On Second Thought, Hairston Deal Not Bad

My gut reaction was off on the Jerry Hairston, Jr. deal. I was upset that the Red Sox had gone out and plugged their biggest hole as did the Tigers. But once I thought about the Hairston trade more, I realized it was a good deal.



There was a rumor on Twitter that the Yankees had traded top OF prospect Austin Jackson in this deal which led me to my initial disapproval. But it ended up that all they gave away was a single A catcher with a .318 OBP. This is a good move for the Yanks: dealing from a position of strength.



The Yankees have Austin Romine, Jesus Montero, Francisco Cervelli, and Gary Sanchez in the minors. The Yankees have done a great job stockpiling at a position to create strength from which to deal.



And here they got a very useful part. Hairston plays all three OF positions as well as 3 INF positions. That makes him a much more useful part than Cody Ransom who can only play the INF and is a much better hitter. It also gives them a backup while Brett Gardner is on the Disabled List.



Overall, I think the Yankees did OK. They needed a starting pitcher but still may be able to get someone during the waiver period. But they got two very useful parts in Jerry Hairston and Eric Hinske. And usually it is parts like those that create success in the playoffs.





-Andrew