Zaun files; Hernandez moves on

Posted Nov 12, 2009 by Tribune Sports

Updated Nov 12, 2009 at 06:22 PM

As expected when the Rays declined the $2 million option on his contract for 2010 earlier this week, catcher Gregg Zaun has filed for free agency.

The 38-year-old veteran did a nice job for the Rays after they acquired him from Baltimore in early August. Used mainly in a platoon tandem with Dioner Navarro, the switch-hitting Zaun batted .292 with 14 RBIs in 33 games against right-handed pitching. He drew frequent praise from manager Joe Maddon, a former catcher.

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said the Rays remain interested in Zaun but weren’t ready to commit to him in early November. After a disappointing year by Navarro, the Rays want to see who’s available at catcher in free agency or through a trade.

Speaking of catcher, Michel Hernandez, who was Navarro’s backup for the first four months of last season, has signed a minor league deal with the Orioles. Hernandez, who lives in Lutz, hit .242 with a home run and 12 RBIs in 35 games last year.

- Tony Fabrizio