Jays close to signing A.J. Pierzynsky...wait....what?

According to MLBtraderumors, the Blue Jays are about to sign former White Sox catcher, and renowned asshole AJ Pierzynsky. The terms of the potential deal are net released, but I'd imagine it's a one year deal (please only be a one-year deal) in the $4-5 million dollar range. But really, what the hell the do I know. Pierzynsky is a Type A free agent, but won't cost the Jays a pick since he wasn't offered arbitration by the White Sox.

Now Pierzynski didn't have a particularly good year last year, hitting .270/.300/.388 and is generally considered one of the most unliked players in the league, but I do see a method to the madness of Alex Anthopolous here. What bringing AJ into the mix does is create even more options through the trade market without costing anything except money; something AA and Rogers have shown to be willing to do.

This obviously puts the future of JP Arencibia with the Blue Jays in jeopardy, but creates additional options for the club in that they now have a surplus behind the plate. Pierzynski had quite a few suitors after being declared a free agent (the Red Sox and Dodgers for example) and could be a very valuable trade chip later in the season if they Jays find themselves out of the playoff race. If you look back to last year's signing of John Buck, AA has managed to secure a sandwich pick from Buck's departure, a sandwich pick from the Olivo acquisition and now potentially a starting catcher in AJ Pierzynski. If Pierzynski is traded or walks at the end of the year (presumably as a type B), AA has accumulated 2 picks and at least another pick or prospects for nothing more than money. They continue to accumulate assets without giving up anything.

As for JP Arencibia, you really have to feel for the guy. He's got nothing more to prove in the minors, and because of Cito's inexplicable (see: narcisistic) desire to get John Buck to 20 homeruns last year, was never given a real opportunity to prove his ability to call a good game and hit consistently at the major league level. I personally see the potential acquisition of Pierzynski as a sign that AA is preparing to trade JPA in a package to acquire players to fill more pressing holes for the team, and use Molina and Pierzynski as stop-gaps until the younger crop of prospect catchers in the Jays' system are ready. Who those players are is anybody's guess. But really, who cares?...Lebron's in Cleveland tonight!