(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
For all of the criticisms about the circumstances in which the Yankees were in when they traded for Hinske, he's not even that good. Despite being the Rookie of the Year in 2002 with Toronto, a season in which he hit .279 with 24 home runs and 84 RBI's, he hasn't yet lived up to that rookie season.
Since 2002, his highest batting average has been .271, his highest Home Run total has been 20, and his highest RBI total has been 69. Though he is a decent power hitter, he won't provide much offensive production for the Yankees.
I want to take this time to compare Hinske with Pena, the man Hinske will ultimately be replacing. Though Hinske had a few more RBI's than Pena, Hinske had 20 more at-bats than Pena. Plus, Pena's batting average was .012 points higher than Hinske (Hinske=.255, Pena=.267).
Though these are minor differences, it shows that Hinske, if an upgrade at all, is not much of an upgrade. Also, Pena is a rookie, and is extremely motivated to play for playing time, as well as, though a little bit down the road, a contract. Hinske, a seasoned veteran, is obviously motivated for playing time, but he can't replace the motivation of playing for a contract as a rookie.
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