The Sommer Frieze

Recently I heard and read some Jermaine Dye talk regarding the LF situation for the Yanks—which I immediately dismissed.

The question is, how did it come up in the first place?

For one thing, Dye turns 36 next month, meaning he is just 10 weeks or so younger than Johnny Damon.

Dye has played 27 games in LF in his career, as opposed to 1671 in RF.

Many think he is more suited for DH right now. Let alone LF in Yankee Stadium.

Dye did slow a bit last year (.250-27-81, OPS+ 103). He’s been a good player in his career, .274 with 325 HR, OPS+ 111. WS MVP 2005. But he made $11M in 2009. How much of a cut would he take? I don’t think he would take much of a cut, much like Damon wouldn’t take one.

If you were going to bring in Dye, who has little LF experience, wouldn’t you just have kept Damon?

I placed (and place) very little credence to the Dye talk. Can’t see it, especially for the age and the fact that almost all of his OF experience is on the other side of the diamond….not to mention the salary. After all, Cashman said LF wouldn’t be significant. Dye, even though he is slowing, is still a significant name.      

No, I don’t see Dye in Yankees pinstripes.