Jun 24, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski (40) looks to the dugout after being stolen on for the second time during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It is no secret the Chicago White Sox need to improve at catcher, at least at the plate, and the question I have for today is whether A.J. Pierzynski could be that player to provide a “quick fix” at the position?
Jun 22, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) looks at the dugout at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Current White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers, who replaced Pierzynski in 2012, has a batting average of .218 with five home runs, 26 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .273.
In his past 10 games (before Friday, July 18), Flowers’ batting average has gone from .235 to .218, where he has just three hits in 33 at-bats (0.91 average) with two of these hits being doubles. He also has just one RBI in that span, batting usually in the No. 8 spot in the batting order.
Pierzynski was released by the Boston Red Sox officially on Thursday, 10 days after being designated for assignment.
In 72 games with the Red Sox, the former White Sox catcher (2005-12) has hit for a .254 average with 31 RBIs, 10 doubles and one triple. He has also hit four home runs.
In his past 10 games (June 24-July 7), Pierzynski batted .250 with nine hits in 36 at-bats. He had no home runs or RBIs in that span.
One aspect I feel Pierzynski could do well with the current White Sox team is working with the pitching staff. He is a veteran, a former World Series champion and has caught some of the best pitchers in baseball.
Pierzynski could be an improvement in that aspect and at the plate as well.
Also, the White Sox could start giving reserve catcher Adrian Nieto some more at-bats, as he holds a .258 average this season in 66 at-bats (31 games) with four RBIs and 17 hits (five doubles).
In Nieto’s past 10 games played (June 8-July 11), he is batting .190 with one RBI and five walks in 21 official at-bats.
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Then at Triple-A Charlotte, there is Josh Phegley, who was an International League All-Star this week.
In 74 games at the Triple-A level, Phegley is batting .271 with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs. He has hit 21 doubles and three triples this season. On July 17, he went 3-for-4 with one run, with that run coming off a home run.
There has to be some type of change at catcher for the White Sox, because they are costing themselves at-bats and potential runs with the game plan they are currently using.
What are your thoughts on what the White Sox need to do at catcher?