Cheap Pickup: Luke Scott

As I mentioned earlier in the week, Tuesday at midnight was the deadline to tender contracts to players. The Rays, as you probably know, non-tendered Andy Sonnanstine. One of the Orioles non-tenders that interested me was Luke Scott. The Rays are in need of a DH and Scott is a good power hitter. He is coming off of injury, so that lowers his price, but it is also a bit of a worry.

Last season Scott was limited to 64 games after a shoulder injury. Those first 64 games were not great, with Scott hitting .220 with 9 homers. But in 2010 Scott had a good season, batting .284 with 27 homers in 131 games. Scott would most likely be a DH for the Rays, but he has also played some first base and outfield.

Scott could be a fall-back plan if Johnny Damon decides to go elsewhere. With numbers like 2010 he would be a very viable option for the Rays. He would also be cheap, most likely looking for a one year deal in the $1 million range. Scott would certainly be a supplement, with the Rays still needing to make a splash with a first baseman for the middle of the lineup.

While it may not be the big name move the Rays need to make, Luke Scott would be a good lefty bat to put in the middle of the lineup for cheap. His power numbers are what the Rays are looking for, with three straight 20 home run seasons before last year’s injury. He may be a bit of a risk, but it is a risk the Rays have taken in the past. We will see if the Rays look to Scott if Johnny Damon leaves the Rays.