Dodgers sign Aaron Miles to minor-league contract with non-roster invite to spring
I’m going with the positive theory -- because you know how I am -- that collect enough of these guys, one of them is bound to come through.
Aren’t they?
Thinking it won’t be light-hitting Aaron Miles, but it’s a very small roll of the dice. Unless you’re of that negative vein, and are concerned this is one more washed-up vet holding back another potential prospect (Ivan De Jesus Jr.?).
Miles is a second baseman, who dabbled a tad at short and third last season.
He was once a looked upon as a player with promise, albeit with almost a complete lack of power. He finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .293 for the Rockies in 2004.
He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2006. He signed a two-year deal with the Cubs prior to the 2009 season but couldn’t beat out second baseman Mike Fontenot or -- are your ready? -- shortstop Ryan Theriot.
He ended up with the Reds a year ago, but was cut at the end of spring training. Miles re-signed with the Cardinals, went back to the minors and was a mid-summer call-up.
Last season he hit .281 in 139 at-bats, with zero power. He had a .311 on-base percentage and a feeble .317 slugging percentage. Also, he’s 34.
Returning to our positive-thinking routine, he’s a switch-hitter. Otherwise, he and Juan Castro could become fast friends.
Young infielders Dee Gordon and De Jesus are lurking, waiting for their opportunity. That doesn’t figure to come this season, but hopefully Miles won’t impede whatever opportunity they do have this spring. Not to be negative.
-- Steve Dilbeck
didn't we have a bunch of guys for pitching spots last year and were hoping one would merge, be above the rest?
Posted by: alanw19 | 02/07/2011 at 04:28 PM
Great, more dumpster diving. BOYCOTT THE DODGERS UNTIL MCCROOK SELLS THE TEAM!!!!!
Posted by: Phillip | 02/07/2011 at 04:39 PM
wow! Seriously, I do not understand what is up with these signings? I am missing something? Can someone help me understand the logistics of baseball signings? With the money we are spending on these unwanted players we could have had one solid player. The other thing I was thinking is maybe there is a chance I can to play for the Dodgers myself this year? Colletti can invite me to spring training for $500,000 to compete with LF. I am still in my 30's and have played baseball...little league that is.
Posted by: Robert | 02/07/2011 at 05:08 PM
Listen up Ned!
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Neither do twelve!
Posted by: skyharbor | 02/07/2011 at 06:09 PM
Hey Steve,
As always, nice work!
If you get a few free minutes, you should check out my Dodgers blog.
Just started it today.
http://truetotheblue81.blogspot.com/
thanks...truetotheblue!
Posted by: calmlikeabomb | 02/07/2011 at 07:43 PM
Miles has a career .321 OBP. There is a reason why other MLB clubs are not interested. Since the Dodgers embrace replacement level players, this is a perfect match.
Posted by: Mike | 02/07/2011 at 07:44 PM
Ned is starting to build a nice collection of mediocre ball players.Yeah, it's about quantity, not quality...It might be time for this Dodger organization to change the THINK BLUE sign, to a THINK SMALL sign.
Posted by: LA42 | 02/07/2011 at 10:06 PM
$450K per year if brought up. Nuff said.
Posted by: Hollywood Mark | 02/07/2011 at 11:21 PM
Oye ve!
Posted by: Steve Wimer | 02/08/2011 at 03:13 AM
Here's why this is bad for the team short and longterm.
IF Miles catches fire or steroids in Glendale and wins the position, otherwise why in hell is he here clogging up playing time, those players who would be cut, including the young people who will be lost to the Dodgers, won't be readily available to come back up when Miles peters out in May. The young ones of promise will have been signed by other teams.
Ned strikes out rather dumbly yet again.
Posted by: Native Angeleno | 02/08/2011 at 07:15 AM
Aaron Miles is this year's Ryan Theriot... he was last year's Rafael Belliard and will be next year's Juan Castro. Aaron is also an switch-hitter - double bubble!
Oh sure, his OBP was .311 and his o hrs, 0 triples and 0 stolen bases did stand out, but where he really impressed was in the field - all over it. AM played 3b, 2b, ss & he even limbered up the ol' wing and a prayer for one game; I tell you, just can't put a price tag on such utility, man... not so much priceless as feck.
It is not often that a team has player (or several) so talented...the dudgers are building a roster such ilk - men so crackerjack it becomes major league chore just to fathom where employ them. Upshot be: yet another 'versatile' signing which will provide more flexibility to an otherwise star-studded roster.
Some folks - the haters - may believe these are players without a position or offensive punch, any... well, they don't know jack - or Ned - the latter seeks prove such hires will be the nexus, the fulcrum, the scaffold upon which hangs hope the 2011 dudgers... here's hoping he swings it.
Posted by: 16blows | 02/08/2011 at 08:44 AM
Every team has players like Miles at AAA. Nothing to see here folks, please move along.
Posted by: David Young TBLA | 02/08/2011 at 09:39 AM
>> $450K per year if brought up. Nuff said.
Isn't that about what Kershaw made last year? Everything is relative...
Posted by: BlueinAZ | 02/08/2011 at 09:51 AM
I think that instead of all these "non-roster" invitees, why not go out and trade for Michael Young!! With our luck, Dodger Fans, Aaron Miles will make the team, and imagine the drama as he steps out of the dugout in a key NL West game against the Giants, to face Brian Wilson. Tie game, tying and winning run aboard, up steps Miles........LOL!!!!!
Posted by: Kikiman04 | 02/08/2011 at 01:11 PM
This is great pick-up. I hear we are also in negotiations to bring back Jose Vizcaino....
Posted by: William | 02/08/2011 at 03:21 PM
More from the bargain bin to add to McCrap's pile of crap.
Posted by: KoufaxFan | 02/08/2011 at 07:10 PM
A contract is a legally enforceable document which binds two or more involved parties.
Posted by: Sample Contracts | 02/10/2011 at 03:10 AM