Mark DeRosa signs minor league contract with the Rangers
The Texas Rangers signed former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training with the major league club
At the start of 2004, he really seemed like he was on his way to becoming a Braves standout for years to come. The Braves handed him the third base job at the start of 2004. After 2 1/2 months of meager production, the Braves moved Chipper Jones back to third on June 15th and began platooning Charles Thomas and Eli Marrero in left field. Up to that point, the Braves sported a 30-32 record. After the change, the Braves went 66-34. Coincidence? I think not. However, it must be noted that Marcus Giles returned from a two-month stint on the disabled list on July 15th to play an important role in the Braves’ resurgence.
The bottom line is he hit .239 in 309 at-bats – not to mention the question mark that now surrounds his right knee (where he tore his anterior cruciate ligament to end his 2004 season). The development of Nick Green (and Wilson Betemit) rendered him expendable. Hopefully he can find success as a utility player in the American League because he’s a good guy.
