Non Roster Invitee: Jim Edmonds – Brewers

After a full year off Jim Edmonds thus far looks no worse for wear. The former webgem highlight reel mentioned to former manager Tony LaRussa this winter he’d be interested in playing again and suddenly half of the teams in the majors were linked to the 39 year-old. He ended up signing with Milwaukee which has to be one of the better chances in the league to get ample playing time in the outfield.

There appears to be two sides in Brewers came. Some that believe the Brew Crew could not possibly carry both Edmonds and Jody Gerut while others believe it’s likely both will crack the opening day roster.

I firmly believe there is room for both on the Brewers roster as Joe Inglett isn’t going to solve many late inning problems. Mat Gamel’s second round of shoulder pain isn’t doing him any favors  and aside from Craig Counsell there aren’t any certainties for the reseve infield spots. Siding Inglett into that role solves that problem and opens up outfield spots for both Gerut and Edmonds.

Edmonds has hit thus far as he’s 6-for-17 with 2 doubles, a homer, and 3 RBI in his seven appearances this spring. Of course Edmonds has also struck out five times but no one is really talking about that for whatever reason.

Edmonds never got a job heading into 2009 and while it may have been his desire for a full time gig, more money or whatever the fact is everyone figured he would have been a good signing for any team looking for outfield help.

In 2008 with San Diego he seemed lost and used up. Picked up by the Cubs hoping to strike lighting in a bottle he was a force.  In San Diego Edmonds compiled a .178/.265/.233 line in 90 at-bats, in Chicago he hit .256/.369/.568 in 250 at-bats.

What a year off means to a guy who turns 40 this June is something Edmonds will have to answer at the plate this year. He’s got his chance to contribute again, he’s in a position to get at-bats should he produce and he could even wrestle the right field job away from Corey Hart should Hart struggle much like he has the last two seasons. Edmonds isn’t an everyday player at this point but he’s a fine option for four or five days a week should he hit near his levels with the Cubs in 2008.