Gonzales: Pierzynski likes White Sox chances with strong starting 5
As the busy father of two children, A.J. Pierzynski has no intention of becoming general manager of the White Sox.
But Pierzynski, a keen observer during his nine seasons as a catcher with the Sox, took note of a rookie who has since ascended to a productive infielder who could help them immensely in their drive to the postseason - Diamondbacks switch-hitting infielder Eduardo Escobar.
"I loved him," said Pierzynski, 44, who remains one of the most popular players in franchise history. "He's turned into a hell of a player. I don't think anyone saw the power that he's developed. He's hit 20-plus home runs the last couple years. I don't know that anyone saw the power when he went to Minnesota.
"He's just a great kid, always happy. He'll do whatever he's asked to do. He still does. He brings energy to the park every day."
In the spring of 2012, Pierzynski noticed that Escobar, then a rookie, required no maintenance. That polish and production earned Escobar a spot on the opening day roster and caused him to break down in tears of joy.
Pierzynski was one of the first players to congratulate him, shortly before a staff member tossed a set of catcher's gear at the feet of Escobar to prepare as the emergency third catcher.
Escobar immediately put on the gear and went to a backfield to learn a new craft.
However, the Sox needed starting pitching for their ill-fated stretch drive, and Escobar was part of a July deadline trade for Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano.
Pierzynski consoled the teary-eyed Escobar in the visitor's clubhouse at The Ballpark at Arlington.
"(Twins GM) Terry Ryan called me after we made the trade," said Pierzynski, who started his career in Minnesota. "I said, 'Listen, you got yourself a good kid who will work my tail off.' Terry Ryan said, 'Thank you. That's all I needed to hear.'"
Liriano struggled during his two months with the Sox (who blew a three-game lead with 15 games left), while Escobar gradually developed into a solid infielder with the Twins before he was traded to the Diamondbacks in a July 2018 deadline deal for three minor leaguers.
Escobar, 32, has played third base throughout most of his career but can play second adequately. Escobar is coping with right quadriceps tightness, but he hit a pinch-hit home run Wednesday.
With 16 home runs, Escobar has a reasonable chance to reach his career high of 35 in 2019.
Pierzynski, who serves as a refreshingly candid analyst on Fox Sports' Saturday telecasts when he's not driving his two teenage kids to school and practice in Orlando, Fla., believes the Sox will address every need before the July 30 deadline in an attempt to make a deep postseason run.
"(Chairman) Jerry Reinsdorf is not bringing in Tony La Russa without going all in on every single thing he can do," Pierzynski said.
"First, the American League looks very winnable, especially in that division. That division definitely is not the greatest with how bad the Twins are. The Royals are the Royals, the Tigers aren't that good. They're all rebuilding. The Indians are offensively challenged a lot of days."
In Pierzynski's view, the Sox will need a second baseman after the loss of Nick Madrigal to a hamstring tear, but the expected returns of Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert should fortify the offense. Adding a late-inning reliever would fortify the bullpen.
Pierzynski admittedly wasn't familiar with the quality or quantity of the Sox's farm system, but the cost of a need might not seem as ominous with the opportunity to win a World Series as attractive as it was in 2005 - when the Sox won their last championship with Pierzynski behind the plate.
"I don't think they're going to stand pat," Pierzynski said.
One area that the Sox won't have to worry about is a starting rotation that rivals the Sox's 2005 staff in quality and quantity.
Furthermore, Michael Kopech is expected to return from a hamstring strain that could fortify the bullpen or allow a well-deserved break to one of their five starters - Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Dallas Keuchel and Dylan Cease.
"As long as they run their five guys out there, I like their chances," Pierzynski said.
• Mark Gonzales is a veteran sports writer who covered the White Sox from 2005-2012 and the Cubs from 2013-2020 for the Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @MDGonzales