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December 02, 2005
Henn & Proctor For Pierre
From the New York Post:
The last time Juan Pierre played center field in Yankee Stadium, he helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series. Now, Pierre could be returning to The Bronx as the Yankees’ center-fielder. The cash-dumping Marlins have asked for lefty Sean Henn and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor for Pierre, and the Yankees didn’t reject the offer.
I would trade Proctor for a piss warm beer on a steamy hot August afternoon. So, he doesn't bother me here.
Henn, on the other hand, I'm on the fence about. Based on last season, I like him - and would want to see him in AAA for the full year in 2006 before letting him go. But, overall, I have to remind myself that he's going to be 25 next April - and had bad elbow problems in 2002 and shoulder problems in 2003. So, basically, it's only the last two years that he's been able to take the hill. So, he may need another two full seasons at Triple-A to get his skills down - and then he's 27.
It can go either way on Henn, to be honest.
But, Pierre, gosh, why? He's not a great ranging CF, does not have a strong arm, and his probably the worst batting full-time CF in the major leagues. If you don't believe me, ask the Sabermetric Baseball Encyclopedia:
Now, on the plus-side, Pierre is very durable and a true pest on the bases. And, in reality, on the Yankees, he could bat 9th (if Torre was smart) and the team could carry his lack of bat. It's not like Pierre is Tony-Womack-like-bad at the plate. Juan is Darin-Erstad-like, offensively, that's all.
But, you know the Yankees would do something stupid and bat him lead-off. Plus, again, he's not going to help the pitchers in the field - which is what you want when the guy has no stick.
Bubba Crosby can chase them down in CF. I'm guessing that the Yankees are so unsure about his bat - and fearing that he could be even worse than a Pierre-type at the plate - that they would consider this deal.
OK, that's everything that I got at this moment. What's my final answer? Shockingly, I would do this deal under two conditions.
First, the lock-promise that the Yankees would bat Pierre 9th in the line-up - and that's it. Secondly, some bad news on the long-term health-risk of Henn that only the Yankees know.
If New York is worried about Henn being able to stay sound, and is smart enough to know that you do not bat a .280-hitter who never walks in the one-hole, then maybe I would not bitch about this deal over the next 11 months.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at December 2, 2005 08:34 AM
Comments
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/pierrju01.shtml
It's not like he brings anything to the table in terms of defense (rate2) either.
Honestly, I wouldn't do it if you have to add Henn - if it was Proctor straight up - no problem, there are tons of guys who throw hard but straight all over the minors. But Henn...I realize he didn't show much last year in the majors BUT he had just pitched in AAA for the first time in 2005 AND he's a 24 year old LEFTY starter who has averaged around 7 Ks per 9 in the minors. He can be good enough for the Yanks - just give him some time...besides, if he gets traded, Jorge DePaula is our best starter "ready" to come out of the minors.
Posted by: James Varghese ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at December 2, 2005 09:48 AM
This Post story taunts me again by mentioning Gathright. He's raw...his speed will make up for it!!! He's faster than Crawford!
Posted by: Jason O. at December 2, 2005 10:41 AM
Agreed, and JG can go get them in CF. That's all NY needs.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at December 2, 2005 11:07 AM
Steve, your tables always disappear into the right margin of the main page viewed in Firefox - linux or XP. On the page for the individual post I can see the full table.
Posted by: rilkefan at December 2, 2005 04:14 PM
This trade goes down, Cashman needs to be smacked.
Posted by: Raf at December 3, 2005 12:49 PM