Jayson Stark of ESPN.com was told by sources that the Phillies are making A.J. Pierzynski their top  target if they can't reach a deal with Carlos Ruiz.

Ruiz could make a decision about his next contract soon, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports.  Various reports have indicated this week that the Phillies wanted a quick decision from Ruiz so they could figure out their catching situation.

Pierzynski, who turns 37 later this month, hit .272 with 17 home runs and 70 RBI in 134 games this past season with the Rangers.

If Ruiz doesn't re-sign, Morosi tweets that John Buck could be a more realistic backup plan for the Phillies than Pierzynski.  Not only would Buck be cheaper, Philadelphia is in need of right-handed bats.

 

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