The Dodgers strengthened their infield even more today by agreeing to contracts with Ronnie Belliard and Brad Ausmus. Belliard will compete for the starting job at second base, and Ausmus resumes his role as Russell Martin's backup behind the plate.
Belliard signed a one-year deal for $825,000 plus incentives. Ausmus' deal is also for one-year and worth $850,000. He'll have a $1 million option for 2011 with a $150,000 buyout if he chooses to move on.
Right before the trade deadline on August 30 of last season, Belliard was acquired for a couple of minor league pitchers. The deal didn't look like a big move at the time, but then he started swinging a hot bat and took off. In 24 games with the Dodgers, he hit a terrific .351 with five homers and 17 RBIs. In the playoffs, he got a hit in all eight games for a .300 average.
Blake DeWitt must be feeling like the odd man out. He looked to be the starting second baseman at the start of the winter, then Jamey Carroll was acquired. Now with Belliard aboard, DeWitt could go from starter to fighting for a pinch-hitting/defensive replacement role late in games.
If second base doesn't work out for Belliard, he can be a key backup for Casey Blake at third. Belliard also has experience at first base, so the Dodgers basically have three guys in Carroll, DeWitt, and Belliard that can play most infield spots. Nick Green has a shot at Rafael Furcal's backup at short.
The resigning of Ausmus is a quiet move, but a very good one. I'm not sure many people realized that he hit .295 in 36 games last season. I doubt he'll hit that again, but he's most valuable for his defense and clubhouse leadership anyway. At 41 years of age, I'm glad he held off retirement.
The most important stat for Ausmus? In 17 big league seasons, he's never been on the DL. Now that's amazing.
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