Marcus Thames Re-Signs with Yankees

The Yankees added a familiar face today, signing Marcus Thames to a minor league contract.  Thames was released by the Dodgers last week to make room for acquisition Juan Rivera.

Thames joined the Dodgers this January, but was a disappointment for the club.  The 34 year old struggled to the tune of a .576 OPS in 36 games with LA this season.  The Dodgers expected more out of Thames after his productive 2010 with the Yankees.

The outfielder had one of his best seasons in the bigs last year off the Yankees bench.  Thames hit 12 home runs and 33 RBI’s while posting a line of .288/.350/.491 over 82 games with the Yanks.  New York is hoping he can rediscover that form in the minors and perhaps contribute later this season as a right handed bat off of their bench.

Thames will head to Tampa and work out at the Yankees minor league complex before joining their Triple-A squad.

Thames was originally drafted by the Yankees back in 1996.  Over his 10 seasons in the bigs Thames has put up a career .794 OPS while reaching the 25 home run mark twice.

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