A.J. Pierzynski

2013

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2012

Pierzynski rebounded in 2011 from his average 2010 campaign, but perhaps the most amazing stat of his season was that his trip to the disabled list in August for a wrist injury marked the first time in his career he was on the DL. That is fairly remarkable for a catcher with more than 12,000 innings on his knees. Offensively, he continued to cut down on his strikeouts, but he also continued to hit the ball on the ground regularly. He could be due for a drop in batting average should that percentage continue its trend upward. Keep in mind that an improving Tyler Flowers could eat into Pierzynski's playing time in 2012, but that might be better for the mid-30s catcher anyway.

2011

Pierzynski had a down offensive year in 2010, as he missed the double-digit home run precipice for the first time since 2003. He only walked 15 times, which brought his OBP to a career-low .300. On the plus side, he posted his eighth straight season with at least 497 plate appearances, which is durability not often found at the catcher position. Tyler Flowers no longer appears to be an immediate threat, and Pierzynski should have the White Sox's starting catcher spot to himself for the next two seasons.

2010

2009 was Pierzynski's first .300 season since leaving Minnesota in 2003. He finished the season hitting third in the Sox's lineup, but that spot produced his worst splits (.252/.277/.301 with 16 strikeouts in 123 at-bats). He doesn't walk much and doesn't strike out much, but that's nothing new. He probably won't stick in the No. 3 hole, but he could be a decent source of average in a catcher position that is devoid of many fantasy stars.

2009

He's durable, swings at everything and is as consistent as they come when you consider the volatility of batting average. Pierzynski doesn't give you any upside, nor is he likely to implode and bat .215. He just has the same season over and over. That's pretty valuable in AL-only formats, where the catching is awful.

2008

Pierzynski's slash stats (.263/.309/.403) were disappointing but he did manage to hit 14 homers and drive in 50. He was rewarded with a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension at the end of the season that will keep him in Chicago until 2010. A healthy Toby Hall should take away some of his at-bats against left-handers but he'll be back as the team's primary catcher this season.

2007

Pierzynski used to be the type of player you only liked if he was on your team. He may still be that guy, but after earning his second All-Star nod and actually outshining MVP candidate Jermaine Dye for much of the season when he hit .318 with 18 doubles and eight home runs through July, Pierzynski is earning league-wide respect. That, in part, could be a reason he was plunked only eight times, including twice in one game, in 2006, compared to 11, 15, 15 and 12 the previous four seasons, respectively.

2006

Pierzynski's 2005 campaign will mostly be remembered for his exploitation of Doug Eddings' indecision in Game 2 of the World Series, but his contributions to the White Sox's cause went beyond one head's-up bit of baserunning. The expected power spike after he traded SBC Park for US Cellular carried him to a career high in home runs, and the pitching staff mostly praised his work behind the plate. He was rewarded with a three-year deal in the offseason, and could end up as the best Sox backstop since Carlton Fisk when it's all said and done -- not that Ron Karkovice is that tough to dethrone for the honor.

2005

Pierzynski didn't help his reptuation as volatile player after he got under his teammates' skin for much of his first season in San Francisco, but after a slow start he hit close to his career averages when you factor his home park. Moving back to the AL and away from SBC Park should help his numbers. He'll be the primary catcher for the White Sox.

2004

Most left-handed hitters struggle in Pac Bell Park, but the stadium's big outfield should suit Pierzynski, a line-drive hitter without much power to lose. His average will likely take a hit, and even ten homers is optimistic. But he'll play a lot and bat behind Barry Bonds, so RBIs-a-poppin'.

2003

Pierzynski made the All-Star team in 2002 with pretty much the same season as 2001. Will hit for a decent average with some power. However, his inability to take a walk (just 13 in 2002) makes him a candidate to drop off. Prospect Joe Mauer may compete for his job as early as 2004.