San Diego, CA (My Sportsbook) - The San Diego Padres added a veteran presence to their defense on Wednesday by coming to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Henry Blanco. The 37-year-old Blanco hit .292 with three homers, 12 RBI and scored 15 runs in 58 games for the Chicago Cubs last season. He appeared in 45 games as a catcher, starting 28 times and throwing out 9-of-21 would-be base stealers. Blanco has hit .227 with 117 doubles, 10 triples, 52 home runs, 241 RBI and 214 runs scored in 746 games over parts of 11 major league seasons with the Dodgers (1997), Colorado Rockies (1999), Milwaukee Brewers (2000-01), Atlanta Braves (2002-03), Minnesota Twins (2004), and Cubs (2005-08). He has thrown out 41 percent of would-be base stealers in his career, ranking him third among active catchers (minimum 450 games). The Padres also designated right-handed pitcher Virgil Vasquez for assignment. Vasquez, who was claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on January 9, went 12-12 with a 4.81 ERA in 27 starts for Detroit's Triple-A Toledo affiliate in 2008. |
