The Dodgers brought in some veteran talents to, possibly, shore up the bench this week with the signings of 35-year old Miguel Olivo, and 36-year old Chone Figgins. Both were brought in on minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training.
These are no-risk contracts, but also show little potential for upside other than filling in spots on the 40-man roster with experienced players.
Figgins was absent from the league in 2013 after failing to make the Miami Marlins' roster out of Spring Training. So you can chalk this one up to a comeback for the infielder.
But does he have enough left to fight for a roster spot? His competition is basically Justin Seller and Dee Gordon, who are on the roster as backups, and the big question mark of Alexander Guerrero slotted to start at second base.
Figgins spent his glory years down the freeway with the Angels and was a valuable asset, averaging 3.4 Wins Above Replacement from 2003-2009. But, since 2010 he has not managed to produce a slash-line of even .200/.300/.300.
Miguel Olivo never quite reached the production of Figgins, but was an everyday catcher from 2003-2011. His best season came in 2009 when he put up a 2.4 WAR. He has not played in a full season since 2010.
With A.J. Ellis behind the plate, Tim Federowicz backing him up, and Drew Butera on the 40-man roster, it might be difficult for Olivo to get a big league spot.
Again, both of these contracts come with Spring Training invites, so the Dodgers are more or less using camp next month as tryouts for the veterans. Spring Training is just a few weeks away, Dodger fans. The long winter is almost over!
