Pittsburgh Pirates secure one-year contract with Rod Barajas – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates eventually succeeded to secure one-year contract with free agent Rod Barajas. The Pirates were supposed to find a starting catcher for the 2012 season prior to their commencement which has formally been executed now.
The 36-year-old Rod Barajas has received a contract of 4-million-dollars for the next year. Part of the reason why the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to go for this type of short contract, is due to the fact that talented catching prospect Tony Sanchez is yet
to make his way into Major League Baseball.
It is hoped that he will be part of the Pirates within two years. Barajas, on the other hand, had offers from several other teams. Nonetheless, the extensive pursuit by the Pirates finally helped the team to get this contract which Barajas acknowledged himself.
"They were aggressive," said Barajas. "They definitely showed that they wanted me to be a part of the team. For me, to feel like I'm wanted is huge. The way they came after me, that's what you want to feel when you're a free agent."
Having previously remained a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Barajas had a .230 average with his 16 homers. He also managed 47 RBIs to his credit with a decent .287 base percentage.
However, he missed almost a month from the game due to the injury that he had. The right ankle sprain rendered him unable to play for the Dodgers.
Pirates’ general manager Neal Huntington stated that his team will put Barajas in a position that does not increase the load on him.
"We're going to have to make sure we monitor his workload and put him in position to be successful," Huntington said. "That's why the No. 2 catcher is going to be important as well.”
Barajas brings experience and expertise with him for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has had the record of having served in seven teams. If nothing else, his career average of .238 places him in an ideal position to serve the Pirates to the best of his ability.
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