Cincinnati Reds Sign Skip Schumaker

The Cincinnati Reds made their first big move of the offseason Monday by signing utility man Skip Schumaker. Not a surprising

October 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Skip Schumaker (55) hits a single in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game four of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

move in the least as the Reds will almost certainly lose center fielder Shin Soo Choo.

Skip Schumaker comes to Cincinnati after spending last season in Los Angeles playing for the Dodgers. Schumaker batted .236 in 356 plate appearances last season. He is a career .285 hitter, not a killer bat but a very reliable bat, a much needed addition to the Reds lineup sans Choo.

Schumaker comes to Cincinnati after spending 8 seasons in St. Louis and last season with the Dodgers. He is mainly a utility out fielder who can play second base when needed. The latter part will be immensely important if the Reds trade Brandon Phillips and install Billy Hamilton at second. Schumaker and Hamilton could be rotating positions this upcoming season.

When it comes to batting Schumaker is middle of the road. As mentioned he batted .236 with a .332 OBP, and a .332 OPS,  he only hit two home runs last season but that is not concerning, small ball wins pennants.

Schumaker has a cannon for an arm, and absolute rocket from the outfield, that will help immensely in plays at the plate and really plays at any base this up coming season.

The Reds signed him to a two year deal pending a physical, he will be paid a total of $5M over the course of the contract.