A.J. Pierzynski on the Red Sox: ‘It was impossible to say no’

Although the Boston Red Sox lost outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to the rival New York Yankees Tuesday night, the week hasn’t been all bad.

On Wednesday, the Red Sox officially signed their new starting catch, veteran A.J. Pierzynski.

The Red Sox did not appear to want to go beyond one year for a veteran catcher, which is likely why they let the incumbent catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, sign a three-year, $21 million deal with the Miami Marlins.

Pierzynski’s deal is worth $8.25 million over one year.

Pierzynski had options, but in the end, he’s looking to win another championship.

“It was impossible to say no,” Pierzynski told reporters on a conference call to announce his deal via ESPN Boston. “In end, winning won out over everything.”

With the Texas Rangers last season, Pierzynski batted .272, had an on-base percentage of .297 and slugged .425. He hit 17 home runs and drove in 70 runs.

The Red Sox also still have veteran David Ross, who caught the last three games of the World Series. He batted  .216, had an on-base percentage of .298 and slugged .382. Ross hit four home runs and drove in 10 runs.