The Houston Astros have announced they have come to terms on a one-year, $1 million contract with incentives with Darin Erstard. Erstad, who can play outfield and first base, is a two-time All-Star (1998, 2000). Last year with the Chicago White Sox, Erstad batted .248 with four home runs runs and 32 RBI in 87 games.
His career year came in 2000 with the Anaheim Angels when he sported a .355 average with 25 home runs and 100 RBI and an American League-leading 240 hits. For his 12-year career, Erstad has a .284 average, 1,582 hits, 118 home runs and 657 RBI. He is also the only player in MLB history to win a Gold Glove in the outfield (2000, 2002) and infield (2004).
'He'll be a left-handed bat off the bench," general manager Ed Wade stated. "He has a lot of versatility. He's a great makeup guy. He's the prototypical professional player -- he brings a lot to the table and we're glad to have him."
Notes: Erstad was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1995 MLB draft. He was also the punter for the Nebraska Cornhuskers' 1994 national championship team.
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Photo: flickr user .eemaree
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He'll probably be more valuable as a clubhouse character guy than as a reserve outfielder, but any depth that he can provide would be great too.
He'll probably be more valuable as a clubhouse character guy than as a reserve outfielder, but any depth that he can provide would be great too.