Understanding the addition of Marcus Thames

NOTE – This was written just prior to the Thames signing, but it still works to support the addition.
The following is an excerpt from a recent ESPN article by Mathew Carruth titled “The Perils of Pinch-Hitting.”
In 2009, major league pinch-hitters hit a combined .225/.315/.353, significantly worse than their starting counterparts, who hit .264/.334/.421. That’s not [...]

Morning Bits: Baldelli, Gomes, WAR, FanGraphs

Here are a few noteworthy items on the morning:

Rocco Baldelli’s cousin, along with 4 others, died tragically Saturday night in a house fire.
The Indians might be looking at Jonny Gomes as a possible addition to their 2010 ballclub.
Following my post on Jim Caple’s piece yesterday, here’s a nice read on the utility of WAR.
Last but [...]

Reed Johnson set to join the Dodgers

According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Reed Johnson, who had been linked to the Yankees for much of the offseason, is close to a deal with the Joe Torre’s Dodgers. It appears as though the Dodgers could employ Johnson as a late-inning defensive replacement for Manny Ramirez or Andre Ethier as neither is very adept [...]

Quick Bits: CC, Jeter, Baldelli, Bernier, Damon

Like clockwork, here are a few quick items on the morning:

Earlier this week, CC Sabathia accepted the Warren Spahn Award as baseball’s top southpaw.
Yesterday, Derek Jeter hosted his 7th annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Tampa for his Turn 2 foundation.
Rocco Baldelli, a possible right-handed bench option for the Yankees, is patiently awaiting an offer.
Doug Bernier, [...]

Randy Winn is not the starting LF for NY

Note the following from Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman:
Free agent Johnny Damon isn’t upset about being unemployed. Not at all. He is spending time with his four kids and he is staying in playing shape, waiting for the right call to come, from a team with a deal he likes.
“I know what kind of player I [...]

Winn signing makes more sense if…

On Wednesday, in a move that will draw the ire of fans well into the regular season, the Yankees signed the 35-year old Randy Winn to a one-year deal worth $2 million. Now, while I do not despise the addition – Winn will rebound (to some degree) after a poor 2009 campaign, in which his [...]

Quick Bits: Damon, Edmonds, Baldelli, Thames

Here are a few quick items on the afternoon:

The fallout from the Johnny Damon-Yankees divorce has been, in one word, messy.
Jim Edmonds, who had been linked to NY, has signed a minor-league deal with Milwaukee.
If the Yanks still want to add Rocco Baldelli this winter, they might have to compete with Texas.
The Yankees could take [...]

Outfield Bits: Xavier Nady, Rocco Baldelli

Here are a few quick outfield-related items on the day:

Scott Boras says that his client, Xavier Nady, will be ready for spring training.
In the same FOX Sports article, we learn that the Cubs are interested in Nady.
Mark Bowman thinks that the Braves may also have an interest in signing Nady.
Mark Topkin writes that the Yankees [...]

Baldelli not worried about where he’ll end up

While Rocco Baldelli was falsely rumored to be headed to the Yankees over the weekend, the injury-plagued outfielder could very well wind up in the Bronx if other, more attractive options – namely, Johnny Damon and perhaps Reed Johnson – fall through. Baldelli’s defensive prowess and strong right-handed bat – .295/.346/.485 versus lefties – would [...]

Poll: Which right-handed bat do you prefer?

Which right-handed bat would you prefer? Splits vs. lefties included.
If you don’t like the options listed above, feel free to propose others.

Baldelli to the Yankees rumor false

Earlier in the morning, RAB noticed a Facebook page, supposedly the Facebook page of Rocco Baldelli, which stated that the free agent had reached an agreement with the Yankees (presumably as a right-handed platoon player). Yesterday, I posted about a report by Pete Caldera claiming that Baldelli and the Yankees had “some mutual interest” in [...]

Left Field Bits: Damon, Hairston, Baldelli

Here’s a quick recap of two noteworthy items from last night, plus a new bit:

According to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman, the Tigers could go after Johnny Damon for left field.
According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Mets have touched base with the versatile Jerry Hairston Jr.
According to Pete Caldera, there is “some mutual interest” between [...]

Cashman: Brett Gardner is our left fielder

If you’re like Jason Bay and fully expect the Yankees and Johnny Damon to resolve their contractual differences, reach an agreement this month, and reunite for the 2010 season, then you might be disappointed by the following post.
Yesterday, Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record spoke briefly with GM Brian Cashman and, from that abbreviated conversation, [...]

Quick Bits: BOA, Baldelli, Joba

Here are a few quick reads on the day:
1. The economy has shifted the Yankees’ relationship with long-time sponsor, Bank of America.
2. Rocco Baldelli’s medical file is over 3,000 pages in length.
3. Joba Chamberlain is taking a Nebraska student to Disney World.

Sox close to signing Baldelli and… John Smoltz

Nick Cafardo has the news (via MLBTR). Mark Bowman (MLB) confirms that the Smoltz deal will likely happen by tomorrow. Smoltz would be great for the Red Sox. I could picture him in a Boston uniform, too (which is sad).
He won’t be ready until late May (early June).

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