It didn’t take long for A.J. Pierzynski to realize David Ross’ leadership.
Pierzynski, who was released by the Red Sox in July, told The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo he’d be shocked if Ross didn’t re-sign with Boston this offseason. Ross is a free agent after spending the last two seasons as the Red Sox’s backup catcher.
“He was like a second manager over there. They asked Rossey’s opinion on everything,” Pierzynski recently told Cafardo. “They wanted him to catch even more than he did.”
Ross, who turns 38 in March, is coming off a down year. The veteran catcher hit .184 with seven homers, 15 RBIs, 58 strikeouts and a .260 on-base percentage in 50 games while backing up Pierzynski and then rookie Christian Vazquez. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington recently acknowledged the club will look to add a catcher this offseason — Vazquez is expected to be the starter — and didn’t rule out re-signing Ross, though it’s possible Boston could look for an offensive upgrade.
Pierzynski, who signed with the St. Louis Cardinals shortly after being released by the Red Sox, hit .254 with four homers, 31 RBIs and a .286 on-base percentage in 72 games with Boston. He, like Ross, is slated to become a free agent this offseason and, according to Cafardo, has no intention of retiring despite turning 38 in December.
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