Garret Anderson: What Does He Bring to the Table?

In my Season Preview article, I mentioned the Braves would probably sign someone right after I wrote it.

Well look at what happened.

The Braves signed Garret Anderson to a one-year deal for $2.5 million.

Now, the question remains: What does this 36-year-old bring to the table?

When you look at his career stats, you see a consistent hitter who is always able to maintain a batting average around .300 and produce home runs at an OK, not great, clip.

However, he is getting up there in years.

Saying this, last year he hit .293 with 15 HR, a .325 OBP, and only 77 strikeouts in 145 games as a DH and left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

As I looked at his stats, nothing's really changed from 2004 to now.  He's put up mid-to-high teens in home runs with a batting average hovering close to .300.

As we all know, stats can drop off quickly as a player ages.

But, and maybe this is because I want success from left field, I see him maintaining what he has for another year.

Look for Garret to hit .292 with about 14 HR in a left field platoon with Matt Diaz (although his lefty-right splits do not necessitate a platoon, .290 and .293 respectively, I look for a platoon to lessen the wear-and-tear on his aging legs), as well as serve as a veteran lefty for Brandon Jones and Jason Heyward to look up to.

I like this signing, a low-risk that could be a pretty significant addition to an outfield that was an atrocity last year if he performs like he should.

Oh, and NO, I am not redoing my predictions.

You can interject what I said here into those and figure out the math yourself.