The Rockies signed Willy Taveras to a minor league deal and invited him to Spring Training, the team announced (on Twitter).
Taveras didn't hit much in his 37 plate appearances for the Nationals this year and hasn't been a serious offensive threat for a couple of years. He posted a .367 on base percentage for the 2007 Rockies and led the National League in stolen bases the following season. He has bounced from the Reds to the Nationals to the Phillies since, without much success.
But the seven-year veteran is relatively young (he's 29) and has plenty of experience (601 games) in center field. He'll provide the Rockies with depth and speed, though he doesn't appear to be the difference maker he was a couple seasons ago.
Threat_Level_RedSox
A really poor man’s Juan Peirre
InLeylandWeTrust
He’s a homeless man’s Juan Pierre.
DMC
He needs to learn to not chase the outside pitch with his ass-out swing and pop it up to 1st. “Everytime I see you put one in the air, you owe me 20 pull-ups.” I don’t think I’ve been more disgusted watching a player as a Reds fan.
BenC
Define “…difference maker”…
rwdavis22461
he has played ever other team with Colorado.
DMC
Since he left Colorado for Cincinnati, then traded to Oakland, then to Philly, then Texas, then Atlanta, then back in the majors with Washington. You’re almost right
coolstorybro222
I’ve been everywhere man, traveled the desert plains, man, I’ve been everywhere.
is what comes to mind when I see this name.
BobbyJohn
He’s AAA depth at this point. Unless something REALLY strange happens I can’t see him suiting up for the big league club.
Robby Reyes
So Willy Taveras, Micah Owings, and Orlando Hudson go back to the NL West. Brings back good memories.
jwsox
maybe going back to the Mecca of hitters parks will do him well enough to earn at 4th of spot and maybe just maybe get a starting job out in left..If he can field(his cannon arm is amazing) enough, and get on base a decent % with his blinding speed he could easily win a spot in the out field but thats a huge IF
Justin J. Bartz
Ahh, life through the eyes of a true eternal optimist.
JST1331
Can he steal first base?