ESPN: Red Sox Sign Catcher A.J. Pierzynski to One-Year Deal - East Idaho News
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ESPN: Red Sox Sign Catcher A.J. Pierzynski to One-Year Deal

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Getty AJ Pierzynski?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1386086976000Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — When you win a championship in any sport, there’s bound to be roster turnover the following year and the Boston Red Sox are no exception. According to ESPN, the team has signed catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal.

Pending a physical, Pierzynski’s deal is worth $8.25 million, according to ESPN.

The signing of Pierzynski marks the end of the Jarrod Saltalamacchia-era in Boston. Saltalamacchia was said to be seeking a three-year deal, while the Red Sox were unwilling to go past two years.

In three plus seasons, Saltalamacchia steadily improved offensively and defensively. While he hit .273 with 14 home runs during the regular season in 2013, he hit just .188 in the postseason. In 32 at-bats, he struck out 19 times.

Even though he’s 36 and entering his 17th Major League season, Pierzynski is still a durable and reliable option at catcher. In his first and only year with the Texas Rangers this season, he hit .272 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs.

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