Juan Pierre

Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that the Phillies have signed Juan Pierre to a minor league contract.

Salisbury reported earlier Friday that the two sides were in serious discussions, and evidently they’ve closed the deal. Financial terms are not yet known. Pierre batted .279/.329/.327 with two homers, 50 RBI and a .657 OPS over 711 plate appearances in 2011 and also went a career-worst 27-for-44 in stolen base attempts. It’s not the best spot for him in terms of how much playing time he’s likely to receive, but it will give him a better chance to earn a World Series ring. Pierre figures to back up in left and center field and serve as a pinch runner.

Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that the Phillies are in “serious discussions” with free agent outfielder Juan Pierre regarding a minor league contract.

Pierre has evidently given up on finding a regular job somewhere, as he wouldn’t appear to be in line for much playing time in Philly, especially after Ryan Howard returns. The 34-year-old batted .279/.329/.327 with two homers, 50 RBI and a .657 OPS over 711 plate appearances in 2011 and also went a career-worst 27-for-44 in stolen base attempts.

To replace Victor Martinez, the Tigers have discussed adding a speedster to the top of the lineup, such as Johnny Damon or Juan Pierre.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com confirmed Detroit’s interest in Damon on Sunday. Damon batted .271/.355/.401 with eight homers and 11 steals in 2010 for Detroit. He would play some DH and also can play some left field should the Tigers choose to use Delmon Young as a DH. Pierre, of course, is a superior defender to both. He was not offered arbitration by the White Sox in November after batting .279/.329/.327 with two homers, 50 RBI and a .657 OPS over 711 plate appearances. The 34-year-old just finished a ridiculous five-year, $44 million contract and won’t get anything close to that. A meager one-year offer should get him, however.