The Yankees returned Rule 5 selection Jamie Hoffmann to the Dodgers today, completing what was a fairly disappointing spring training with the Yankees for the 25 year old prospect. Hoffmann went just 3-23 for the Yankees, and was unable to wrest a position on the team away from the equally horrendous Marcus Thames (3-28). The Yankees likely decided that they had enough speed and defense out there with Brett Gardner and Randy Winn, and chose to take Thames’ power bat. However, that does not mean that the Yankees are done with Hoffmann.
Mark Feinsand is reporting that there have been whispers in recent weeks about the Yankees sending Sergio Mitre or Chad Gaudin to the Dodgers for the rights to Hoffmann, so that the club could stash him at AAA without any of the Rule 5 constraints. Now, I am not sure if these whispers were from within the organization or if they stem from the suggestions made on this issue by bloggers, so I am not certain what to expect. I would not be averse to such a move, as the Yankees clearly like Hoffmann and have surplus pitching depth. If they think Hoffmann can help the major league club soon, then it is a move that they should pursue.
The outfield at SWB is already pretty crowded with about 6 different prospects. I don’t know if any of them are as good asHoffman, but they would certainly have to rearrange things there in order to accomodate him at AAA.
On a different, but related note, does anyone have an idea of whether Kroenke and Teixeira are coming back or not? dutchsailor(Quote)
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Another genius move by Cashman.Give away a guy who throws 96 off an injury plagued season for an OF’er and then go sign 2 guys who make him unnecessary. leftylarry(Quote)
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Moshe Mandel Reply:
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:51 pm
They were almost certainly going to non-tender Bruney. They tried to get something for nothing, it didnt work out. Moshe Mandel(Quote)
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Steve S. Reply:
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Mo, I get that. But effectively trading Brian Bruney AND Sergio Mitre for a Rule 5 guy who didn’t even make the team would be overpaying and represent poor planning. I don’t see how Cash could sell that. Even if Hoffman was the best offer you got, I think you need to look elsewhere just to save face. Steve S.(Quote)
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I am thinking that it wasn’t Thames that beat Hoffman out, but rather the good play of the other young outfielders. The team may have once been worried that there were not enough interesting outfielders in AAA after Jackson was dealt; it turns out that there are now a few such guys, thanks to the improvement by Curtis and the hot hitting of a few other guys who were signed this season. Tom Swift(Quote)
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Ken (OR) Reply:
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I am thinking that it wasn’t Thames that beat Hoffman out, but rather the good play of the other young outfielders. The team may have once been worried that there were not enough interesting outfielders in AAA after Jackson was dealt; it turns out that there are now a few such guys, thanks to the improvement by Curtis and the hot hitting of a few other guys who were signed this season.
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Very good Tom…good thinking! It looks to me, as though you just made the right call, we’ll see! Ken (OR)(Quote)
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bornwithpinstripes Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
we will be stuck with thames until he just is unbearable. bornwithpinstripes(Quote)
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bornwithpinstripes Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
how is ajax hitting this spring. hmmm .383.i hope the kid has a big year.. i was sorry to see him dealt bornwithpinstripes(Quote)
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The minute they signed Winn, Hoffman was doomed. -Leftylarry(Quote)
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I impressed with your great post with nice contents……. Get Him Back(Quote)
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