The Texas Ranger have agreed to sign free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year $7.5 million deal, pending a physical, according to CBSSports.com's Scott Miller.
Pierzynski, who had a career year last season batting .278 with 27 home runs, 77 RBI and 68 runs scored in 135 games, will serve as the everyday catcher next season for Texas, with Geovany Soto serving primarily as the backup.
Though he'll be 36 next season, Pierzynski is durable and has caught more innings than any other catcher over the last 11 seasons. He works well with the pitching staff and has thrown out 24 percent of would-be base stealers in his 15-year big league career.
With a WAR of 2.6 last season, the two-time All-Star and 2012 Silver Slugger, will bring leadership and consistency to the Rangers lineup next season.
Tyler Flowers will now come in as the starting catcher for the White Sox, and though this gives him an opportunity to play consistently, Pierzynski's departure will be a huge loss for Chicago next season.
I think that it's fair to say that without a doubt, Pierzynski's presence will be sorely missed in the South Side in 2013.
What do you think? Does his loss leave a huge hole in the White Sox lineup?
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