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Pirates May Re-Sign Michaels, Mientkiewicz

By Tim Dierkes [October 16, 2008 at 3:33pm CST]

According to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch, the Pirates would like to re-sign veteran role players Jason Michaels and Doug Mientkiewicz (Dejan Kovacevic reported this a few weeks ago).

Langosch says Michaels' $2.6MM option will be declined, but he could re-sign for less to stay on as the team's fourth outfielder. Michaels, 32, hit .224/.292/.360 in 321 plate appearances this year. There are better ways to spend a million bucks.

Mientkiewicz, 34, hit .277/.374/.379 in 334 plate appearances. He's a fine defensive first baseman and even pitched in at third. He also provided spark to the Pirates' clubhouse. Bringing him back makes sense at the right price.

Full Story | Comments (9) | Categories: Doug Mientkiewicz | Jason Michaels | Pittsburgh Pirates

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Comments

Doug Mientkiewicz is the kind of small move that can really help a club. The guy isn't a star, but his ability to play multiple positions, left handed bat and ability to get on base and hit in the gaps certainly helps in the case of injury or late in games.

Posted by: AA | October 16, 2008 at 03:37 PM

Pirates should let go of Michaels, keep Mientkiewicz.

Posted by: melonis rex | October 16, 2008 at 03:47 PM

I wonder if Doug would consider a move? He would be an excellent pick up for the Dodgers, who look to be short left-handed help on the bench next year. Much better option than re-upping Sweeney.

Posted by: AA | October 16, 2008 at 03:56 PM

I would suggest getting rid of Michaels and signing Craig Monroe or even Kenny Lofton as the fourth outfielder. I just don't see what Michael's brings to the table.

Posted by: bravesrule14 | October 16, 2008 at 04:38 PM

Perhaps Jacque Jones or Gonzo would be more worth the money than Jason Michaels, too.

Posted by: Michael M | October 16, 2008 at 04:56 PM

The same Mientkiewicz that when was in Boston wondered why he was not hitting above the "eight hole", only because he was the cleanup hitter on the weak twins lineups he had previously played on. Now all of a sudden, after reality hits him that he's nothing but a backup it's ok to be hit anywhere he can get an AB and play for a different team every year also have noticed last 4 seasons.

Posted by: johns | October 16, 2008 at 04:57 PM

Hmm well I don't know. A bench bat that can play first and third and offer a .375 OBP sounds pretty valuable to me.

Posted by: scribbletone | October 16, 2008 at 08:04 PM

"Hmm well I don't know. A bench bat that can play first and third and offer a .375 OBP sounds pretty valuable to me."

He can also fill in at 2B

Posted by: AA | October 16, 2008 at 08:17 PM

AA,

I agree trade Sanchez and put him there.

Posted by: BucSox | October 16, 2008 at 10:51 PM