Yanks get Hinske for 2 minor leaguers

By: Mike Sommer

The Yanks traded two minor leaguers, both in A ball, to Pittsburgh for Eric Hinske today.

The move gives the Yanks some versatility and extra power. Hinske knows the AL East, having played for the Blue Jays (ROY 2002), Red Sox (on the 2007 WS winners) and Rays (last year’s AL champs). So he comes with postseason experience, always welcome. A lefty hitter, he could see some nice playing time at the new Stadium. I don’t see this move impacting Damon, but do wonder about Swisher and particularly Matsui.

Hinske was at .255-1-11 in 106 AB for the Pirates this year. OPS+ 103. For his career, he is a .254 hitter with 106 HR. 162 g. average .254-18-69-10sb, OPS+ 100. He had 24 HR in his ROY year of 2002 with Toronto, and 20 last year with the Rays. He even has hit double digits in SB in a year four times. He can play LF, RF, 1B and 3B and, of course, DH.  

It remains to be seen who gets sent down. Of course now you have both Swisher and Hinske who can play 1B, RF and LF. It looks like Ramiro Pena may be sent down to get more playing time, with the Yanks keeping Ransom for 2b and SS backup. It appears like a key for Hinske may be that he can play 3B. I would hope so anyway, despite the fact that Hinske hasn’t played much 3B since 2004. With the Yankee Stadium “jetstream” to RF, Hinske would be a nice option for 3B on those days when you have to give A-Rod and his hip a day off. Definitely more pop than a Berroa (DFA’d), Ransom or Pena.

I do like the flexibility he brings, but I also wonder how they plan to squeeze HInske’s bat into the lineup. As for Pena, I’d like to see him stay and Ransom go, but see the need not to hinder the kid’s (23, soon to be 24) development on the bench.

As for the youngsters given up, OF Eric Fryer was at High-A Tampa, hitting .250-2-24 with 11 sb. P Casey Erickson was 3-3, 2.25 at low-A Charleston.

So neither prospect was above A ball. It remains to be seen how they develop or if this trade will come back to haunt the Yanks.

As of now, it looks like a good deal…. but you never know. Hinske turns 32 in August.        

Sommer Frieze is a blog dedicated (mainly) to the Yankees. I'll touch on other things as well and the blog (as much as possible) will not only have Yankees news but also follow the Yanks' farm teams. Come visit at Sommer Frieze.

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