Pirates - Signed Randa

Pittsburgh Pirates - Signed 3B Joe Randa to a 1-year, $4 million contract.

I’m not sure what this accomplishes.  Randa hit better than Sanchez in 2005, but the difference wasn’t overwhelming and their respective ages should make it closer in 2006.  Both are good with the glove.  Now, if Jose Bautista doesn’t build on his 2005 season, all you’ve accomplished is wasting a year of Freddy Sanchez.  On the plus side, Pirate signings tend to be counterproductive and since Randa doesn’t actively hurt the team, it’s a good move, relatively speaking.

2006 ZiPS Projections 
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Player      AB   R    H  2B 3B  HR RBI  BB  SO  SB    BA   OBP   SLG 
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Bautista   442  52  109  23  1  15  61  38 104   5  .247  .315  .405

Randa      534  66  148  41  2  14  72  42  78   0  .277  .332  .440

Sanchez    414  52  120  25  3   5  42  32  41   5  .290  .344  .401
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