Reds sign Jonny Gomes

The Reds just signed Jonny Gomes, a reserve outfielder on last year's Tampa Bay team although I don't think he was on the post-season roster. He's a former Blue Sock (and Water Buffalo). He had a break-out of sorts in '05 when he hit .282/.372/.534 with 21 home runs and 9 steals in 348 at bats. He hasn't come close since. In '07 in another 348 at bats he hit only .244/.322/.460, but did steal 12 bases and hit 17 home runs. Last year he was terrible, so I won't give the stats (but he was below the Mendoza line).

Despite that, I like the move. Given a chance to play, Gomes could have another break out. He's only 28, so he's not over the hill. He's not much of an outfielder, but the Reds aren't too far out on a limb with less than $1 mil. on the contract. If he doesn't make the team (he's on a minor league deal) he provides some organizational depth in Louisville. He'll grab fewer headlines than an Andruw Jones, but is just as likely to turn around a sub-.200 season as Jones. Although the player is different, this is the move I was calling for in my Right Handed Power post a couple days ago.