Tigers acquire C Laird from Rangers

Dec 8, 2008 - 7:11 PM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers have solved their catching problem.

The Tigers on Monday acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers for minor league pitchers Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo.

Laird was one of four catchers the Rangers have been dangling this offseason in hopes of upgrading their pitching.

"The Tigers organization is pleased to acquire Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers," Tigers president, general manager David Dombrowski said. "He is a solid addition to our club offensively, defensively and with his ability to handle a pitching staff at the major league level."

The 29-year-old Laird will be in his second arbitration season in 2009 after making $ 1.6 million last season. A solid defender, Laird hit .276 with six homers and 41 RBI in 96 games in 2008.

Moscoso, 25, was 2-3 with a 2.42 ERA at Class A Lakeland last season and 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA at Class AA Erie, striking out 122 and walking only 21 in 86 2/3 innings.