Post by reds in 09 on Jan 21, 2009 15:22:21 GMT -5
It may not have been the slugging right-handed-hitting outfielder that general manager Walt Jocketty set out to sign this offseason, but the Reds will have another option for their left-field vacancy after signing free-agent Jonny Gomes to a Minor League contract.
Gomes' contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training, is reported to be worth $600,000 with another $200,000 possible through incentives.
Gomes, who made $1.275 million for the Rays in 2008, became a free agent in December when Tampa Bay opted not to tender him a contract. He has spent part of the last six seasons in the big leagues, with his best offensive year coming in 2005, when he hit .282 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs.
However, Gomes' production trailed off significantly in '08. Gomes, 28, appeared in 77 games for the Rays and hit just .182 with eight homers and 21 RBIs. He also spent time in Triple-A after being optioned to the Minors in August.
Despite not landing a bigger name free agent earlier this winter, Jocketty has continued to explore options for a right-handed-hitting left fielder so the organization can have options outside of in-house candidates Jerry Hairston Jr., Chris Dickerson, Norris Hopper and Laynce Nix. Other external options, including Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu, are unlikely to fit in Cincinnati because of their high salary demands.
Gomes' contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training, is reported to be worth $600,000 with another $200,000 possible through incentives.
Gomes, who made $1.275 million for the Rays in 2008, became a free agent in December when Tampa Bay opted not to tender him a contract. He has spent part of the last six seasons in the big leagues, with his best offensive year coming in 2005, when he hit .282 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs.
However, Gomes' production trailed off significantly in '08. Gomes, 28, appeared in 77 games for the Rays and hit just .182 with eight homers and 21 RBIs. He also spent time in Triple-A after being optioned to the Minors in August.
Despite not landing a bigger name free agent earlier this winter, Jocketty has continued to explore options for a right-handed-hitting left fielder so the organization can have options outside of in-house candidates Jerry Hairston Jr., Chris Dickerson, Norris Hopper and Laynce Nix. Other external options, including Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu, are unlikely to fit in Cincinnati because of their high salary demands.
