Mark DeRosa, that plucky, “gritty-gutty” delight with pop in his bat, has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. The Yankees are still looking for a left fielder, or a part-time left fielder. According to Anthony McCarron in the Daily News:
“There’s plenty of time,” the official said. “There’s no hurry. And there are a ton of outfielders out there. We are just tweaking at this point. We’ll sign an outfielder between now and spring training.”
Two team officials said the Yankees have no interest in Jermaine Dye, whom they have been linked to in reports. Last week, Cashman said that even Xavier Nady, who is coming off elbow surgery, likely would be too expensive for them.
Yesterday, Joseph Pawlikowski, of the indefatigable River Ave Blues crew, took a look at Jermaine Dye:
In 2009 Dye posted his worst offensive season since an injury riddled 2003. His power faded, as his .203 ISO was his lowest since 2004, and a .044 drop-off from 2008. His BABIP fell to .269, his lowest in a decade, apparently driven by an alarmingly low line drive percentage, 16.9, again his lowest since 2003. Defense has never been a strength, and over the past four seasons he’s posted a lower than -21 UZR/150.
There are some indicators, however, that Dye could bounce back from his poor season. While he hit fewer line drives, they turned almost exclusively into ground balls. His 43.6 fly ball percentage nearly matched his 2008 mark. Also nearly equal was his HR/FB ratio, at 15.6 percent, just a tick down from his 16 percent mark in 2008. Most of his power loss came in the gaps, as he hit just 19 doubles in 2009. Despite the down year he still hit 27 home runs. He also greatly increased his walk percentage, to 11.3 percent. Because of that he posted a .340 OBP, impressive considering his .250 batting average.
Considering the risks attached to Dye, combined with his poor defense, I wonder if the Yankees would also consider Eric Hinske. A much cheaper option, Hinske could probably post numbers similar to Dye in 2010, on offense and defense. UZR likes Hinske a lot more than Dye rating him positive at all but one position, third base, throughout his career. That doesn’t quite pass the eye test — Hinske seemed a butcher in the outfield last season, but I think it’s a safe bet he’s better than Dye.
The Yankees have played possum before, claiming to be finished only to swoop down at the last moment to nab a big ticket free agent. I don’t see that happening this winter, though, not with left field. They are already loaded and the free agent class of 2010 is ripe with talented options. I see them going with a guy like Reed Johnson or even Eric Hinske. If there weren’t willing to go two years, $12 million for Mark DeRosa, then Damon, Bay and Holliday are jut not in the picture.
Nu?
For the bucks, Hinske looks like a fine deal. And while his D sucks at 3rd base, I wish the Yankees would work him hard at the corner. When ARod sits, it would be nice to have Hinske as an option over Pena.
Disappointed in Johnny D..how much more bread does he need? Just sign 2 for 18 an get ready to Repeat! I like Dye but not his trends..Nady too expensive?? Why?
This hot stove is boring me to death..thankfully 3 more Jose Saramago books and season 3 of Mad Men to keep the evenings occupied..those dastardly Brits are going to wreak havoc at Sterling Cooper I feel! Oh well, as long as Joan keeps wearing those dresses..watching her walk down the hall..I imagine I may feel the same sense of awe if I were to ever get to the great pyramids in Cairo...maybe...
OK Jazz, Damon won't GET 2 for 18 from us now. That train left the station. I think it is wrong to be disappointed, and unfair to say 'how much does he need' ... no player needs to sign for undermarket. The issue is that he may have misread (or Borat did, for him) the market.
Yankees will sign someone for 3 million. That's the Cashman regime, and I think he means it. And I think they are ready to give Gardy a shot. Things can change midway if there are injuries or woesful ineptitude (see Gardy, above!).
Mad Men is great. Joan transcendent, monumental. Saramago is a monumental jerk (and worse), but I'm not going to get all political here on the banter in holiday season!
Yankees offered JD 2/$14. JD countered with 2/$20. Yankees said no. Frankly, now, I'm not sure they are even interested in 2/$14 anymore. For me, the 2nd year seems unnecessary. I might go 1/$8 for this year.
Last year JD litterally had a career year OPS+ wise. His OPS+ of 126 has to be compared to his career line of 105. At 126 (doubtful), he obviously helps us in 2010. At 106, with his poor D, he is hardly more helpful then Gardner.
I think we will just move on without him.
Maybe SanFran will overpay him (like every player they sign).
[2] JD may have been more effected by (or more rudely awakened by) the whole Madoff mess than he's willing to admit, which would make him a perfect fit for the Mets at this point. It does seem like he adopted Boras' mantra as his personal chant years ago, but I'm not in a position to criticize a man who can make a million dollars a year if he wants to.
For whatever reason, it is great to see that the days of the Yankees overpaying for washed-up veterans is over, at least for now. I wonder what the conversations are like these days between Johnny and Boras.
[4] I think Cashman did the same math. No way Johnny comes close to last year's contract-career year regardless of where he plays. I'd bet on it.
I already have the name for the Fan Club of the newest Met .... The Bay Citi Rollers.
[3] Hey Horace, always glad to find another worshiper at the Temple of Joan!
Don't know anything about Saramago personally (i heard he is not well admired in his native Portugal) but what a writer! Never encountered novels like his before, hypnotic and beautiful.
[3] Well, the being a communist thing..many great artists were at one point. I'm not sure how much his political affiliations has affected his writing. The visit to the West Bank and his subsequent comments..well, they may be provocative but nothing that hasn't been said by dissenting Israelis either..