Tampa Bay Rays sign veteran infielder Jeff Keppinger – MLB News
At last the Tampa Bay Rays have signed experienced infielder Jeff Keppinger to a one year deal worth $1.525 million after a long conversation with several inside executives who were reluctant to add an infielder for 2012.
Rays’ executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed in the media and said, “Jeff is a good player who fits our club well. He is a tough out, especially against left-handers, and his contact skills bring a useful dimension to our roster. We also value his defensive versatility, which will allow him to make an impact in many different ways.”
Later, Keppinger also said, “I'm up for anything. I know there's a lot of talk, people telling me I'm limited at playing certain positions, but I don't feel that way, I go out and do the best that I can. If it's something I can help out the team, then it's something I look forward to doing.”
Though, the deal will ensure a hefty amount of money for Keppinger but all the other details of contract were not disclosed in the media. Later, some sources did state that incentives and bonuses are also included in the one year deal.
Having played in the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants last season, Keppinger will be a great fit for the Rays this season. Giving Tampa Bay more depth in their batting line-up, Keppinger also has experience playing at second base where he had almost played 100 games in the past. His addition to the team will eventually help the Rays as a whole for the next regular season.
Outfield positions some-how put most of the infielders in trouble, but Keppinger is one of those hard hitting payers, who take challenges in order to improve their own techniques.
To Keppinger’s credit, he is carrying a career .324 hitting vs. lefties with a .371 on-base percentage and a .481 slugging percentage. These stats make him a very competitive player at this particular position.
Having struck-out only 142 times in 2,287 career plate appearances in his over five year career, Keppinger is averaging the second most plate appearances per strike-out 16.1 among active players in both the American and National Leagues behind Juan Pierre.
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