A.J.
- Wade
This was going to be a gambit on Randy Moss and how he does/doesn't deserve media scrutiny... but that's turning out to be a larger project than originally thought, so look for an article later today on the subject.
But I won't leave you hangin'. Who loves you, baby?
To what do my wandering eyes did appear this morning, but a headline stating that A.J. Pierzynski signed a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox for 2005. According to A.J., his year as a Giant was "...a shame. But I'm looking forward to a new start in Chicago and getting that out of the way."
This signing is noteworthy for a number of reasons. First, it gives A.J. a chance to resurrect his reputation in a new town. While not a clubhouse cancer in San Francisco, he probably could qualify as a case of clubhouse shingles: he was criticized by his pitchers for his pregame "prep" (playing cards in the clubhouse), and reportedly badmouthed his teammates to opposing hitters while behind the plate. He's saying all the right things about learning his lessons now, but time will tell.
Second, Chicago seems like an good place for A.J.'s career to continue. After they traded Miguel Olivo away last year in the Freddy Garcia deal, the Sox were planning on starting the season with Big Ben Davis behind the plate, .237 career average and all. A.J. should start, and have decent lineup protection from Konerko, Crede, and Jermaine Dye.
Finally, it adds more spice to the Twins - White Sox rivalry. One could argue that Chicago is a perfect fit for A.J.-- Kenny Williams added a jerk to a clubhouse already full of 'em. And you can bet that Pierzynski will be talking all kinds of smack, especially when the Sox roll into town in April to take on the Twins in the season opener.
I like A.J., and hope for the best for him. I just hope his Sox brethren take to him more than the Giants did. On the south side of Chicago, you never know when fans are going to jump out of the stands and start attacking you. If A.J. continues to alienate his teammates, they might just stand around and let him get kicked.
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