(Image source: prorumors.com)
The Dodgers have picked up utilityman Aaron Miles as the pieces continue to fall into place in the final week before spring training. He’ll compete for LA’s final position player job.
Miles, 35, had a horrific .185/.224/.242 batting line in 2009 with the Cubs, but he managed to put together a better showing last year, hitting .281/.311/.317 for St. Louis. Obviously, he brings little power to the table, and he doesn’t walk much, bringing good contact skills to the plate and little else.
With Miles’ defensive versatilty, switch-hitting, and contact bat, he’s pretty much the definition of replacement level–half of the six years of his career have seen him come within 0.3 WAR of zero, and he was exactly replacement level last year.
Is it foolish to block young players with aging mediocrities like Miles? Sure, but this is a no-risk signing–Miles makes $500K if he makes the team, which is barely over the league minimum and right in line with his replacement-level production. Since it’s a minor league contract, he’s not guaranteed anything at all, and will have to impress in camp to earn a job. While it seems weird that a team would seek out such an unimpressive player, this really is what Miles is worth, and the deal makes sense for both sides.