February 22, 2009
Braves Get Their Bad Outfielder
Unable to sign Ken Griffey, Jr., the Braves take Garret Anderson instead:
The Braves have finally added a veteran bat to their outfield, left-handed slugger Garret Anderson.
The team finalized a one-year contract worth about $2.5 million with the free agent on Sunday, according to a person familiar with negotiations. An announcement is expected to come Monday, and Anderson was en route to Florida to join the Braves at spring training.
Garret's offense has been below average the last three years. He was never much at getting on base. His batting average, however, is high for such a low OBA, and he hit for some power. Again, however, that power is way down in three of the last four years, making Anderson dispensable to the Angels.
Frankly, I'd have rather seen the Braves break the bank for one year and try to win with Manny Ramirez.
Hat tip, Braves Journal.
Was never going to happen with Manny. Would've liked that as well, but with only 5 mil to spend, there was no way they'd find the extra cash to bring him in, especially in this economy. Still even being below average is an improvement on last year's outfield!
Here's a guy who's not good enough to help you win who's going to be playing in the wrong league when for marginally more there were better options available.
This isn't a terrible deal. Anderson will likely be in a platoon with Matt Diaz. Both players above average defensively, both are hackers, and both have moderate power. It is definitely conceivable that they could for a 2-3 win player in left.
FYI I still think that they should move Kelly Johnson to left and sign Orlando Cabrera to play second, but whatever.
It is a third place move by a fourth place team, nothing to see here.
