The Dodgers have signed first baseman/outfielder Mike Carp, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). Carp’s deal will be worth $1MM if he reaches the major league team.
Carp was previously with the Nationals but elected free agency on April 6th after declining a minor league assignment. The 28-year-old lost a spring battle for a left-handed-hitting bench role to Clint Robinson, who enjoyed a big spring. Carp had underwhelming numbers in Grapefruit League action, meanwhile, following a 2014 season in which he slashed just .175/.289/.230 in 149 plate appearances.
It was not long ago that Carp looked like a rather useful player and he’ll look to get back on track in sunny Los Angeles. In 2013, with the Red Sox, he took 243 turns at bat and his .296/.362/.523 with nine home runs. Combined with a productive 2011 campaign in Seattle, sandwiched around a less useful campaign, Carp was expected to play an important role in Boston’s championship defense.
Because if the Dodgers need anything it’s more hitting
With an unlimited payroll, I’d sign every guy possible for depth.
Not unlimited, just really, really big. Hard to imagine where he fits in though.
I guess he may be a pinch-hitter if Ethier is starting but it would be strange to use 2 effective DHs on a short bench with Guerrero.
I’d guess September callup as a pinch hitter? Depth for now I guess.
He’s just minor-league depth. Carp can’t really play anywhere on the field, like Guerrero, but doesn’t have the bat Guerrero appears to have. Seems odd that Carp left Washington, a team with a more shaky injury situation right now to sign with the Dodgers, which have a guy at first who never leaves the lineup and a crowded outfield as is, especially with Guerrero.
It’s called depth, bro.
He’ll look to get back on track in Oklahoma City to be precise. 😉 I just don’t see room for him on what is a very good dodgers bench right now (unless someone gets hurt of course; I think Carp is there for that, as additional depth when needed.)
They need a couple of starting pitchers.