Eric Hinske: The Pointless Trade

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Hinske, essentially, will be taking the place of Ramiro Pena, who was the utility man, who generally covered the left side of the infield along with some second base. Hinske plays first and third base, along with all three outfield positions. 

This creates the first problem. Pena played second, third, and shortstop, and Hinske only plays one of those positions, third base.

Though Hinske plays all three outfield positions, the Yankees have Nick Swisher as a fourth outfielder, and the Yankees tend to alternate Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner as centerfields. This means that the Yankees have little or no need for Hinske in the outfield. 

Well, at least he can still play in the infield, right? Well, he can, but the Yankees just got Cody Ransom back from the 60-day DL, and my gut tells me that the Yankees will let him have a chance to play at third base, because in his first game back with the Bombers he went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI's.

There is also a man named Alex Rodriguez who plays third base, so Hinske will be competing for a backup job in which he will get little playing time, unless A-Rod further injures (knock on wood) his hip.

Hinske also plays first base, but the Yankees have Mark Teixiera as a starter, and Nick Swisher also plays 1st base when needed. So now, tell me, where's the need for this guy?

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