Pirates Sign IF Garrett Atkins

The Pirates, today, signed infielder Garrett Atkins, to a minor league deal, with an invite to spring training. Atkins, a 1997 10th round pick of the New York Mets, didn't sign, and once again drafted in 2000, by the Colorado Rockies, in the 5th round. In 2005, he finished 4th for Rookie of the Year honors, and with a break out year, in 2006, was 15th in voting, for the NL MVP.

In 2009, Atkins was moved over to first base, filling in for the injured Todd Helton, and found himself struggling at the plate, after the regular season he was non-tendered. He signed a one year deal with the Orioles, for the 2010 season, and found himself being DFA'd and later released in early July.


With his reuniting with Clint Hurdle, this could possibly bring a more upside to Atkins resent woes, as he was a pivotal part of the Rockies 2007 World Series run. If he would be able to reproduce, anywhere near his, 2006 season (.329 BA/.965 OPS), he may very well have a chance to becoming an everyday player, depending on other productions.


Career Stats: .285 BA/.350 OBP/.449 SLG/.799 OPS