Yankees Interested in Jermaine Dye
by Scooter on 12/28/2009 in MLB Trade Rumors
The Yankees have a need for a left fielder now that Johnny Damon is no longer on the Christmas list. Jermaine Dye is 35 and will turn 36 next month. He had an off year in 2009 batting .250, but he did hit 27 homers for the Chicago White Sox.
The Yankees should platoon speedster Brett Gardner in left with newly acquired Hoffman, but the Yanks are looking for depth and a low priced player. I am not sure if the Yankees will get Dye for less than 6 million even though it’s for one year. The Yankees are buying time for the big prize (Carl Crawford) in next year’s free agent market.
The biggest concern is that Dye is not a good OF and left field in Yankee stadium is like playing center field. But was Damon any better? They could move Swisher to left and Dye to right as a possibility. You still have a 36 year old player that should be a DH, but that train left a long time ago after the Yankees acquired Nick Johnson.
Jermaine Dye’s bat would fit well behind Tex and A-Rod and would be an upgrade over Posada or Swisher. The Yankees could put Dye in left, and if they need defense to protect a game, they can opt to put in Gardner.
The Yankees should not be in any rush to obtain outfield depth. There will be many second-tier outfielders for them to choose from until the end of January. If they play their cards right by taking their time, the price tag for available outfielders will fall.
They could sign Nady, Dye, Marlon Byrd, Jerry Hairston or even Randy Winn. If I was a betting man, I bet on Dye.
What are your thoughts?
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John Angelo
Dec 29th, 2009
No way I would get Dye if I were the Yankees. He is 37 and he should be a DH and not a LF. The Yankees need to give Gardner a chance.
Commish
Dec 29th, 2009
John,
I believe it’s time the Yankees give Gardener a chance. He has tremendous speed and range and could be a plus for the team. Only time will tell and that’s what he needs.
billy
Jan 1st, 2010
No the yankees will not sign Jermaine Dye. This whole off-season the yankees couldnt stress fielding and the age of there core group enough. Signing Dye would go against both because Gardner is younger and is a whole lot better defensively then dye. Dye had an off year in 2009 and he could be on the decline. I think Cashman will lay off Dye and sign someone else or maybe trade for another LF. I have heard rumors that the yanks could trade for david dejesus and play him in LF. But i think the yankees need another legitimite power bat to protect Alex Rodriguez because i dont think swisher, posada, or cano can bat 5th. Matt Holliday would be perfect to a 4 year deal because he would fit perfectly in left field and can be a 30+ HR and bat above .300.
Commish
Jan 1st, 2010
Billy,
I agree with you 100%. It’s time to give Gardner a shot and keep the Yankees young. Thank you for commenting and I hope to read more from you.
Eddie
Jan 2nd, 2010
Billy and Commish,
I agree with you half way. I think the Yankees should give Brett Gardner a chance as a starter. He is young, fast, and has a great glove. Instead of putting Brett Gardner in Left Field, I would start him in center and move Curtis Granderson to left field. Plus, they wouldn’t have to spend any money and next year they can sign Carl Crawford as a right fielder.
Billy, they are not going to get Matt Holliday because they want Carl Crawford a million times more then they want Matt Holiday.
Back to the Brett Gardner talk, ok, so he won the starting center spot last year but didn’t play because he was hurt. He is a good guy on the field and can only get better. Just imagine the 2011 season with Curtis Granderson in Left, Brett Gardner in Center, and Carl Crawford in right. Plus after the 2011 season the yankees can cut ties with Nick swisher because he will cost 11+ million after that, his contract will only cost 500,000 to get rid of after 2011 and that sounds alot better then 11+ mill for a backup to Curtis, Carl, and Brett.
Commish
Jan 2nd, 2010
Eddie,
Welcome to MLBT and I agree with your comment. It would be one heck of an outfield in 2011 if they add Crawford. I think Gardner should start in left and not center, for now, but you never know how things turn out.
Eddie
Jan 2nd, 2010
Commish,
Ya, gardner in left would be good. I just want tat guy to start. He is better then alot of other people in the league, and his speed is something the yankees need in their lineup to be a second leadoff hitter at the bottom of the order.
Commish
Jan 2nd, 2010
Eddie,
Gardner’s speed will play a big role, if he gets on base. You can’t steal first.