D-Backs Agree To Minor League Deal With Catcher Laird
PHOENIX (AP) — Veteran catcher Gerald Laird has agreed to a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Laird will compete for playing time with a team that has a severe shortage at the position after trading Miguel Montero to the Chicago White Sox.
Tuffy Gosewisch, last year's backup, appears to be the front-runner for the everyday catcher's job.
The 35-year-old Laird played the last two seasons with Atlanta, batting .281 in 141 plate appearances in 2013 and a career-low .204 in 167 plate appearances last year. He has a .244 career batting average in 12 major league seasons with Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis, and Texas.
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