According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the A’s have signed outfielder Shannon Stewart to a one-year deal that could reach $2.5MM with incentives. If Stewart can overcome plantar fasciitis in both feet, he can fill Jay Payton’s role as Oakland’s fourth outfielder. It’s a strong need given the fragility of Mark Kotsay and Milton Bradley.
Stewart, who turns 33 later this month, earned $6.5MM in 2006. PECOTA sees him hitting .276/.332/.383 in 335 plate appearances this year, finding him most similar to the 1987 version of Gary Ward. Another good comp is Brady Clark. ZiPS expects .275/.341/.392 from Stewart in 373 PAs.
