The book on Pierzynski

Posted February 15, 2011 11:00 pm

By Scot Gregor

2010 stats: .270, 9 HR, 56 RBI, .300 OBP

High point: After slow start, Pierzynski batted .364 from Aug. 12 to the end of the season, the highest average in the American League.

Low point: Prior to Aug. 12, the 34-year-old catcher batted .231.

Strengths: As durable as they come behind the plate, he also is one of the smartest players in the game.

Knocks: He’s a bad-ball hitter, and drew just 15 walks in 474 at-bats last season. A.J.’s throwing arm remains suspect at best, and Fangraphs.com puts him in the middle of the pack for catchers.