Morning Marquee: Braves add A.J. Pierzynski; Pirates win rights to Kang

Christmas Day was relatively quiet in the baseball world, but even then it doesn’t sleep. The Atlanta Braves continued their holiday shopping by adding veteran backstop A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal worth $2 million, per sources. Pierzynski filled in for Yadier Molina in St. Louis last season after being released by the Boston Red Sox in July. His role is unknown as the possibility of a trade of Evan Gattis is still in the air, but he will likely become a mentor to Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were the winners of the Jung-Ho Kang bidding, and now have 30-day exclusivity to negotiate with the South Korean shortstop. If the two teams can reach a deal, the Nexen Heroes (Kang’s current team) would receive the reported $5 million posting fee. Otherwise, if no agreement is made Kang’s rights remain with the Heroes. The Pirates are looking to add depth behind Neil Walker and Jody Mercer in the middle-infield.

Delmon Young and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million deal to return for 2015. Young appeared in only 83 games last year, but still was productive, and the O’s were in need of a designated hitter. Young does have the ability to play the field, and can give a spot start in the outfield if necessary.

New York Mets prospect L.J. Mazzilli has been suspended 50 games for a second positive test for a drug of abuse. Mazzilli, son of former Met Lee Mazzilli, is a fourth round pick in 2013 out of UConn. He hit .301 with 11 home runs and 79 RBIs in 505 at-bats between Savannah and St. Lucie last season.

For this Christmas season, we honor the tried and true tradition of the “ugly sweater” for the holidays. Only this one includes the sweet swing of Ken Griffey Jr. on the front. You can’t go wrong with the Swingman logo on the front. Happy Holidays to all!

Here’s the news you may have missed on Christmas Day:

‘Braves to sign A.J. Pierzynski’ – Tomahawk Take

‘Pirates submit winning bid for Jung-Ho Kang’ – Rum Bunter

‘Young agrees to return to Baltimore in 2015’ – Birds Watcher

‘Mets prospect L.J. Mazzilli suspended 50 games’ – Rising Apple