Juan Rivera

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

After being designated for assignment by the Blue Jays in July, Rivera landed with the Dodgers and received significant playing time in left field and at first base, batting .274/.333/.406 for his new club. Apparently, that was enough for the Dodgers to hand him a one-year, $4.5 million deal to fill a similar role in 2012. How much playing time Rivera receives likely depends upon the play of Jerry Sands this spring, but Rivera should be good for at least 250 at-bats.

2011

Rivera put up strong numbers two seasons ago, but his output fell last year thanks to a 35-point dip in his batting average to .252. While his BABIP was near a career low, his skill set has largely been the same the last three seasons, which would seem to indicate his 2009 batting average is probably his ceiling. He had the second lowest HR/FB rate of his career, so there's some hope he can return to his 2009 power numbers. Despite last year's drop-off, Rivera should remain a regular given his 20-homer potential in a lineup that lacks pop.

2010

Rivera's 2009 was a dead ringer for his career numbers and just a bit worse than what he hit in his last full season back in 2006. At 31, Rivera has maybe one more year at this level before his skills degrade, and when he goes, he's going to go fast and ugly. He's already one of the worst baserunners in the game.

2009

After only playing in 30 games through the season's first three months, Rivera saw extended action from July through September and finished with 12 home runs and 45 RBI. He got off to such a slow start with his sporadic action early, his batting average (and on-base percentage) never fully recovered. Hoping that he'll return to his 2006 form, the Angels re-signed him to a three-year deal in December. Rivera will be a bigger part of the Angels' DH and corner outfield situation since Garret Anderson will be plying his trade elsewhere in 2009.

2008

Coming off of a breakout 2006 where he accumulated 23 home runs and 85 RBI, Rivera was primed to become an elite player in 2007. However, a broken leg suffered during the winter cost him most of the season and his spot in the Angels’ everyday lineup. Rivera is one of the hardest players to project this season, and he will have to beat out several players just to keep a roster spot and get regular at-bats with the Angels. However, there is potential for Rivera to put up numbers like he did two seasons ago, and that's enough to keep him on the deep sleeper radar should he show something this spring or get dealt to a team where he'll play regularly.

2007

One of the few things that went right for the Angels last year, Rivera provided desperately needed power in the middle of the lineup. The signing of Gary Matthews creates a jogjam in the outfield/DH slots, but Rivera is arguably the Angels' second-best hitter and he needs to play every day. Try and get him; he can repeat last season. Unfortunately, he fractured his left leg playing winter ball in Venezuela late in December, requiring surgery that was performed on Dec. 27. It's unlikely that he'll be ready to begin the season.

2006

Rivera had a solid 2005 season, although not quite the breakout season many were predicting. He tied for third on the team with 15 homers in only 350 at-bats and he showed improvement at the plate hitting .282 in the second half. With that in mind, he's positioned to improve in 2006, but will need to battle for playing time.

2005

Rivera had a tremendous year in 2004, and gave every indication that he's ready for a regular gig in a big league lineup. Why that lineup will be the Angels', instead of the Nationals', is one of the offseason's great mysteries.

2004

Rivera will battle rookie Terrmel Sledge for the starting job in right field for the Expos. Rivera might have an edge over Sledge due to his major league experience, but manager Frank Robinson was able to take a first-hand look at Sledge while running Team USA in the fall. In a way, Rivera is a perfect match for the Expos, as he has mediocre plate discipline at best.

2003

Rivera went .325/.355/.502 in 265 Triple-A at-bats last season while dealing with a broken kneecap that sidelined him for more than a month. Rivera didn't fare so well in 83 major league at-bats, and his combined big-league and Triple-A BB/K numbers (19/41) don't exactly portend success for a corner outfielder with decent but not tremendous power. Rivera should have a chance to win a starting corner outfield job out of spring training, but with Rondell White and Raul Mondesi also competing for at-bats, we'd be surprised if Rivera had the gig all to himself.