Phillies add speed with Juan Pierre

January 27, 2012



zimbio.com

The Phillies have signed outfielder Juan Pierre to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com's Paul Hagen.

Pierre, 34, played in 158 games for the Chicago White Sox in 2011. He was placed in left and batted in the leadoff spot. Pierre hit .279  with a .329 OBP.

However, Ruben Amaro Jr. was looking to add speed to the Phillie's bench, and Pierre brings just that.

Last season, Pierre stole 27 bases, and stole a career high 68 in 2010.

Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino, have right and center field covere, while Laynce Nix and John Mayberry Jr. are expected to platoon in left. So, Pierre will be competing for a bench spot against the 36-year old vet Scott Podsednik, and possibly Dominic Brown.