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Though it has yet to be officially announced, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Chris Dickerson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Before he made a decision, the 31-year-old outfielder also received interest from the Yankees and Indians.
Over a six-year career, Dickerson has hit .262/.339/.406 with the Reds, Brewers, Yankees, and Orioles. You'll remember him as the man Brian Cashman was able to acquire for Sergio Mitre back in 2011. He hit .266/.324/.438 over 72 plate appearances between two seasons in New York before being released last January. Since he is just another left-handed batter, and not a particularly good hitter, the Yankees were likely looking for minor league depth for the 2014 season and someone who could serve as a defensive replacement (16 DRS) if called on.
It's expected that Zoilo Almonte, Adonis Garcia, Ronnier Mustelier, and Antoan Richardson will all be in the running for a spot in the Scranton outfield. It's also possible that prospects Ramon Flores and Slade Heathcott make the leap this year from Double-A. If they were looking at Dickerson, they could be thinking about trading someone like Almonte or Flores, or releasing Mustelier or Garcia.
If they are still looking for similar minor league depth, New York could turn to Sam Fuld (14 DRS), Laynce Nix (26 DRS), and DeWayne Wise (10 DRS).
