Phillies sign Juan Pierre

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Get this: Per CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury, the Phillies have signed Juan Pierre to a minor-league contract so he can battle for the fifth outfielder's spot with...Scott Podsednik.

Despite a .342 OBP in 2010, Podsednik couldn't crack a major-league roster in 2011 largely thanks to a stress fracture in his left foot. While he'll be 36 in March, when healthy, he still has decent on-base and base-stealing skills -- something that, if 2011 was any indication, can't be said for Pierre.

It's hardly surprising Pierre will have to take a minor-league deal after posting the worst season of his career. Like Podsednik, he had a decent 2010, posting a .341 OBP with good defense en route to a WAR of 2.9. But 2011 was disastrous, in the field, at the plate and on the basepaths, leading to a -0.4 WAR for the former Sox left fielder.

Following the battle between these two former White Sox left fielders and leadoff hitters this spring will be interesting, although if Podsednik is healthy, I'll give him the edge.

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