December 14, 2007
E & G
The Blue Jays signed David Eckstein, reuniting him with former Angels teammate Troy Glaus.
He will bat leadoff for the Jays, a spot the club had trouble filling last year in the absence of Reed Johnson.
"That's been his role and he's always been successful at it," Jays manager John Gibbons told The Canadian Press. "He's a tough out and he really battles. He just seems to find a way to get something done."
He was consistent with the Cardinals, posting OBAs of .363, .350 and .356 in his three years there. Those aren't great for a leadoff man, but they're okay.
Correction: Fixed his former team.
I think you mean "consistent with the Cardinals". :)
I like this signing for the Jays. It's low cost, given the current market, and, whatever the concerns about Eckstein's health or declining defense, it remains pretty much impossible to be a worse hitter than John McDonald.
- Brian
Unfortunately for Jays fans, the difference between John McDonald and David Eckstein defensively last year was a little over 2.5 Wins (+16 FRAA vs -11 FRAA respectively). Indeed, McDonald had a better WARP score in approx. 130 fewer plate appearances.
It's treading water at best - and given his defensive limitations probably not even that - he plays out of position to compensate for his weak arm and it will probably be even worse on turf - It's pretty hard to see where tis helps them cut the gap between where they are and the top of the division