ESPN: Pierzynski Agrees to One-Year Contract with Rangers

Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images(ARLINGTON) -- Catcher A.J. Pierzynski agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, according to sources of ESPN.

Pierzynski can help take the place of former catcher Mike Napoli, who left for the Boston Red Sox this off-season.

Pierzynki, who turns 30 on Dec. 30, played the last eight seasons for the Chicago White Sox. He hit a career best 27 home runs last season.

The two-time All-Star has a career .284 batting average to go with 155 home runs and 755 RBIs, in 15 seasons with the White Sox, Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Posey Instructed Not to Block Plate

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)(NEW YORK)  -- When you lose what could be argued as your best position player to injury, it only makes sense to take the necessary steps to try and prevent it from happening again. That is exactly what San Francisco Giants Manager Bruce Bochy tried doing when he told his young catcher Buster Posey not to block home plate when someone is trying to score.

"I'll take this out of Buster's hands," Bochy said Sunday as the Giants opened spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz. "As a manager, that's my job. I certainly don't want people to think he's backing off on his own. It's something we'll work on with him this spring." 

The Giants' All-Star catcher was lost for the season last year when he tore three ligaments in his left ankle and broke a bone in his lower leg when he collided with Marlins' Scott Cousins.

Posey is entering his third big league season. During his brief major league career, Posey has compiled a .294 batting average with 22 homers and has helped lead the Giants to a World Series title.

Copyright 2012, ABC News Radio