A.J. Pierzynski‘s career could have come full circle this winter. Instead, the veteran catcher chose to join the defending World Series champions.
Pierzynski told reporters at the winter meetings in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday that he actually turned down a two-year offer from the Twins before signing a one-year contract with the Red Sox. The 36-year-old made it clear that the decision was a difficult one to make, but at the end of the day, he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to play for a contender in Boston.
Pierzynski, of course, was drafted by the Twins in 1994. He spent six major league seasons with the club before being traded to the Giants prior to the 2004 season in exchange for Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser. Pierzynski earned an All-Star selection as a member of the Twins in 2002.
Reports indicate that the Twins also considered signing Jarrod Saltalamacchia this offseason before he joined the Marlins. The Twins are now expected to go with Josmil Pinto behind the plate in 2014, barring any changes between now and Opening Day.
[tweet https://twitter.com/nickcafardo/status/410471236410830848 align=’center’]
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.
Photo via Twitter/@TomCaron
