The Cardinals obtained additional punch for the middle of their lineup today by signing free agent outfielder-first baseman Lance Berkman to a one-year deal.
The club did not disclose terms of the contract, reportedly worth $8 million with no incentives or options attached.
Berkman, 34, has finished among the top five in NL MVP voting four times. He split last year between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees. A switch-hitter, Berkman remains particularly a force against righthanded pitching. He carries a .296 average with 327 home runs and 1,099 RBI. His .409 on-base percentage ranks fourth among active players.
"We are extremely excited to have added Lance to our ballclub," general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement released by the club. "He's an impact player who not only helps solidify our everyday lineup, but he also brings a wealth of experience to our team."
Left fielder Matt Holliday has offered to move to right field, according to Mozeliak, but no decison has yet been made on the outfield alignment.
Berkman has dealt with knee issues in recent seasons and played only 73 games in the outfield during a five-year, $72.5 million contract that expired after last season. He underwent a team physical in Orlando this afternoon and is heading back to his Texas home tonight. The physical, combined with Berkman's weight loss this off-season, assured the club he could again handle an everyday role in the field.
"It was obviously something we had to be convinced he could do," Mozeliak said.
Berkman labored to a career-low .248 average last season in 123 games and 404 at-bats. He experienced a significant power drag at least partly attributed to nagging injuries. He last played the outfield in 2007 and has not made the majority of his appearances there since 2004.
Signing Berkman represents a shift in both short-term organizational direction and clubhouse mix. Mozeliak had previously suggested that Allen Craig and Jon Jay would receive an opportunity to form a modified platoon in right field. Berkman's addition would appear to relegate both players to bench roles. Berkman is also recognized as a stand-up player who acquitted himself well during both good times and bad with the Astros.
"The organization is very excited by this move," Mozeliak said. "It's going to bring a new, positive dynamic to the team."
Berkman shares a strong relationship with Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright as well. Manager Tony La Russa personally lobbied Berkman for the last several weeks and apparently persuaded him to return to the National League rather than pursue an opportunity with the Oakland A's.
"We looked at all our options. We felt like the deal we made earlier in the week [for Los Angeles Dodgers middle infield Ryan Theriot] brings some new energy to the club. Lance's talent, his character and what he brings to club makes us a better team and changes the makeup of the clubhouse. It's a big add."
