Dodgers sign Brad Ausmus to a one-year deal

I like this...solid back up to Martin.

Once again snuffy fails. This is another dud signing. Gary Bennet 2.0. What a waste of money.

Useless signing is useless.

Free-agent catcher Brad Ausmus has agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dodgers, according to a major-league source. What’s Hot: Whitlock: Obama Effect hits the NFL Rosenthal: Yankees aren’t done yet Kent, 2000 NL MVP, set to retire Cards to wear red in Super Bowl Ryan to NFL: ‘The Jets are coming’ Top stories | Rumors | Video | Photos Ausmus, seeking to play for a team near his home in Del Mar, Ca., chose the Dodgers over the Padres, who are also in the market for a backup catcher.

The Dodgers figure to be a stronger contender in the NL West next season than the Padres, who are reducing their payroll to $40 million.

Ausmus, 39, will be a backup to Russell Martin. He would have filled a similar role with the Padres, serving as a veteran mentor to Nick Hundley.

A three-time Gold Glove winner, Ausmus began his career with the Padres in 1993. He has spent 10 of his last 12 seasons with the Astros.

In 81 games last season, Ausmus batted .218 with a .303 on-base percentage, three homers and 24 RBIs. He ranks ninth all-time with 1,857 games caught.

WOW! .218 with a .303 OPB. I could do that well. Give me the 1 million dollar deal!

Fun Fact: This is the second Jewish back-up catcher (at the end of his career) that the Dodgers have signed in 3 seasons (Mike Lieberthal).

If this doesn't work, maybe they can get Yeager to to try a comeback. :)

Meanwhile Henry Blanco, who sucks just as much with the bat, but still can throw out baserunners, signs for 75% of Ausmus' salary with the Padres.

Really, the most important quality the Dodger backup catcher needs: Torre willing to start him 25-30 times so that Russell Martin isn't worn out by August 31st.

Why not just go with A.J. Ellis as the backup. He's not only cheaper, but last year at LV (where I know offensive stats can be misleading) he hit .321 with a .436 OBP. I also believe he threw out 30 of 70 basestealers, which works out to about 43%. We KNOW that both Ausmus and Blanco suck with the bat, whereas with Ellis we just might get some offensive productivity, even if it's just a lot of walks. And if he doesn't produce offensively, his throwing probably proves to be an asset. I can't comment on his complete defensive game, but I'm willing to guess that it's probably more than adequate.

El Lay's comments concerning the ability of the backup to throw out runners is right on the money. I looked at Ausmus' stats earlier today, and I do recall that his proficiency at throwing out runners appears to be declining. Just another mediocre backup that will keep Russell Martin in the lineup everyday until he collapses in August. I at least hope that Ellis has options remaining so that he can perhaps be brought up later in the season.

Henry Blanco's "alleged" connections to organized crime in Venezuela were one of the primary reasons he was not kept in the organization after his first go around with the Dodgers. I guess stuff like that matters. Ausmus = good character guy, so...that probably explains that.

Another silly Ned signing but nothing unexpected. Ned does what is considered "safe" or "normal" because everyone knows you need a veteran back-up catcher with intangibles and leadership qualities, right?

:rolleyes: