Why A.J. Pierzynski is ALCS MVP

Each offseason, Major League Baseball general managers spend a considerable amount of time looking for the right players to complete their rosters. Big offseason acquisitions can inspire loads of excitement amongst a fan base. But sometimes it’s the low profile signings that can propel a team to October success. Case in point is the Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. His signing filled out a gritty roster filled with enough character to get the White Sox to their first pennant since 1959.

Chicago GM Ken Williams was able to resist a free agent market loaded with big names like Sammy Sosa, Carlos Beltran, and Pedro Martinez.  Pierzynski had only a small number of suitors because of his reputation as a clubhouse cancer. But Pierzynski was aware that he had worn out his welcome in Minnesota and San Francisco, and knew he needed to change. Williams couldn’t resist the upgrade behind the plate. Pierzynski added instant pop to the White Sox’s lineup and finished with 18 homers. He also handled a pitching staff that collectively excelled for the majority of the season. His attitude improved and he finally earned his teammates’ respect. Despite this, Pierzynski never never lost his edge.

Teamed with manager Ozzie Guillen, Pierzynski gives the White Sox a brash, stubborn personality that hasn’t been seen on the Chicago’s South side for years. And with every sportswriter leaping on to the White Sox bandwagon, Pierzynski’s stock has skyrocketed as the “controversial catcher.”

Pierzynski told the media he thought that the Red Sox were a better team than the White Sox because “that’s what I keeps hearing,” he said. He backed up his sarcasm by mashing two homers in the opening game of the AL Division series. In the ALCS that followed, Pierzynski seemed to be a magnet for the spotlight, as well controversy. The latter is no surprise to Pierzynski. He has been smack in the middle of three disputed calls.

The play in which umpire Doug Eddings ruled Angels catcher Josh Paul didn’t catch strike three has been water cooler talk for nearly a week. Also, in Game 4 on Saturday, the Angels claimed Pierzynski’s mitt hit Steve Finley’s bat moments before Finley grounded into a key double play and interference should have been called. The double play killed an Angels rally.

Indeed the umpires’ rulings will be debated for years. But despite the calls, Pierzynski and the rest of the White Sox bashed enough homers through four complete games to give themselves cushion. Pierzynski is no cheater. He’s just stubborn. He didn’t make the calls. He simply hustled and put it in the hands of Eddings. In fact, he was the best player in the series.

Pierzynski was showered with boos at Angel Stadium beginning Friday and continuing all the way through Sunday, but that doesn’t bother him.

“If people boo me, they’re going to boo me no matter what,” he said. “I don’t care about that.

He’ll just keep winning. He’s too stubborn.