Cubs Reportedly Sign Ben Broussard to Minor League Deal

by IowaCubs- on Jun 12, 2008 12:20 PM CDT

The Cubs have signed 1B/OF Ben Broussard to a minor league deal. This was reported by Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com who spread the news as scooped by ESPN 1000 radio.

Ben Broussard is a first baseman, but has played left field in the past and is a left handed hitter with a career slash line of .263/.324/.450. He was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 1999 draft out of McNeese State, came up with Cleveland, spent time in Seattle and was signed, and then released early this season by Texas.

Was this really necessary? I guess it seems like a pretty low risk move, and the more I think about it, the more I like it.

Here are his career stats.

UPDATE #1: The Cubs actually signed Broussard to a record deal / minor league deal. Apparently, he's a pretty good musician, and is great in lifting the spirits of guys in the clubhouse with his guitar.

"We feel his potential as a ballplayer is good," said Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry, "but his potential as a superstar singer/songwriter is enormous. He's the first professional baseball player to have the potential to be in the top 40 in homeruns and on the Billboard charts."

And this, according to Ben's official website...

All the songs from his new cd were written in his spare time while traveling, and inspired by everyday life and relationships. As an added bonus, Ben is a talented "beat-boxer". Ben acquired this ability in the 3rd grade, while attempting to break into the free styling circle of his new classmates. This talent can be heard on the song "Deep" from his new cd of originals, and also on Coco Crisp's song from the "Oh Say Can You Sing?" album.

UPDATE #2: I am full of crap. I guess all the flooding in Des Moines (Including Principal Park) has gone to my head. BTW... the Iowa Cubs may play their next home series against Nashville in Memphis because of the flooding threatening their stadium in Des Moines... developing.

Thoughts?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Minor deal, IMO

Seems like a low-risk, mostly roster-filler-type move.

by John Q Freejazz on Jun 12, 2008 12:25 PM CDT reply actions

minor deal

from his stats, he’s not that great of a hitter. 20 K’s and 5 BB idk. He does bring power though. haha if you wanna hear him check out his website: http://www.benbroussard.com/.

by lexmarklover on Jun 12, 2008 12:27 PM CDT reply actions

Nice...

I’ve noticed a lot of these players have blogs and websites lately. I guess a tiny bit of self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.

by IowaCubs- on Jun 12, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Did we sign him to play baseball, or sing?

Sports dominated Ben’s younger years, but his passion for the guitar began around the age of 14 when a new guitar and lessons became a part of his life. When his youth group needed a singer and guitar player, Ben filled that role and continued to perform throughout his high school years. Once he enrolled at McNeese State University, music took a backseat to classes and college baseball. However, Ben and a few college buddies soon formed a band, with Ben playing guitar and adding in vocals now and then. Following weekend baseball games, he would rush to meet his band members to perform gigs. Ben loved entertaining friends, teammates and the locals, and the fifty bucks he earned each gig was an added bonus for the typical poor college student.

Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.

by IowaCubs- on Jun 12, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

More roster filler to keep Murton and Dubois company

Rich Harden !! 8 starts, 3-0, 47 IP, 58 Ks, 2.85 ERA

by MDBNIU on Jun 12, 2008 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

Does anyone know if a "minor league deal" means...

... bumping someone off the 40 man roster?

Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.

by IowaCubs- on Jun 12, 2008 12:38 PM CDT reply actions

No, it doesn't

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by cubzfan on Jun 12, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

yep

this deal is a roster filler

Dear SBnation, We need our own server here at BCB seeing how its became very slow due to enormous amounts of traffic. P.S. Impeach Bud Selig!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jun 12, 2008 12:54 PM CDT reply actions

Yabbut

If he hits, he could be a slightly better and more mobile version of Hoffpauir (SP?) A nice back-up plan.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband

by Ross on Jun 12, 2008 1:00 PM CDT reply actions

i have no idea what this fanpost is about

Before Edmonds: 24-16, (.600); With Edmonds: 18-8 (.692)

by joeschmitt on Jun 12, 2008 1:09 PM CDT reply actions

You're not the only one.

Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.

by IowaCubs- on Jun 12, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Not a bad idea

I like this deal. He had a nice .289 21 homer season.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jun 12, 2008 1:29 PM CDT reply actions

like the ol' gitfiddle player sed ..

.. if youse playin more than four chords, you’re showing off ..

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Jun 12, 2008 2:26 PM CDT reply actions

What the hell?

Is this from an Onion article?

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Jun 12, 2008 3:49 PM CDT reply actions

I-Cubs To Return to Des Moines Friday

The I-Cubs are going to return to Des Moines Friday to play Nashville according to this article. The Sounds series will not be in Memphis.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jun 12, 2008 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

Meh...

I think my favorite uncle was Uncle Caveman. We called him that because he lived in a cave and would eat one of us. We then realized he was a bear.

by deepthoughtsbyjackhandey on Jun 12, 2008 8:34 PM CDT reply actions

This is roster filler.

Broussard is indeed a slightly better, more experienced version of Micah Hoffpauir. (And only three years older, despite having over 2000 ML at-bats.)

He’s there while Hoffpauir is in the major leagues. If he hits well enough, he might get a September callup.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 12, 2008 10:45 PM CDT reply actions