Former Texas Rangers Jeff Baker sign with Marlins (Must see video)

Jul 19, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter

(15) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Former Texas Ranger infielder/outfielder Jeff Baker signed a deal with Miami Marlins worth $3.7 million over 2 years.   The Texas Rangers did attempt to bring him back by signing him to a minor league deal recently.

Jeff Baker played primarily in left field last season, but did play some at third and second base.  Baker started off the season red hot once he switched over to the American League, but took a huge dip in the second half of the season.

He had a first half batting line at .317/.391/.695/1.086 which dropped to a .236/.325/.375/.700 for the second half.  He wasn’t the only Texas Rangers player to suffer in the second half, but he was among the worst.

Overall, he finished the season with a batting average of .279/.360/.545/.905 with 21 RBI, 32 doubles and 11 home runs.

One of the most rememberable plays that Jeff Baker was involved in last year was when he stole third when the batter was walking to third.  The play happened on July 19, 2013 in the fourth inning when Mitch Moreland was granted a walk.  Jeff Baker who was on first took a slow trot to second and saw that the Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was way off third base and wasn’t paying attention.  Once he saw that, Jeff Baker took of for third and made it easily.  It happened so fast, the camera guy and the announcers barely noticed it.  Great heads up play.

Check out the video