TBB Idea #5: Hinske could provide Power Punch

There isn't much on the Free Agent market available for general manager Neal Huntington in the power department. While Huntington is looking for a low-cost right-handed power bat, he knows that blocking any prospect would hurt the organization more than help it. Outfielders Steve Pearce, Nyjer Morgan and Brandon Moss could fight for spots in left and right, possibly even center if Nate McLouth is moved to a corner. Unfortunately, none of these players show any promising signs of Major League power... at least not anytime soon.

A name that keeps popping up in my research is outfielder Eric Hinske, who blasted his way to 20 homers in 133 games with the Tampa Bay Rays. Hinske has never hit for a high average, with a career BA of .254. Luckily, the Pirates aren't looking for a player who hits .275+. They need someone who could step in from the right side of the plate, but having Hinske from the left side would not be so bad either. Hinske's power capabilities are not easy to pass up. If seeing him take a pitch into deep right-center sounds good on paper, imagine what it would be like in reality.

Hinske has a career SLG of .438, which is pretty good considering half of his career has been from off the bench. In 2002-2003, Hinske played primarily third base for the Toronto Blue Jays. Hinske, though, was overmatched at the hot corner as he made a total of 42 errors over those two seasons. He made the switch from third to first base and the outfield thereafter, which greatly improved his defense. 

Richie Sexson is another low-cost possible power option. The first baseman (who could step into the outfield) split time between Seattle and New York and suffered a disastrous year. Sexson, who has never hit for average, smacked his way to a .221 BA with both of his clubs. He only hit 12 homeruns and brought in 36 RBIs compared to his 21/63 total from 2007. His career OBP is .344, and while his SLG has slipped under .400 the last three seasons, there was a time where Sexson was blasting 25, 30 bombs with the Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers. Sexson could make a triumphant return to power in 2009, and while his right-handed bat is needed on the Bucs squad, Hinske seems to be a better player fitting the needs of the organization.

Stick him at third. Stick him at first. Stick him in left or right. Hinske is one of those versatile players that is usually overlooked because of his poor BA and/or OBP. He has other important assets than just those two "commercialized" stats, and having a veteran like Eric on the club would be huge. I'd be more than content to see the 31 year-old as the Pirates everyday right-fielder, slotted somewhere in the 6-7 spots of the order.

I can't see Hinske signing for anything over $2 million, and with a contract request like that, you'd think Frank Coonelly would jump-forth at the opportunity. Trade candidates may open up for Jack Wilson, or maybe even Adam LaRoche, which may pave the way to some good hitters of Hinske's stature.