Gerald Laird opts to stay while D-backs ponder catching options
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Diamondbacks bought themselves a little more time to evaluate their catching situation when nonroster invitee Gerald Laird signed a five-day extension that could keep him with the team through Sunday.
Laird, hitting .200 with a double, a triple and four RBI in 25 at-bats this spring, chose not to exercise an opt-out clause in his contract that was due Tuesday.
"I'm committed here. That's why I signed it," said Laird, who lives in Scottsdale. "I think there is good opportunity here. I like what I have seen."
Laird, a 12-year veteran, is competing with Blake Lalli and Jordan Pacheco for the reserve spot behind starter Tuffy Gosewisch. The D-backs have held out the possibility of keeping three catchers, inasmuch as Pacheco also can play every infield spot except shortstop.
Lalli is hitting .273 with a double, a triple and eight RBI in 22 at-bats. Pacheco is hitting .250 with three doubles and four RBI in 28 at-bats. Like Laird, both are non-roster invitees.
"Did I think about maybe not saying it and maybe pursuing something else?" Laird said. "Yeah, I want to play in the big leagues. That's why I'm here. I know it may cost me a job somewhere else. Teams are going to set their roster pretty soon and knowing what they have, and I'm going to be here knowing nothing."
There could be an opening in San Diego, where expected backup Tim Federowicz suffered a serious knee injury that could cost him the 2015 season. Former D-backs Wil Nieves is listed as the backup to starter Derek Norris. Boston starter Christian Vazquez will open the season on the 60-day disabled list because of an elbow injury, creating a trickle up effect there.
Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez, the fifth catcher in camp, is expected to open the season on the disabled list after suffering a broken left hand in a spring training game two weeks ago.
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