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.
