The time has come to wrap up The Replacements series. While the big acquisitions have been discussed in detail, I'm going to do a quick overview of the two moves that might have been overlooked.
Boone Logan - A 25-year-old lefty acquired in the Javier Vazquez deal. His numbers in the big leagues are just bad - In four seasons he has a 5.78 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 127 career innings pitched. Those numbers indicate that he's been a borderline bullpen option. The Yankees already have a trustworthy lefty in the pen in Damaso Marte, so Logan was added just to give Joe Girardi another left-handed option if he feels the need for one. With Phil Coke and Mike Dunn gone there really aren't any other options. Logan is a lefty specialist, he's held lefties to a .266 batting average over his career, but improved that number to .231 last season with the Braves. He's got quality stuff (88-90 mph fastball, good curve and decent slider) and looks to induce ground balls, but he has inconsistent control and command. Has always had the talent to succeed and has shown flashes, but hasn't fully learned how to pitch at this level yet. Logan is still young so he's worth a shot and the Yankees are hopeful he can carve out a role for himself.
Marcus Thames - Agreed to a minor league contract that would be worth $900,000 over one-year if he's added to the 40-man roster. A former Yankee draft pick who was last with the team in 2002. Brought in to further stabilize outfield depth with a veteran presence. Owns a career .243 batting average, strikes out way too much and doesn't walk enough. Thames has tremendous power, he has averaged 21 homers per season over the past four years despite only averaging 97 games played over that stretch. Since 2006 he has averaged one home run every 14.52 at-bats. He absolutely crushes lefties, has 40 homers in 620 career at-bats against left-handers. If he makes the roster, he'll be a very good source of power off the bench and should be a solid pinch hitter against lefties.
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