Yankees Get Hinske

Well the Yankees went out and got a bat: Eric Hinske. Via MLBTradeRumors:  

 "Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  reports that the Yankees acquired Eric Hinske from the Pirates for two minor leaguers, Eric Freyer and Casey Erickson. ESPN.com's Amy Nelson says the Yankees are also sending the Pirates cash."

I'm not sure this was the bat that the Yankees needed to get (or if they really needed to get a bat), but this is an interesting move for the Yankees as they acquire a player that they've coveted for a while now. I've coveted him for my sports betting. Hinske's line is .255/.373/.368 with one homerun and 11 RBIs in 106 ABs. Not exactly a bi g slugger. But he does provide insurance at 3B and can play both corners in the outfield and infield. 

For his career, Hinske is a much better hitter vs. righties than lefties. He's also a slightly better pinch hitter than when he starts (.833 OPS to .769 OPS).

I do wonder if it would have been better using these prospects to acquire a bullpen arm, but the Yankees felt they needed to upgrade their bench and have done so with this trade.