The New York Mets signed 40 year old Moises Alou, after playing with the San Francisco Giants the past two years. The contract is for one year worth $8.5 million, with a club option for 2008. The addition of Alou shows that the Mets feel top prospect Lastings Milledge is not ready to be an everyday major league player. After watching Milledge last year I agree that some more time in the minors is necessary so he can develop into a major league ready baseball player. Signing Alou also eliminates the possibility of bringing back Cliff Floyd for next season. The Mets desperately needed a right-handed hitter, something they have lacked since the departure of Xavier Nady, as the team has struggled against left-handed pitching. The addition of Alou will also assure that Endy Chavez will continue with his fourth outfielder role, a position he excelled in greatly last year. Alou, although 40 years old, can still be a very productive offensive player who will drive in a lot of runs when healthy. Alou had a batting average of .301 with 22 homers and 74 RBIs last year, all while playing in just 98 games. When playing a full season Alou is still capable of batting .300 with over 30 homers and 100 RBIs, not bad production from your number six hitter. Since the Mets signed Alou to just a one-year deal there is little risk involved. He allows Chavez to stay in the same role he played in last year, and Milledge the chance to better develop and potentially take Alou?s place in 2008. My Grade: B+ He is still a great hitter, and by signing just a one-year deal there is little risk involved for the Mets. He provides the Mets with a much needed right-handed bat, and will be a nice stopgap for Lastings Milledge. Dodgers Sign Pierre Juan Pierre is set to play for his third team in as many years after agreeing to a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The contract is a four-year deal worth $45 million. Pierre began his career with the Rockies and then played with the Marlins the next three years while playing a major role in winning the World Series in 2003, and then last season he played for the Cubs. Pierre is one of the top lead off hitters in the league and will probably bump another one of the leagues top lead-off hitters, Rafael Furcal, down to number two in the line-up. The dynamic duo of Pierre and Furcal at the top of the line-up will provide a lot of spark for the Dodgers with their speed. Having two very capable lead-off hitters will help to score a lot of runs and steal a lot of bases keeping the pitchers off balance. Pierre led the league in hits last year, while stealing 58 bases for the Chicago Cubs. He will help the Dodgers defensively, as he has better defensive range then J.D. Drew, whom the Dodgers will not re-sign. Although Pierre does not have a strong throwing arm, he still did not commit an error during the 2006 season. My Grade: B- Pierre is a very nice addition, and will help the Dodgers offense to score more runs, but they are in desperate need of a power hitting bat. I would have tried to spend the $45 million on some power, but maybe the Dodgers still plan going after a big bat.