Send Up the Bat Signal

Despite scoring 14 runs in last night's ball game, it's pretty clear to everyone (except Jim Kaat) that the Yankees are going to have to acquire another proficient bat if they expect to make the playoffs this season, let alone try to win a World Series.

Since Hideki Matsui joined Gary Sheffield on the shelf, every television, radio, newspaper, and internet pundit has tossed around basically the same group of names that the Yankees should, could, or would try to get. Some makes some sense; some make no sense at all.

Here's a quick review:

Alfonso Soriano - After his early season dispute over playing the outfield, Soriano has settled in and is putting up his usual numbers at the plate. Through 39 games he is batting .278 with 12 HRs and 25 RBI. He's stolen just 6 bases thus far, but has an astounding 9 walks. Soriano is batting just .255 at home, but has split his home run total evenly between home and the road. His adjustment to left field has not been easy, though he did lead the NL in outfield assists at one point.

Pros - Soriano has been here before. He's played under the pressure of NYC and George Steinbrenner. Soriano would add power and speed to the lineup. The Nationals won't be resigning Soriano and would like to move him for some youth.

Cons - If you think Soriano is having a tough time in left field now, wait until he tries playing the spacious left field in Yankee Stadium. Then again, Melky Cabrera is an outfielder and is having his own issues. Soriano has been much more productive out of the lead off spot, not something the Yankees need.

Yes/No/Maybe - Strong Maybe leaning towards Yes



Reggie Sanders - Sanders is in the first year of a two-year, $10 million contract. He's struggled so far, partially hampered by bad hamstring that kept him out of action for 8 days. Surrounded by a mediocre lineup, Sanders is hitting just .237-4-14.

Pros - Sanders brings a veteran, playoff-tested presence. He also strengthens the Yankees bench when and if Sheffield and/or Matsui can return.

Cons - Maybe age if finally catching up to Sanders who will be 39 in December. This is Sanders first season in the AL in his career.

Yes/No/Maybe - A definite Yes. Two thumbs way up.



Torii Hunter - Hunter has responded nicely this season after badly injuring his ankle last season. He's hitting .268 (one point above his career average) with 8 HR and 27 RBI. He's stolen only 2 bases thus far after topping the 20 mark four of the last five years.

Pros - Hunter is one of the best defensive players in the game. He's a leader and has playoff experience. Hunter is in the final year of his current deal and the Twins may want to move him, even with the possibility of bringing him back in the off-season. His first name has two "i"'s.

Cons - The Yankees gave Johnny Damon a huge contract in the off-season to play center field. While Damon has been quoted as saying he would move to left if the Twins signed Hunter in the coming off-season (Damon obviously forgot about Matsui), it doesn't make a lot of sense to make that move now. And you certainly are not going to move Hunter to left field. The Yankees really need someone who will hit for a higher average, not just knock in runs. Probably the biggest obstacle in acquiring Hunter will be how much the Twins want in return.

Yes/No/Maybe - No




Shannon Stewart - Stewart is hitting .303-2-17 in his fourth full season in Minnesota.

Pros - Stewart is a lifetime .300 hitter and a sparkplug at the top of the lineup.

Cons - The Yankees don't need another table setter, they need a busboy to clean up. Stewart's arm is as weak, if not weaker, than Johnny Damon and Bernie Williams. Stewart has played more than 100 games only once since 2002 and constantly misses time with hamstring injuries.

Yes/No/Maybe - a big No




Bobby Abreu - has had a slow start to the 2006 season. Despite the Phillies recent success, Abreu is hitting just .257-4-23 and 5 stolen bases. A 4-31 slump dropped his average from .302.

Pros - Abreu is a .302 lifetime hitter who has averaged 24 HRs, 96 RBI, and 30 stolen bases over the last 7 seasons. Abreu is a good right fielder and is still only 32 years old. Abreu is in the 3rd year of an expensive 5-year contract and the Phils may want to unload that money. Abreu stands to make $13 million this season and $15 million in 2007. There's also a $16 million option for 2008 with a $2 million buyout. The Phillies are short on pitching and need that more than they need Abreu in the lineup.

Cons - Abreu has played his whole career in the National League after he was dealt from Tampa Bay (had selected him from Houston in the expansion draft) to the Phillies for Kevin Stocker. Abreu was tearing the ball up prior to last year's All-Star Break, batting .307-18-58 in 89 games. After winning the home run contest, Abreu hit just .260-6-44 over the final 73 games of the season. Throw in this season to date and Abreu has smacked just 10 home runs in his last 109 games. Do the Yankees want to give up chips and cash for a player that may suddenly be on the decline. The biggest obstacle is the Phillies have a real chance to compete this year and removing one of their key cogs could really hurt them.

Yes/No/Maybe - Yes - but only if the Phillies pick up a good chunk of the salary and the Yankees don't have to part with too many prospects.

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