Report: Marcus Thames Agrees to Dodgers Deal, Gabe Kapler Close

by FanHouse Staff

Filed under: Dodgers, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency

The Dodgers reportedly are on the verge of a couple of extra outfielder additions, agreeing to a deal with Marcus Thames and nearing a minor league deal with Gabe Kapler.

The impending acquisition of the two veterans was reported by the Los Angeles Times. Thames, who turns 34 in March, will assume his usual role as the right-handed half of a left-field platoon, this time with Jay Gibbons, after doing the same last year for the Yankees and previously with the Tigers.

Thames hit .300 against lefties and .268 against righties last season for New York, but his OPS was actually better against right-handers (.896 to .806). Though he had 47 fewer plate appearances against righties, he hit seven of his 12 home runs against them.

Kapler will provide depth as he tries to keep hanging on three years after returning from a one-season retirement during which he served as a minor league manager. The 35-year-old played sparingly for the Rays the last two seasons, also playing mostly against left-handed pitchers. He hit just .210 in 2010.

 

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