http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1940369 Continuing the tradition of having an Orlando on the bench at all times.
Naw that would just be the whole bullpen in general...at least anyone not named Brad Lidge (and oh yeah Wheeler).
$800k for .240/3/12 is a little much. And yep, Springer was a gas can in the playoffs. He was effective during the regular season, though.
It is about $800K too much. There is absolutely no reason to bring this guy back. What does he do? He doesn't hit for average or power. He doesn't play great defense nor have a great arm. He doesn't run fast and steal bases. What is the point? There has to be someone out there via trade, free agent, or in the minors that could be at least as productive for less money.
Actually, he had NEGATIVE value with us last year. Because every time he gets a pinch at bat, it takes away one PA from superior hitters like Lamb or Lane. Why this guy gets the first crack with pinch at bats is beyond me.
Left-handed bat more valuable than Lane's right in some situations. Better defender than either one. Utility defender, can play more than just OF if necessary. Great eye. Decent speed--better than Lamb or Lane. Less streaky than Lamb. Maybe slightly overpaid, but I think a 1 year deal for an experienced bench player with a team attitude is well-worth it. You'd rather bring up a young guy and hope he learns how to pinch-hit and doesn't have a problem riding the bench?
Lamb's split in the last 3 years (BA/OBP/SLG) vs. Lefties .277/.365/.422/.787 vs. Righties .276/.342/.441/.783 Lane's split in the last 3 years vs. Lefties .308/.376/.596/.972 vs. Rightes .258/.331/.469/.800 Palmeiro's split in the last 3 years vs. Lefties .257/.330/.287/.617 vs. Righties .279/.353/.359/.712 If you want to just take last year, then the OPS against righthanders would be .843 for Lamb, .803 for Lane, and .705 for Palmeiro. Hell, you don't even need to use stats to see that Palmeiro is a vastly inferior hitter to Lamb and Lane. Just look at their at bats and it's just blatantly obvious.