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Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Hollandsworth can help
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Using so many rookies as brought a lot of renewed life to the Braves this season. But don’t underestimate the value of experience in the postseason.
That’s why general manager John Schuerholz swung a deal Monday night to acquire outfielder Todd Hollandsworth from the Cubs.
Is Hollandsworth a big name? No. Can he help the Braves? Yes.
The left-handed batter can play first base as well as the outfield, but his real value is as a pinch hitter. During the 2003 NLCS, Hollandsworth was called on four times by the Marlins against the Cubs. He was 3-for-3 with a walk, getting a double and two RBIs.
Hollandsworth, 32, makes $900,000 this season, so paying him for five weeks certainly won’t break the Braves’ payroll. Now, Schuerholz will continue to make a run at an experienced reliever. Don’t count him out.
To be eligible for the postseason, a player must be aboard by Wednesday. The clock is running.
