Orioles sign OF Xavier Paul to minor-league contract

Another name that isn't Shin-Soo Choo is in the mix of Orioles outfield options as the O's have signed recently non-tendered Xavier Paul to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The news comes from Ben Nicholson-Smith (h/t MLBTR).

Paul has spent the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds as a part-time player where he hit .264/.350/.420. Not a bad hitting line! He was less successful in 2009-2011 when he had a robust .288 OBP. Paul has a severe platoon split and he cannot hit lefties at all. Like, at all. In his major-league career his hitting line against left-handed pitching .137/.207/.158. In the last two seasons with the Reds, Paul has had just 25 plate appearances against lefties. The Reds certainly knew what they were doing in that regard.

Paul will be battling for playing time with Nolan Reimold, Steve Pearce, and new Orioles David Lough and Francisco Peguero. He's a long shot to make the team but with the need for a DH as well as a left fielder, he could be a good option (as long as he doesn't have to bat against lefties). He'd actually be a good platoon partner with Steve Pearce, who has a career hitting line against lefties of .266/.351/.455.

After writing the word Paul so many times in this post, if Xavier Paul does make the team I have decided that I'm totally buying his number tee for my husband.