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July 12, 2007

Ty Wigginton

From the Post -

With Andy Phillips swinging a hot bat and Doug Mientkiewicz looking to return from wrist surgery early next month, the Yankees’ interest in Shea Hillenbrand hasn’t increased since the right-handed hitting first baseman was released by the Angels on Monday.

By going 10-for-22 (.455), Phillips has raised his average to .316. However, the Yankees never stop looking to improve, and if the right deal surfaces for the right pricethe Yankees will do it. So far, the asking price on switch- hitters Dmitri Young and Mark Teixeira has been far too high. That might change by the July 31 trading deadline, and the Yankees could be players.

A name to keep in mind is Tampa Bay utilityman Ty Wigginton. The Yankees inquired about him this past offseason. With experience at first, second and third base, he would offer roster versatility.

I've already shared some thoughts on Dmitri Young and Mark Teixeira. So, I'll pass on adding more on them for now.

But, I wanted to share some thoughts on Ty Wigginton.

I'll be honest, back in 2003, I hated Wigginton. I thought he was the poster kid for a no talent, over cocky, New York Mets player. In fact, when the Mets sent him off to the Pirates the following season, I took some satisfication in seeing his failure - because the guy got on my nerves so much.

However, since he's been with the Devil Rays, I've heard some amazing things about him. On a scale of 1 to 10, they say his "character" is an eleven. Reportedly, he's extremely down to earth and just wants to play hard and win. What's not to like about that, in a ballplayer?

So, in terms of my views on Wigginton, I've banged out a U-ie here. It's a true one-eighty. He seems like the type of player that could have a role on a championship team - in terms of his attitude and approach.

OK, that's on the man. What about the stats? Well, Wigginton can play first, third, and second (in a pinch). And, as a batter, he's around a league average performer.

That sounds a lot like Andy Phillips, doesn't it?

Therefore, in the end, the only reason why it would make sense for the Yankees to go after Ty Wigginton would be if they believed that Andy Phillips will not be a league average batter (over the long haul). Otherwise, it's six of one, half-dozen of the other here.

And, what do the Yankees think about Andy Phillips as a hitter? Only they know that, in terms of the truth. And, it's not something that they would disclose unless they go out and pick up someone else to play first this season (in place of Andy).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at July 12, 2007 08:44 AM

Comments

The Yankees organization believes Andy can't hit good breaking stuff from righthanders. Of course, he wouldn't be the only major leaguer who can't hit a curveball. However, in the limited ABs he's been given (small sample but large enough to make some conclusions), he hasn't shown the ability to exploit fastball situations when they do occur and do damage. If you can't hit breaking stuff, you've got to absolutely kill anything straight that's thrown to you. He doesn't...enough. That said, Torre has a predilection for "veteran-ness" and Wigginton qualifies as a veteran hitter. Of course, so did Craig Wilson and...well.

Posted by: JohnnyC [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2007 09:32 AM

If this means limiting Cairo's appearances, I think it's a good thing.

Posted by: Nick from Washington Heights [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2007 09:48 AM

How can you compare Andy Phillips and Ty Wigginton? Phillips, outside of a few hot streaks, has shown no ability to hit big-league pitching. Wigginton, in '06, hit 24 home runs and drove in 79 runs. He's having a similar year this year -- .269/.318/.441, with 13 home runs and 42 RBI (he's on pace for basically the same numbers).

Andy couldn't accomplish that in his dreams (no offense to a nice guy, but he's nowhere near the hitter Wigginton has shown he can be). Phillips is more nimble in the field, but in a perfect world Phillips would be Wigginton's defensive replacement and Cairo wouldn't be Phillip's.

Posted by: baileywalk [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 12, 2007 12:54 PM