Chargers Sign MLB Derek Smith to 2 Year Deal

Another questionable hire in my opinion. Derek Smith, as I covered when he was released, is hardly back-up material and still has at least one or two starting years left in him. The Chargers, however, have some young guys at the MLB position who had spectacular seasons last year. Their starters from 2006-2007 were Stephen Cooper (28) and Matt Wilhelm (27). Cooper led the tandem (the Chargers play a 3-4) with 108 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 FFs, and 2 INTs, while Wilhelm followed with 97 Tackles, 1 Sack, and 3 INTs. Replacing one of them with Derek Smith is hardly productive for their development, and relegating Smith to backup is kind of a waste of his talent. To be honest, I'm not really sure why he signed this deal, as there's a chance he might lost the competition in training camp. I suppose that there's some allure to going to San Diego, since you have a good shot at winning the Super Bowl next season if you play there, even as a back-up.