Pierzynski's future up in the air

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams and Nationals counterpart Mike Rizzo aren't on the best of terms.

Back around the July 31 trade deadline in 2010, Williams and Rizzo were discussing a potential trade for Adam Dunn, which fell through.

Let's just say there were some communication problems going on, and let's also say Williams and Rizzo probably don't talk much these days.

But ... Washington looks to have a solid team this year and starting catcher Wilson Ramos (knee) is expected to miss most or all of the season. Backup Sandy Leon is also on the disabled list.

A.J. Pierzynski is in the final season of his two-year deal with the Sox, and he would seem to be a very good fit for the Nationals.

Then again, maybe not.

Maybe the White Sox extend their veteran catcher again.

He's 35 years old and has logged marathon innings behind the plate since 2001, but Pierzynski is showing few signs of slowing down.

In Wednesday night's 7-2 loss to the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Pierzynski singled with one out in the second inning, his sixth straight hit.

After Los Angeles jumped out to an early lead against starter Gavin Floyd, Dayan Viciedo his a solo home run in the third inning and Gordon Beckham followed with an RBI double to put the White Sox in front 2-1.

Batting just .212 with 1 home run and 14 RBI heading into the game, Albert Pujols put the Angels in front with a 3-run homer off Floyd in the bottom of the third.

Floyd also served up a 2-run homer to Vernon Wells. He lasted 6 innings and was tagged for 7 runs on 10 hits.

Pierzynski's hit streak ended when he grounded into a fielder's choice in the fourth inning.

But after going 5-for-5 in Tuesday's loss to the Tigers while lifting his batting average to .288, Pierzynski showed he can still do damage.

"It's nice to get some hits and contribute," Pierzynski said. "I've been struggling a little bit here in May. I made a couple of adjustments with (hitting coach Jeff) Manto and Gelly (Mike Gellinger)."

Pierzynski was in an 8-for-50 slump before breaking out Tuesday, quite a contrast from the first 17 games of the season, when he batted .333 (21-for-63).

While Tyler Flowers has long been touted as the White Sox' catcher of the future, he is batting just .167. In fairness, Flowers has played only eight of the first 38 games.

Flowers has also struck out 11 times in 24 at-bats. Conversely, Pierzynski had 11 strikeouts in 118 at-bats heading into Wednesday.

Is Flowers the answer for the Sox heading into the future? Or, is Pierzynski a better candidate for the next year or two?

We should probably find out before or on July 31.

sgregor@dailyherald.com