MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have agreed to terms with third baseman Tony Batista on a one-year contract.

Batista, 32, spent the 2005 season playing for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in the Japanese Pacific League. He batted .263 (147-559) with 78 runs scored, 29 doubles, one triple, 27 homers and 90 rbi in 135 games. He was third in the Pacific League in hits and doubles, was fifth in rbi and seventh in home runs.

 

Originally signed by the Oakland A's as a non-drafted free agent in 1991, Batista has spent eight-plus seasons in the Major Leagues with Oakland, Arizona, Toronto, Baltimore and Montreal. He has a career batting average of .251 (1078-4289) with 591 runs scored, 211 doubles, 17 triples, 214 homers and 681 rbi in 1179 games. The two-time All-Star (2000 & 2002) had his finest season in 2000 when he established career-highs in hits (163), homers (41) and rbi (114). Since 1999 (excluding his Japanese League stats), Batista has hit 186 home runs and driven in 597 rbi for an average of 31 homers and 99.5 rbi per-season.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_r...t=.jsp&c_id=min

Talk about a scrap heap signing.....

God they always find a way to counter our every move.

This is their answer to the Mackowiak trade?!? Signing a guy from the Japanese Soft"Ball" League? Let's see if they try to bring back Scott Erickson as a response to the Vazquez trade.

Last I checked, the Twins werent running at full strength last year, but their pitching was still in the top 5. Provided they have a relatively healthy season next year, they could still contend. Tony Batista still has some pop left in his bat, and he always hits well against the Sox. This is better than having Cuddyer at third.

Last I checked, the Twins werent running at full strength last year, but their pitching was still in the top 5.  Provided they have a relatively healthy season next year, they could still contend.  Tony Batista still has some pop left in his bat, and he always hits well against the Sox.  This is better than having Cuddyer at third.

 

 

Kyyle, Tony Batista of old was a threat. This is a guy who hit .263 in Japan. How does that translate to the pitching of the MLB.

 

Their pitching is great. They havent fixed their offense so far.

Hehe, what an absolutely pathetic pickup. This bum was released by a Japanese team and he will probably start for the Twins.

Hehe, what an absolutely pathetic pickup.  This bum was released by a Japanese team and he will probably start for the Twins. 

 

given the likely cost its probably a better move than Mike Lowell but Batista is a guy who can rack up homer stats on a last place team, not a guy who is going to make you better

I dont mean to sound like I think this is a great pickup for the Twins. But it is a low-risk high reward proposition for the Twins, a guy who is familiar with the league and has had success in the league, and someone who could contribute for the Twins. If he doesnt put in his effort, the Twins will let him go with no worries.

Can't wait to see how he handles the new turf.

Edited December 15, 200520 yr by santo=dorf

Can't wait to see how he handles the new turf. 

 

He has played a few seasons in Japan on nothing but turf, Im sure he doesnt mind.

QUOTE(kyyle23 @ Dec 15, 2005 -> 05:38 PM)

He has played a few seasons in Japan on nothing but turf, Im sure he doesnt mind.

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Same stuff as the Twins?

I guess they couldn't go out and spend the big bucks on Julio Franco. Brian Daubach is still available if the twins are interested, as is Rickey Henderson.

Same stuff as the Twins?

 

I don't know if Japan uses field turf or the old school turf

I always like watching his batting stance so this is a good signing for the twins

hmmm

 

was he one of thee guys that went to Japan to get steriods cleaned out of his system?

He's this years Bret Boone!

Tony Batista - 3B - Twins

 

 

Tony Batista's one-year deal with the Twins is worth $1.25 million, but it isn't guaranteed.

If he's released before Opening Day, he would get only 30 or 45 days of termination pay. On top of the $1.25 million, he can earn $100,000 for 400 plate appearances, $125,000 for 450, 475 and 525, and $150,000 for 550. Batista is expected to compete for the starting job at third base. Dec. 16 - 1:11 am et