Randy Winn is ok, but the Yankees could have done better
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 11:45 pm by SJK
Well, the Yankees signed neither of our top 2 bench targets this offseason, Eric Hinske and Reed Johnson. Let the record show that Hinske signed for $1 million, and Randy Winn is reportedly getting close to $2 million. And Hinske is better.
Reed Johnson would have also been a better fit. He smashes lefties, provides better suck-it-tude insurance on Brett Gardner, and still gives you a really good LF glove. If Johnson signs for more than Winn, then so be it. Yanks are reportedly on a budget. But if Johnson signs for Winn money or less, then the front office missed the boat on this one.
With all this being said, Winn is an ok bench piece. He can still field like a mofo with a +20 UZR/150 in the OF last season, +16.6 in 2008 (although mainly in RF). His offense took a huge hit in 2009, dropping to a .671 OPS - a .120 point decline from both his 2008 and 2007 season lines. However, if it's one thing we learned from the Nick Swisher trade, it's clear that Cashman looks at line drive rates and BABIP. In 2009, Winn posted his highest line drive rate since that stat has been tracked, and at the same time posted one of the worst BABIP's of his career. Clearly, the FO is hoping for a bit of a bounceback. Winn also went 16/18 in SBs in 2009, so he brings that element.
So overall, Winn is an ok addition to the bench. (By the way, for the people speculating he's the starting LF, please stop it. That's a clearly dumb conclusion). If players like Hinske or Johnson weren't available, then we'd be fine with it. But Hinske signed for less money and is better, and Reed Johnson fills the Yankee need for a high-quality option against LHP.
This is a C+ signing.
*Props to Mick Shrimpton for also contributing to this post.
Maybe Reed Johnson wanted more money than the Yankees had to spend. You can’t call them out on it until Johnson’s finds a deal. Nady said he wanted $6MM from the Yankees and then signed for $3.3MM guaranteed.
The Yankees can afford to wait, but not all day. And if they say they like Winn as a ballplayer better than Johnson, I trust them.
I don’t think he’s the best either, but how many more games would Reed Johnson win the game over Randy Winn really?
*TEAR*
don’t cry Shelley you’ll always be my left fielder on xbox *tissue*
Randy Winn was worth 4.6 WAR in 08 and 1.7 in 09. Given the great glove and some bounce back RW will be well worth $2M
Randy Winn is garbage.
I can’t believe I am saying this, but I’d rather see Gardner start in LF over Winn.
Butcher, Gardner will most likely be starting. Did you read the post?
Yo, Randy Winn. Im really happy for you and Im’a let you finish, but Eric Hinske is one of the greatest bench players of all time.
can you say Tony Womack ?
Sign Rocco!!!!!!!!!!
Tony Womack for sure. This guy is going to K at a high rate, killing a rally before the turn over of the lineup.
I really hope Brett Gardner can do something this year.
I’m actually starting to think I’m going to miss Melky in the lineup.
Randy Winn’s salary will leave flexibility at the trade deadline. I’m not in love with the signing either, but it beats overpaying for Damon which would have put a stranglehold on this team, much the way I anticipate the current Posada contract doing in the too near future, if not already.
Randy Winn’s modest HR production really dropped in 09 Can we get him back on the juice with the Yanks?
I agree…Randy Winn should juice. So should Gardner. Hopefully someone is making this happen as we speak.
At least he won’t have to bat in the three hole… in front of Bengie .285 obp Cleanup Hitter Molina.
Ugh.
Actually, Winn has been a consistent player over the years.
Last year he completely lost the ability to hit the ball at Barry Bonds Field: .225 .289 .296 .585
And completely lost the ability to hit right-handed
.158 .184 .200 .384
Whoa!
Arm injury? What? Cashman must know something we dont about why he is gonna turn it around. Because we dont need another outfielder who can’t hit lefties.
WTF?!?!?! Randy Winn??? I’m puzzled by this move.
What’s the over/under on how long it takes NoMaas to start calling him Randolph Wynne
not that I mind
I jes’ like his last name, is all.
I was sitting on the patio, drinking kosher wine and listening to Neil Diamond’s Greatest Hits Album when I heard the news.
have to disagree that the MASH unit that is reed Johnson is better insurance for Gardner suck-it-tude than Winn. What insurance does he provide from the DL. I am not sure if I agree with Hinske being better either. I do however agree that Gardner is option 1 and I am fine with the great defensive OF that would develop with Gardner (CF) Granderson (LF) and Swish (RF). Bring Winn in for RF as a late inning replacement and if the ball is catchable it will find a glove.
I’d grade girls C+ too. Very overrated.