Dodgers Sign Brian Giles

Ken Gurnick of MLB.com has reported that the Dodgers have signed Brian Giles to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. To me, I am mixed about this signing. If Reed Johnson is a suitable fourth outfielder and Doug Mientkiewicz is a suitable left handed bat of the bench, then this signing was a waste of money. We don't have the roster space on the 25 man to even carry Giles, unless the Dodgers would be carrying 11 or 12 pitchers, which, in my opinion, is not going to happen. On the plus side, if Giles is healthy and returns at least to 2007 or 2008 form, he could be a pretty inexpensive pickup for a pinch hitter role. Expect him to have a role similar to that of Jim Thome if he makes the Opening Day roster.