Unless the Yankees are relying on Juan Miranda to be their power off the bench this year, and they’re probably not, they have none. There have been no reports of any team even talking to Eric Hinske, so why not sign him while there’s no competition.
We’re told the Yanks have inquired about Mark DeRosa, seemingly to be a bench player (let’s hope it wasn’t to be the everyday LF). Hinske would be as productive as DeRosa in the same positions, has more pop, is used to a bench role, and would come at a fraction of the cost. He made only $1.5 million last year, a figure that may come down considering the lack of interest around the league.
What the dily, yo?
12 Comments
Derek December 16, 2009 16:37
Anyone else realize that Hinske is the AL East Rabbits Foot? I dont think anyone has ever gone to three straight world series with three different teams, especially all in the same division… Ride the hot hand, i say…
Gloves December 16, 2009 16:53
I liked Hinske, I hope the Yankees retain him.
JoeThunder December 16, 2009 20:30
I would LOVE to sign both Hinske and Jerry Hairston Jr. Both would solidify that bench along w/ Cervelli, Gardner, and Miranda.
Elephant Pirate December 16, 2009 22:03
agreed, but who cares
Business Suit December 16, 2009 23:44
It does kinda feel like they’re not doing much. At least they might go after Sheets. That would rule .
greg 23 December 17, 2009 00:30
No LF, Missing starting pitching depth, hole at DH..Its always better to build a team from the bench up. Franky Catalanotto is out there also but we may have some competition from the Mexican league.
Dick Ear December 17, 2009 05:56
Good point, Hinske hasn’t even crossed my mind until this post.
Er, oh yeah, there are bigger holes to fill right now.
:::blows head off with moron gun:::
Steve December 17, 2009 08:58
Last winter, Cashman made Hinske and offer but Hinske opted to play with the Pirates to have the chance for a starting job.
I’d assume he is doing the same thing right now, he’s looking for playing time.
Dude December 17, 2009 10:56
why does cashman neglect the bench every off sea?
and they cannot go into the yr with melky playing lf
Grander than your Son December 17, 2009 12:37
Well everything depends on the DH role first. If we sign back Damon or sign another regular DH, we have the option of rotating that individual, swisher, melky, and even gardner among the corner outfield, DH, and bench spots.
Hinske wasn’t really that valuable last year. He hit .226 as a Yankee and granted, he hit 7 home runs with us, but 5 of them came in his first 7 games. All 7 of those home runs were in games he started in RF or 1B. He did not have a pinch hit home run with us, and has only had 2 in his whole career. We took no advantage of his “pop” off the bench. I wouldn’t be opposed to building a bench out of the system with fast, average type guys, or someone who can draw walks (Hinske actually does do that).
We could also think about signing someone like Mike Sweeney, which would be a slightly cheaper option than Hinske.
Oh, and ‘Dude’, why can’t we go into the year with Melky in left? Seems to me we won it all with him in center. He’ll still bat 9th, what’s the difference.
Olddog December 17, 2009 12:38
Why wouldn’t they go into the season w/Melky playing LF? Melky can handle all the OF positions without any issues and he was improved at the plate last year. I don’t recall championships teams worrying too much about who plays LF for them since it’s the easiest position to play.
Last Night I Dreamed I Was Playing Centerfield in Yankee Stadium in My Underwear December 17, 2009 22:10
I refuse to attend any games where the pitcher is named after something worn by Ku Klux Klansmen; in other words, no Sheets.