Update: 5:15PM ET: Cashman states that they are “not on Jim Edmonds at all.” He also said that the team has “had no discussions on Jermaine Dye.”
The Yankees contacted Jim Edmonds not too long ago, who said he wants to play in 2010 and would consider playing in New York. “That’s a pretty nice situation over there,” he said.
The Yankees are looking to sign a left fielder, so it’s not as crazy as it sounds. The reason why many will question Edmonds is because he didn’t even play during the 2009 baseball season and that’s totally understandable. Edmonds will be turning 40 this season, but he did hit 20 home runs in ’08 (.235, 20 hrs, .822 ops). On another note, he hasn’t had a batting average above .260 since 2005. He will be moving back to the American League, which has superior pitching. He’s gotten older since then and we don’t know if he will even be able to reproduce the season he had in Chicago.
Edmonds was known as one of the best center fielders in the game at one time, but that was years ago. The guy was one hell of an outfielder, but his age and time away from the game have probably diminished his defense even more. The move from center field to left would probably benefit him (because of lost range), but I just don’t see this happening.
He has stated that he is willing to take the league minimum to prove he could play. He’s definitely an upgrade on the offense side over Gardner, but I rather have Johnny Damon return. If I had to pick between Edmonds and Reed Johnson, that would be another story. If they wanted to go after him about a possible minor-league deal, then that wouldn’t be too bad because there’s really no risk. Other than that, there really isn’t any reason to get him.
Do we really want this guy? What do you guys think? (more…)