What’s not to like about a right-handed power hitter who is just 31-years-old and could probably hit 30 out in his sleep? A player who just a season back led the National League in home runs only to be rejected by his team. For those of you who guessed Chris Carter, you win the award. An all expense paid trip back to the dugout after striking out – again.
Carter is a perpetual free agent for a reason – he is the baseball Zen master of the strikeout. Carter strikes out once every three attempts with a career rate of 33.3%. Carter has been with – at last count – five organizations in his career. No doubt somewhere a GM is hoping that some type of inspiration takes place that allows Carter to hit something besides his weekly home run.
I’m sure Mr. Carter is a swell fellow who helps the elderly across the streets, feeds stray kittens and is a positive to society, but as a hitter? Too many K’s and too few walks and a .217 career average. Then there is speed. I would bet on David Ortiz in a footrace. And the fielding? The fielding metrics look like a convention of minus signs.
Carter is a must to avoid. The titanic home runs are impressive, but the overall package cries out avoidance.