Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Merry Ausmus, Everyone!

From Ken Rosenthal at FOXSports.com:

Source: Ausmus picks Dodgers, gets 1-year deal

Free-agent catcher Brad Ausmus has agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dodgers, according to a major-league source.

Ausmus, seeking to play for a team near his home in Del Mar, Ca., chose the Dodgers over the Padres, who are also in the market for a backup catcher. [...]

Ausmus, 39, will be a backup to Russell Martin. He would have filled a similar role with the Padres, serving as a veteran mentor to Nick Hundley.

A three-time Gold Glove winner, Ausmus began his career with the Padres in 1993. He has spent 10 of his last 12 seasons with the Astros.

In 81 games last season, Ausmus batted .218 with a .303 on-base percentage, three homers and 24 RBIs. He ranks ninth all-time with 1,857 games caught.

This figures to be the easiest $1 million Ausmus will ever make. Martin's primary backup last year, Danny Ardoin, started 17 games. His 2007 backup, Mike Lieberthal, also started 17 games. Let's see...$1 million divided by 17 works out to $58,823.53 per start. Welcome to Los Angeles, Brad!

4 comments:

Dusto_Magnifico said...

Ned is making his bid for worst signings of the off season once again. Who's next. I'm betting he overpays for Sheets. 3 years 36 million and Sheets only finishes a cumulative one year.

Orel said...

I'd be shocked if we touch Sheets after the Schmidt fiasco. And who knows, maybe Ausmus can teach Martin a thing or two.

Unknown said...

I am not quite sure what you guys are talking about. We have all been begging for a hitter. A middle-of-the-order, legitimate right-handed bat that can bring stability to our young bats. We finally have him. His name? Brad Ausmus.

Eric Karros said...

"Merry Ausmus, Brad."

"Thanks Danny. Ardoin' anything special for the holidays?"