Phillies, Pirates exchange backup catchers

[December 11, 2008]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies acquired catcher Ronny Paulino from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for minor-league catcher Jason Jaramillo.

Paulino hit .212 with two home runs and 18 RBIs in 40 games for the Pirates. He threw out 26 percent (8-of-31) of base stealers.

Jaramillo, once considered a top prospect, hit .266 with eight homers and 39 RBIs in 115 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. A former second round-selection by the Phillies in the 2004 draft, Jaramillo's path to the majors was blocked by Carlos Ruiz and Lou Marson.

The 27-year-old Paulino is a .278 lifetime hitter with 19 homers and 128 RBIs in 304 games.

The World Series champion Phillies have yet to make a major move this offseason. They're hoping to re-sign veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer, a 16-game winner. Left fielder Pat Burrell, also a free agent, is unlikely to return.

[Associated Press]

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