The Dodgers have made a few moves to shore up their infield, and are now looking to do the same in the outfield.
Talks have picked up the last couple of days of the Dodgers looking to sign either Reed Johnson or Garrett Anderson. The goal is to replace Juan Pierre and his ability to make a difference late in games as a sub. To a lesser extend, Gabe Gross and Brian Giles have also been mentioned.
It appears as if Johnson is the lead choice, so I'll start with him. His season was cut short last year because of a fractured left foot. So, he only hit .255 with four home runs and 22 RBIs in 65 games. The year before, however, he hit .303 in 109 games and is a career .282 hitter.
What makes him attractive is his ability to play all three outfield positions. As a career .991 fielder, it's hard not to like someone like that.
As for Anderson, his calling card would be his ability to create power off the bench. He's probably one of the more underrated hitters that I can recall over his 16-year career. But his numbers jump out at you: .295 average, 285 homers, and 1353 RBIs.
He spent last season in Atlanta, starting 124 games in left field, so he can still play in the field. He's obviously slowing down, because he only hit .268 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs, easily his worst statistical year since early in his career.
The part about Anderson that makes him very appealing is that by making him the top dog off the bench, he'd be kept fresh. Plus, the Dodgers can definitely use a lefty power threat late in the game, which is exactly what made the deal for Jim Thome last year necessary.
The feeling is that the Dodgers will most likely get one (probably Johnson) with an outside chance at both. Since Jason Repko (always hurt) and Xavier Paul (talented but young) as the top choices right now, it would be a good idea to get someone.
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