The Los Angeles Dodgers have worked hard to add to their roster this offseason, and that activity continued on Tuesday.
According to Los Angeles Times reporter Dylan Hernandez, the Dodgers have acquired Skip Schumaker from the Cardinals:
Source: the #Dodgers have acquired Skip Schumaker from the #Cardinals.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 12, 2012
It's unclear what the Cardinals will receive in return, according to Hernandez's full report, but you can't imagine that the price will be all that steep. The deal also depends on Schumaker's ability to pass a physical.
Hernandez mentions that "Hitting coach Mark McGwire pushed for the Dodgers to acquire the 32-year-old Schumaker, whom he worked with in St. Louis." He hit .276 in 304 plate appearances last season.
Schumaker will earn $1.5 million this season, his final year under contract. He can play all three spots in the outfield, but he's frequently lined up at second base throughout his career. Having a guy that you can plug in to many different positions makes things easier on the manager, and it forces other teams to be on their toes as well.
Because he's a left-handed bat, he will pair well with Mark Ellis at the position. He hits right-handed pitchers exceptionally well, and that will make the Dodgers' lineup more versatile as well.
There's nothing about this move that is big time, but he's the kind of player who makes the team better because he does the small things. Every great team needs depth, and every team needs quality leadership that they can turn to when the season reaches its critical moments.
Schumaker played in a great Cardinals organization for eight years. He's a team-first guy, and he will help the Dodgers try to become contenders in the National League West with quality veteran leadership.
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