The departures of Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera left the Yankees in dire need of some outfield depth. Signing Curtis Granderson helps a great deal, but more was desired. Someone else had to be brought in to compete with the young Brett Gardner and occasionally spell the slump-prone Nick Swisher. The rigors of the marathon baseball season take a toll on outfielders and having a competent fourth man off the bench is essential. The fact that Hideki Matsui physically couldn't put up with the demands of playing the field last season caused guys like Damon and Cabrera unnecessary levels of fatigue and injury.
That's where the next replacement enters the picture. Although it might not have been the most notable move, I think this was an excellent acquisition.
Randy Winn - The consummate professional. A savvy veteran entering his 12th year in the league and donning a new uniform for the fourth time in his career. Winn has solid defensive range and can play all outfield positions, he'll be able to spell any of the team's outfielders on any given day. A switch hitter that sports a career .286/.344/.418 batting line and knows how to make the most of his abilities. Hits from both sides of the plate equally well (.280 career vs. lefties, .288 vs righties). Even at the age of 35 he can still work the base paths - he stole 56 bases in 63 attempts over the past three years and has averaged 37 doubles per season over the past four. He has proved to be very durable over his career appearing in at least 149 games each year since 2002. His numbers did start to slip last season, but while with the Giants he was expected to be a major producer in the lineup, that no longer will be the case. His body should respond well to not having to be an everyday player. I believe he has a lot of wisdom he can impart on a guy like Brett Gardner and that's invaluable. Randy Winn is one of the few veterans out there that will take being a fourth outfielder in stride and that fact alone makes him a great signing. The team has lacked this type of veteran outfield depth for some time now and his positive presence will be a welcome site to fans and players alike.
No comments:
Post a Comment