The Braves announced that they’ve signed outfielder Zoilo Almonte to a one-year, Major League contract. The team also officially announced its minor league deal with Chien-Ming Wang and added that they’ve signed lefty Donnie Veal to a minor league contract. Both Wang and Veal receive invites to Spring Training.
Almonte, 25, has seen previous big league action with the Yankees in parts of two Major League seasons. He’s batted .211/242/.282 in 149 total plate appearances in the bigs, but his Triple-A track record is far better. In 173 games at that level, Almonte has authored a .275/.333/.431 triple-slash line. He has more than 100 games of experience at each outfield spot in the minor leagues, though he’s spent more time in the corners, specifically right field, than in center.
JacobyWanKenobi
Zoilo was fun for a time, hope he does well. Surprised to see a ML deal though.
Buddy GO Braves
He’s going to be a bench player
MB923
Sooner or later, BJ Upton has to be one there.
Marc
With Upton’s contract though you keep putting him in the lineup with the hopes he won’t continue to perform like a bench player.
WoofBark
Nope. It’s a pretty similar situation as with Uggla. Not quite as bad, but at some point you have to choose between contending and pretending he’s going to turn it around.
WisBrave
He should of been in a platoon at least to start in 2014. Yes I had more faith in Jordan Schafer and still do. Although he’s with Twins now.
Since_77
Good luck Zoilo! I am happy you are getting your shot at the MLB.
UltimateYankeeFan
Goodbye Zoilo. Great name but never did much when he was given a shot with the Yankees. Best of luck to the kid.
driftcat28
I always liked Zoilo, i wish the yanks would’ve given him more of a chance
mikecws91
I’ll always remember Donnie Veal for making Prince Fielder look silly in the 2012 stretch run. He got some really big outs that year.
TimotheusATL
.211/.242/.282? that seems awfully high to be a Braves outfielder.
Greg Weaver
Funniest thing ive seen all day
WoofBark
two of the three are really good players.
i did get a chuckle out of this, though.
Mikenmn
he’s an interesting player who might do well in Atlanta. He was erratic and rough with the Yankees, showed occasionally flashes.
adamdm07
Braves are hoping he resembles the same deal that they got for Pena, just stay healthy. Pena came to the Braves and the National League and did fairly well off the bench with more at bats. Maybe this is the same kind of situation they are hoping for.
Tim Bliss
Pena did good in 2013. He did next to nothing in 2014.
Tim Bliss
Why did the Braves give this guy a major league contract? Career .268/.330/.433 (.763) hitter in the minors? Much worse in the majors.