Thursday, January 22, 2009

Dodgers sign Ausmus to back up Martin

The Dodgers continued on their quest to find a suitable backup to Russell Martin, as they have signed veteran Brad Ausmus to a 1-year, $1 million deal. Ausmus chose the Dodgers over the San Diego Padres after spending last season with the Houston Astros.

This signing is not a whole lot different than last year when Gary Bennett was brought along. Bennett was a defensive specialist, as is Ausmus. Too bad Bennett never really got a chance to get going, as he was lost early in the year to injury and never returned.

Ausmus will not be a late-game, pinch-hitting threat. He only hit .218 in 81 games last season. But, he has won 3 Gold Gloves in his career, and has even spot started in the infield on occasion. It looks like he'll be a decent afternoon starter after a night game.

I can only hope he comes in and plays well, because Martin desperately needs to rest his body more. He gets worn out too easily by logging too many innings, which you can't blame him for considering he's a gamer and refuses to sit at all. For his long-term health, he needs to get more rest. Let's hope Ausmus is a solution.

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