Pierzynski eager to get rid of bad memory from 2007
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Maybe there was a reason A.J. Pierzynski smashed so many batting helmets and shattered so many bats after making outs last season.
Over the course of his professional career, Pierzynski recalls being with only one losing team on which he spent a majority of the season.
The year was 1994, and he was a novice pro with the Gulf Coast League Twins.
"It's been a long time,'' Pierzynski said.
Actually, the 31-year-old catcher had to update that portion of his resume after last season, when the White Sox finished 72-90. If any player appeared more miserable than Pierzynski, he has yet to step forward.
"It was tough,'' Pierzynski said. "Going through something like that, especially with the expectations we had as a team, we came in expecting to win and didn't. It was tough.
"Everything just changes when you lose every day. It makes it tougher to come to the park and it's not as fun. But it's over with and we have a new year.''
Don't expect Pierzynski's attitude to change much. Still the runaway winner among most despised players wearing a White Sox uniform, the workhorse catcher figures to set off another controversy or two this season.
In 2007, Pierzynski inadvertently started a verbal war between Score morning host Mike North and manager Ozzie Guillen after going on the radio and saying he was disappointed about being held out of the starting lineup for a May 18 game against the Cubs.
Later in the season, Pierzynski had a dugout exchange with Sox hitting coach Greg Walker over a questionable scouting report on Boston relief pitcher Manny Delcarmen.
"Was I happy with A.J. last year?'' Guillen asked Monday. "I'm never happy with A.J. for 162 games. I think no matter what team he plays for, A.J. is going to have some issues with the coaches and manager because of the way he was brought up or the way he grew up or the way he goes about his business.
"But he shows up to play and he wants to be in the lineup. He's a winner and I don't think we can call that a problem.
"Sometimes A.J. does stuff on the field you hate, and I think A.J. does stuff and you love it. It's kind of the balance you're looking for. He gives me the most headaches of any player, but when you put it all together, it's a good one.''
With backup catcher Toby Hall missing much of last season with a dislocated shoulder, Pierzynski played in 136 games and was behind the plate for 1,058 innings, seventh-most in Sox history.
Of course, Pierzynski logged 1,125 innings in 2006 and 1,117¿ in 2005, so he's used to being on the field.
But after celebrating his 31st birthday Dec. 30, Pierzynski knew he had to make some changes, so he shed 15 pounds.
"I'm getting older and don't want to carry the extra weight,'' Pierzynski said. "I still worked out just as hard, did the same stuff I've always done. I just changed some eating habits, and it has been a huge help. I feel great.''
Pierzynski just doesn't want to experience that same sickening feeling from last season. He'd like to get his average back up after batting .263 in 2007, but he's much more focused on helping the pitching staff get up to speed.
"A catcher's No. 1 job has to be to handle the pitchers,'' Pierzynski said. "Two years prior, we were pretty good, and last year, we weren't very good. When those guys struggle, it makes my life miserable and it becomes that much harder for me to come to work every day.
"We've talked about some things and tried to make some adjustments with some guys, and so far this spring they've looked good. We feel like we have the right guys in place to be successful this year.''
Winning with A.J.
When A.J. Pierzynski has played more than 100 games in a major-league season, his team has averaged more than 88 wins. Last year was his first losing season as a regular.
Year Team: W-L
1998 Twins*: 70-92
1999 Twins*: 63-97
2000 Twins*: 69-93
2001 Twins: 85-77
2002 Twins: 94-76
2003 Twins: 90-72
2004 Giants: 91-71
2005 White Sox: 99-63
2006 White Sox: 90-72
2007 White Sox: 72-90
Total:823-803
*Played in fewer than 34 games these seasons
Source: MLB