Zaun possibly to Pads

[A.E]

Padres nearing agreement with catcher Gregg Zaun
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From Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune comes word that the Padres are “close to” agreement on a contract with free agent catcher Gregg Zaun.

Zaun drew interest from the Cardinals and Mariners back in early December, but those talks never went anywhere and he’s been off the radar for the past month-plus. The Cards eventually went with Gerald Laird as their new backup to Yadier Molina and the M’s settled on Miguel Olivo.

Zaun, 40 in April, was hampered by a serious shoulder injury last season in Milwaukee and batted just .265/.350/.392 with two home runs and 14 RBI while making only 117 plate appearances.

He’s better than those numbers, but not by much.

The veteran will have to battle Rob Johnson and Guillermo Quiroz during spring training for the No. 2 gig behind starting catcher Nick Hundley. If Zaun doesn’t succeed, it’s likely that he might consider retirement.

-HBT

Lets hope so. I don't think I can handle a Gregg Zaun retirement right now...not this close to when Sal Fasano finally called it a career. Love the grinder-type player that Zaun has been for so long.