February 7, 200620 yr D-Backs close to signing DaVanon http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5313510 The Diamondbacks, adding depth to their outfield, are close to signing Jeff DaVanon to a one-year, $525,000 contract with a player option for 2007, FOXSports.com has learned. DaVanon, 32, figures to get considerable playing time in the Diamondbacks' outfield, likely sharing time in center with Eric Byrnes and possibly spelling Luis Gonzalez in left. His signing also will enable the Diamondbacks to avoid rushing the developments of Carlos Quentin and Chris Young, two of the game's top outfield prospects. DaVanon, a switch-hitter who plays all three outfield positions, became a free agent after the Angels released him in mid-December. Within days, he reportedly was close to signing with the Diamondbacks. However, the team held off, wanting to monitor DaVanon's rehabilitation from an injury to his right shoulder. On Dec. 30, the Diamondbacks signed Byrnes, 29, to a one-year, $2.25 million contract. But Byrnes, like DaVanon, is not considered an everyday player by most scouts and executives. DaVanon had only a .658 on-base/slugging percentage in 108 games with the Angels last season, but was more successful as a reserve the previous two years, posting an .805 OPS in 2003 and a .790 OPS in '04. The amount of DaVanon's player option will range from $700,000 to $1.25 million, depending upon how many days he spends on the active roster this season. He will "lose" days only if he misses time with renewed shoulder trouble. A number of teams had expressed interest in DaVanon, including the Red Sox and Indians before the completion of the Coco Crisp trade. The Mets, Yankees and Padres were among the other clubs that had pursued the outfielder. $525,000 for DaVanon. Not bad for a solid fourth outfielder that can play every outfield spot. The D-Backs can platoon Byrnes and DaVanon in CF for a season until Chris Young is ready in 2007. By the way, how did Timo ever get a million dollars?
February 7, 200620 yr QUOTE(knightni @ Feb 7, 2006 -> 02:51 PM) Incriminating pictures? bannable statement
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