Dodgers Sign Gonzalez

I somehow missed this one when it happened. Actually, I heard about it, but there were conflicting reports on whether the deal had been finalized. It appears to be a done deal now, as outfielder Luis Gonzalez has signed a 1-year, $7 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gonzalez is 39 years old and no longer the player he once was. Still, he should hit around .270 with his fair share of walks and a boatload of doubles. Gonzalez finished second in the National League with 52 doubles in 2006. He’s knocked 547 two-baggers over a 17-year career, good for #21 on the all-time list.

The Dodgers certainly are keeping busy this winter. In the past month, they’ve signed Nomar Garciaparra, Juan Pierre, Randy Wolf, Ramon Martinez, as well as closer Takashi Saito (great move), Mike Lieberthal, Jason Schmidt, and now Gonzalez. It’s hard to tell whether there is a method to Ned Colletti’s madness or if he’s just throwing everything against the proverbial wall and seeing what sticks.

The Saito and Schmidt deals should pay serious dividends, and Garciaparra will as well if he can stay healthy. The rest seem a bit iffy to me, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…