A.J. Pierzynski: I want to play next season

Waning production hasn't diminished the enthusiasm of veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, the soon-to-be 38-year-old who recently reiterated his desire to play in 2015.

"I want to play, obviously," Pierzynski told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. "Physically I feel good. I still think I can contribute. I don’t know what will be out there, but I want to play."

Pierzynski signed a one-year, $8.25-million deal with the Boston Red Sox last winter but was released July 16 amid lacklustre production and rumors that he had become a negative influence in the clubhouse. The 17-year veteran, however, was quickly picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing the campaign with a .251/.288/.337 (75 OPS+) line through 102 games between the two clubs.

"My kids want me to play and my wife wants me to play,” Pierzynski said. “It’s hard to walk away. Whether it is to come in and help a young guy out or come in and play every day. It is a tough opportunity to turn down. All my friends ... say keep playing as long as you can. They all regret (it) once they walk away.”