Pierzynski returns to Chicago

Chicago Cubs Blog | ESPN Chicago — CHICAGO -- A.J. Pierzynski returned to the city he called home for eight seasons Tuesday evening, but with a new team. After leaving the Chicago White Sox as a free agent, the catcher signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Coming back to play the Chicago Cubs has a little less meaning, according to the feisty competitor. "That series -- the Cubs and Sox is special,” he said before Tuesday's game. “For that the city turns it up a notch.

Chicago Cubs April 16, 2013

A.J. Pierzynski says bring on the Texas heat

Texas Rangers Blog | ESPN Dallas — SURPRISE, Ariz. -- This might seem hard to believe, but A.J. Pierzynski is about to begin his 20th season in professional ball. The journey began in 1994, when Pierzynski signed as a 17-year-old out of Dr. Phillips High in Orlando, Fla., and headed to Minnesota’s rookie club in the Gulf Coast League. Pierzynski has since accumulated 1,645 career hits, made two All-Star teams and won a World Series ring, but he can't outlast his image. The conversation might be about Ozzie Guillen's best all-time rants, the state of the American League West race or the ins and outs of sequestration, and it's a...

Texas Rangers March 6, 2013

A.J. Pierzynski catching Yu Darvish against old team

Texas Rangers Blog | ESPN Dallas — SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers catcher A.J. Pierzynski says don't believe the hype when he faces his former Chicago White Sox teammates today in a Cactus League game. "I'm sure it will be different when I go into Chicago," Pierzynski said, "but this is just a spring training game." Pierzynski was brought in to replace Mike Napoli, who left to join the Red Sox this offseason as a free agent. Pierzynski spent the last eight seasons with the White Sox but says the transition to the Rangers has gone well.

Texas Rangers February 26, 2013

'Bittersweet' Pierzynski reports to Rangers

Chicago White Sox Blog | ESPN Chicago — SURPRISE, Ariz. – Not even in full uniform yet, A.J. Pierzynski still looked odd with a royal blue and red Texas Rangers logo plastered across the front of his brand new T-shirt. A new day has dawned as Pierzynski reported to spring training Tuesday in Surprise instead of Glendale, surrounded by new teammates he hopes to get to know as soon as possible. “Obviously when I signed here, it was bittersweet because I had been someplace for a long time, but knowing Texas wanted me from Day 1, that was nice,” Pierzynski said.

Chicago White Sox February 12, 2013