each of the two previous seasons. It looks like some of the doubles he would normally hit found their way over the fence in 2012.

If we were to sign him there is no way you could expect 27 home runs again. A.J’s typical season is anywhere from 10-15 home runs, with 50-65 RBI and about 30 doubles. His numbers would probably drop in Citi Field as well, but either way his production would be a major upgrade over Josh Thole.

I could see A.J. hitting .275 with 10 home runs, 60 RBI and 25 doubles next season. He would likely command a decent salary, due to his position and coming off of the year he just had. He signed a 2-year deal worth $8 million in 2011, so I could see a similar deal in the cards over two years this off-season for Pierzynski. That might be a little over budget for us, but it definitely upgrades a very weak position and gives us some much needed grit and veteran leadership.

About the Author: Dan Valis

I am a staff writer for Mets Merized Online. I am a Mets team analyst with a focus on the minor league system, as well as the major league club. I am a lifelong New Yorker who was born and raised to be a Mets fan. The ups and downs of being a Mets fan is what makes following this team so much fun, but at times so frustrating. You can follow me on Twitter @BgAppleMetsTalk.

14 Comments + Add Comment

Cjmcnell October 31, 2012 at 11:07 am

Despite his age his experience and attitude would be great for this ball club
but from what i’m hearing we won’t be big players in free angency, so disregard
taskmaster4450 October 31, 2012 at 11:09 am

He would be an upgrade over Thole but a 2 year deal for a 35 year old catcher is scary. I would have to pass on that one even though he had a career year. The chances of breakdown are far too great.
eric October 31, 2012 at 11:18 am

NO
Matt October 31, 2012 at 11:43 am

No they shouldn’t. Career year at age 35 and that doesn’t raise a red flag?
- TRS86 October 31, 2012 at 11:46 am
  
  It really just depends on how much they have to spend and what else they are going to spend it on.
Met Maniac October 31, 2012 at 11:48 am

We want Ronny Paulino!

We want Lucas May!

We want Kelly Shoppach!

Sandy Rules!
- Even Flow October 31, 2012 at 7:19 pm
  
  And yet they’re all better than our “Starting Catcher”. Funny, isn’t it?
Just_Da_Damaja October 31, 2012 at 12:30 pm

Yeah it looks like AJ’s market may include the Yankees…

I would scratch him off the list of guys we can afford.
Sloatsburg Mets Fan October 31, 2012 at 4:14 pm

I would that! I always thought that catcher should be a position were the biggest jerk on the team should play!
Even Flow October 31, 2012 at 7:20 pm

Pass. Not a fan of his defense and like Matt mentioned, the fact that he’s peaked at 35 makes me very suspicious.
Chipper10 October 31, 2012 at 7:39 pm

LOL, I dont know which group of Mets fans are more moronic?

The ones who say pass on a catcher who hit 27 HR and has balls of brass?

The ones who support the garbage catchers their GM has signed?

The ones who think the Mets could even afford someone as good as A.J.?

Mets fans are ridiculous. Pathetic fans for a pathetic team. LMAO
- Even Flow October 31, 2012 at 8:14 pm
  
  Funny coming from a fan who’s fanbase are the kings of pathetic. Only thing your city can cheer about (for now) are the Falcons.
Moose October 31, 2012 at 9:27 pm

I would say yes if we could go with a one year with option at around $ 5 million with option and incentives for Hitting, % percent of seal off when playing. But he would be good for leadershio and the pitchers
Metfan Lou October 31, 2012 at 9:33 pm

I wonder if Saltalamachia would be available in a trade?

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