How About Hank?
Let's face it, the Yankees' lineup is a bit short right now. Without Johnson and Granderson, the Yankees are a short on lefty power. Yes, Juan Miranda could provide some pop, but a better fit might be Hank Blalock.
Blalock is in the minors with Tampa right now and he is tearing the cover off the ball (.362/.419/.524 at AAA). He is a lefty who has always punished RHP (almost a .500 slugging % for his career) and he belted 25 HR's in the bigs last year. His agent is Scott Boras and Boras has said he will opt out of his Tampa contract unless he gets promoted this week.
He wouldn't cost much and he can play third and first, which offers more positional flexibility than Miranda. Plus unlike Miranda, he has hit in the majors and at 29, he shouldn't be washed up. If I were Brian Cashman, I would keep a close eye on what happens with him. If he opts out, the Yankees should get Mr. Boras on the phone and see if they can strike a deal.
Comments
Miranda is a good triple A player but not a good major league hitter or fielder.
Why would Texas, which is leading their division, be dealing anyone? Certainly they are waiting for Blalock to recover his lost form.
Jon Weber and Curtis are the obvious options for Miranda's replacement. Curtis is hitting well and Weber is .333 for the month of May. I'm pulling for Weber.
Posted by: Corey | May 14, 2010 09:37 AM |
Corey
Blalock isn't in Texas any more, he is in the minors for Tampa and has an opt-out he can exercise this week.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 14, 2010 10:28 AM
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You're right; should have read your post more carefully.
I still have an irrational need to see Weber get a chance.
Posted by: corey | May 14, 2010 02:38 PM |
Nothing irrational about it. You don't have a heart if you aren't rooting for that guy to get a callup at some point.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 14, 2010 02:57 PM
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Blalock would be a nice pickup assuming we can find room and the price is right cause Johnson is truly too brittle a guy. Blalock, when he's on, is a pure hitter.
I like tonight's lineup with Gardner hitting second - but I really think that they should never let Thames wear any kind of a glove except a batting glove. Seeing him in the OF makes me as crazy as I used to get seeing Damon out there.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 14, 2010 05:14 PM
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Couldn't agree more about Thames Mitchell and it's interesting that Girardi is putting him out there with a RHP on the mound. That's a pretty strong message he is sending to Randy Winn don't you think?
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 14, 2010 06:17 PM
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Yep, Peter, I think he's basically shouting at Winn with that move. I don't blame Girardi cause Winn has looked awful at the plate, just awful. It goes beyond his numbers so far, it's his demeanor when he's AB - he looks lost.
That's not to say that Blalock would be any better, but it's hard to imagine him being any worse than Winn. Blalock is what, 29? He's not failing physically - yet - I don't think - but who knows?
My guess is that the Red Sox might also take a run at Blalock though - they could use a power bat.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 14, 2010 06:28 PM
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I think the Yankees have to question whether Winn is all done. He's 36 and hit .262/.318/.352 last year. Throw in how he looks at the plate like you said Mitchell and I think the end of Winn's Yankees' career may be closing in.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 14, 2010 08:02 PM
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