The Official Death of a Dream (and other notes)

Friend of the blog Larry Koestler said it best today:

I know it wasn’t in the cards this offseason, but I’m still sad that the Big Donkey will never be a Yankee

We learned yesterday that the Chicago White Sox plan to sign Adam Dunn to a contract worth up to four years and $56MM.

Sigh.

I first wanted Adam Dunn on the Yankees after the 2008 season. I know Hideki Matsui was around, but I thought Dunn could outproduce him and render Matsui a bench player. Dunn headed to the Nationals, though (and did quite well) and Matsui played as the Yankee DH and helped them win their 27th World Series title. So, at the end, I guess everything turned out well for both players and teams.

Still, it’s fun to think of what the Big Donkey could’ve done in Yankee Stadium. His ridiculously powerful left handed swing could’ve easily resulted in upwards of 40 homers per season in the Bronx. His incredible plate discipline and patience would’ve fit incredibly well in the middle of the Yankee order. Well, it’s not meant to be. Good luck in Chicago, Adam. I hope you mash against everyone except for the Yankees.

Other notes:

Not surprisingly, Dustin Moseley was non-tendered by the Yankees. I don’t expect him to ever be a part of the organization ever again. Thanks for….something?

Surprisingly, Alfredo Aceves was also non-tendered by the Yankees. Considering how high the Yankees have been on him in the past few years, this is surprising. However, as RAB suggested, it could be a roster-inspired move, since Aceves will likely be out for the first month or two of the season. Like Ben Kabak suggested, I expect the Yankees to sign Ace to a minor league deal.

Matt Diaz was also non-tendered by the Braves and I definitely think the Yankees should be in on him to play the “Marcus Thames” role in 2011. By that I mean the intended Marcus Thames role: sometimes OF who is there solely to mash left handed pitching. Diaz is coming off of a .319 wOBA year, but his IsoP was still a very good .188 and still managed a .352 wOBA against lefties. For his career, Mr. Daiz has a career .387 wOBA against lefties. He’s definitely a good buy low bench option for the Yankees.

Scott Hairston was also non-tendered by the Padres. Mike Axisa ran down his case yesterday and I am completely on board with Hairston. It’s likely, though, that he could get a starting job somewhere else. If not, the Yankees should be all over Scotty H.

On a personal note, on the off chance you’re reading this…Happy birthday to my sister Christine!

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