From a recent BP chat, our old pal, Jay Jaffe:
Nick Stone (New York, NY): How do you see the Marcus Thames/Randy Winn/Jamie Hoffman situation shaking out? Do Thames and Winn have anything left in the tank, given last season’s fades? I would have though Thames would pinch hit and Winn would then take over to avoid exposing Thames’ glove (or lack thereof). Does this mean Hoffman will be returned to the Dodgers shortly?
JJ: First, I think this probably means Hoffman is going back to the Dodgers’ organization. I like the natural fit between Thames (a lefty-masher) and Winn (a switch hitter whose bat died vs. lefties last year) or Granderson (who’s struggled vs. southpaws lately as well), but it’s worth remembering you’re talking about fourth and fifth outfielders here, since Brett Gardner is projected to start somewhere, too.
The other good thing about Thames is that he can spot for Nick Johnson at DH against tough lefties, though the Stick has had at least some success against southpaws as well.
I agree with Jay. Winn & Thames are solid bench players. Hoffman goes back to the Dodgers, making the Bruney trade for naught.
Thames didn't have much of a fade last year, though, pretty typical season for him, really.
[1] Will Hoffman go back or make an audition with the big club while Thames is stashed in AAA?
[2] Hoffman will either go back or the Yanks will buy his rights from LA and send Hoffman to Triple-A.
[1] [2] There's also the "phantom injury" route for Hoffman to go. Or the Yanks could just buy his rights from the Dodgers.
When I first saw the picture, I thought the Yankees might be about to sign Kenny Powers... ;-)