Free agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski told Jim Bowden of XM Radio on Wednesday that he would consider the Marlins as a possible destination, especially since playing in South Florida would put him close to home in Orlando. It's uncertain what, if any, interest the Marlins have in Pierzynski. But they're looking around for help at the position. Chicago's exclusive negotiating window with Pierzynski ends Sunday, but the catcher said he has not heard a peep from the White Sox, "so we don't have to worry about that."
Pierzynski, 33, is a workhouse who puts up solid offensive numbers and provides postseason experience, including a World Series title with the White Sox in 2005. Price, however, could be an object. Pierzynski has been averaging about $5.5 annually over the past six years. But the guy plays with lots of intensity and passion, traits that appeal to owner Jeffrey Loria.
Here's some of the Q & A between Pierzynski and XM's Bowden:
Bowden: These are the teams I think you fit for: I've got the Red Sox, Tampa Bay, Texas, Florida, San Diego and the Mets, although I don't think they are good enough for you to go because you need to win right now at your age. So what do you think of that group of five teams?
Pierzynski: They all sound like winners to me. They all have great teams, they all are great opportunities and, you know, any person would be lucky to go to any of them....Tampa and Florida, obviously, are close to home.....
Bowden: If money is equal across the board when you look at this stuff, and years and all that kind of stuff, how would you put order of importance: being close to home, having a chance to win a championship immediately, having the best situation where you can split time with another (catcher)? How do you kind of put all that in an order of where you would like to go?
Pierzynski: "Well, the first two things are I want to go someplace where I can win, and I want to go someplace I can play every day. So, those are the first two factors I am looking at. And then, obviously, proximity to home. I have two young kids that are just starting school, so that's high on the list. Spring training in Florida would be nice, but not a necessity. Is there an easy flight home from whatever city I'm in to get to Orlando where I live?
Maybe Luria can put his Son-In-Law to catch.
Posted by: Man FromMiami | November 04, 2010 at 03:31 PM
To me, having a quality catcher is extremely important if you want a team that can compete for the playoffs. Pierzynski fits the bill. Why hesitate to sign him if you get the chance?
Posted by: Jack Rucker | November 04, 2010 at 05:10 PM
Miguel Olivo is apparently available. Why not do some investigative work and ask him his interest in returning to So. Fla?
Personally, Pierzynski might bring some intangibles to this team. He is a veteran, intense, and seems to irk opposing teams. Maybe he can fight Hanley in the locker room.
Posted by: Jorge | November 04, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Yeah,that's cool...
I like A.J...
It would be an adition like Juan Uribe In the Giants from Chicago...
I really like A.J...
Posted by: Villa26 | November 04, 2010 at 07:39 PM
A.J. sucks. the Marlins should go after Yorvit Torrealba. He did not resign with the Padres.
Posted by: miamiguy | November 04, 2010 at 10:31 PM
let him go someplace else
Posted by: brg611 | November 05, 2010 at 12:35 PM
A J Pierzynski would be perfect for the Marlins. He hits from the left side, hits for average, strong catcher, DOESN'T STRIKE OUT and is very experienced. With Ronny Paulino(he apologized give him a break) hitting well over 300 from lefthanders, the Marlins catching problem would be totally solved.
Posted by: Eddie S | November 06, 2010 at 10:58 AM
you know if only loria would stop beying so cheap with his "team" maybe we could be a little bit better. what u people think? and we need to sign dan uggla bcuz without him there would just be no hop for this team to atleast win 50 games next year. we either sign him or please sale the team to an owner that really cares abot the team the fans and city of miami....
Posted by: carlos | November 07, 2010 at 11:18 AM
we need to sign a catcher, dan uggla, an outfielder that actually can hit on a regular bases, picher please pitchers that actually can win games for us, not nunez that you have to cross you`re fingers and hope to god that he can close a game. and finally a CLOSER that can actually CLOSE GAMES, NOT LOOOOSSEE GAMES LIKE last year. please please...
Posted by: carlos | November 07, 2010 at 11:22 AM
You are right Carlos...
Posted by: Villa26 | November 07, 2010 at 10:39 PM
What about Uggla turning down the $40 million 4 year contract? Herald doesn't report on that? how is it ESPN beat them to this story?
Posted by: HeraldStinks | November 08, 2010 at 10:08 PM
HeraldStinks????
Come on!!!!
LOL
Posted by: Villa26 | November 09, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Although Uggla and Stanton hit many homers their strikeout ratio is atrocious. in the catching dep't.l Both Davis and Hayes strike out 34 percent of the time. A J Pierzynski historically only strikes out 12 per cent. GET A J PIERZYNSKI ASAP!!!!
Posted by: Eddie S | November 11, 2010 at 09:41 AM