November 15, 2010
PHOENIX—The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed utility infielder Geoff Blum to a two-year, $2.7-million deal.
New Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers wanted to strengthen the bench for 2011 and he did so with a familiar face.
“The signing of Geoff Blum is the first step in identifying how we can improve Kirk Gibson’s options off the bench next season,” Towers said in a statement. “Geoff is a veteran that can play nearly every position on the field while also having the experience of contributing to key situations late in the game as a pinch-hitter off of the bench.”
Let it be known that Blum was a player on the San Diego Padres from 2005-2007, and during that time the Padres had won two division titles and were a slide away from a third consecutive playoff appearance.
Towers clearly knows the formula to having a good bench.
“It’s hard for young guys to be effective pinch-hitters coming off the bench,” Towers said in late September. “If you don’t have that experience or those guys that are threats, it makes it pretty easy on the opposing manager, because he has no fear of anyone that is coming off the bench.”
Geoff Blum last year was a .267 hitter with 2 HR and 22 RBI in 202 AB.
This is clearly a step in the right direction for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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