Reds Sign Tony Fernandez to Minor-League Contract, Make Him Third Baseman and Leadoff Hitter
The Cincinnati Reds have signed free-agent infielder Tony Fernandez to a minor-league contract, handing him the major-league third-base job and making him the leadoff hitter. According to Reds manager Davey Johnson, Fernandez is considered a capable player who can give the team what they need immediately. The one-year Triple-A contract is believed to be worth $500,000 plus incentives, significantly lower than Fernandez's previous salary of $2.3-million with the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays.
Key Takeaways:
- The Reds signed Tony Fernandez to a minor-league contract worth $500,000 plus incentives, significantly lower than his previous salary of $2.3-million.
- Fernandez will fill the third-base job and leadoff hitter position, replacing incumbent Chris Sabo who signed with the Baltimore Orioles.
- Fernandez has played only a handful of games at third base but has been one of the best infielders in baseball at age 31.
- Combining with shortstop Barry Larkin could give the Reds an imposing left side of the infield defensively.
- Fernandez's switch-hitting ability and defensive skills make him a valuable addition to the team.
- Some in baseball have questioned Fernandez's withdrawn personality, with Toronto general manager Pat Gillick questioning his desire to play every night.
Statistics:
- Fernandez's previous salary: $2.3-million
- Incentives for Fernandez's contract: Not specified
- Number of games played by Fernandez at third base: A handful
- Fernandez's age: 31
- Fernandez's on-base percentage with the Toronto Blue Jays: .361
Sources:
- "Reds sign Fernandez to minor-league contract" by JEFF HORRIGAN and BILL PETERSON, Scripps Howard News Service
- "Tony Fernandez's post-season heroics" in the March 7 edition of Sports Illustrated
- ESPN baseball analyst Dave Campbell's statements regarding Fernandez's abilities