A.J. Pierzynski's market is quite the mystery, and some are suggesting the Dodgers could possibly make a surprise run at the veteran free-agent catcher.
It seems like something of a long shot considering the nice season A.J. Ellis had catching for the Dodgers in 2012, and Dodgers people are indeed painting Pierzynski as a remote possibility, at best.
The Dodgers were quite happy with Ellis, who had a very nice year in 2012, and may instead look to add only a backup.
But Pierzynski does make a bit of sense for L.A. The Dodgers are obviously going for the title, and are expected to add some big-time veteran pitchers, including Korean lefthander Ryu Hyun-Jin plus possibly one of Zack Greinke, Anibal Sanchez, Kyle Lohse or potential trade target James Shields.
The Dodgers tried for Pierzynski two years ago, when his close friend Jerry Reinsdorf, the White Sox owner, swooped in and signed him to an $8-million, two-year deal even though the Dodgers were offering more.
The Mariners, Rangers and Yankees are looking at catching, though Seattle and Texas have been connected more to Mike Napoli, who is also considering the Red Sox.
Pierzynski had perhaps his best year last year when he hit 27 home runs and had 77 RBI and a .278 batting average. His 26 home runs while catching was second in the big leagues to Wilin Rosario, who had 27 dingers for the Rockies.
There is always the possibility, of course, that Reinsdorf could decide he wants Pierzynski back again, but people familiar with their situation suggest their baseball people are comfortable handing the job to talented young catcher Tyler Flowers as a cost-saving measure. So the Pierzynski market is still mostly mysterious.
