Matt Stairs
I heard a mention on the radio this morning that Matt Stairs could be someone who the Yankees would be interested in – given the Matsui injury.
Stairs played with Giambi for 5 years in Oakland. So, I’m sure that Jason would be able to speak to Cashman on him – if feedback is needed.
I’m not so sold on Stairs. And, this is funny to say now, because, for years, I’ve always had an interest in his career.
Back in 1991, Stairs was a hot prospect for the Expos – as a second baseman. I used to play rotisserie baseball in those days and always used to keep tabs on who I could grab before they became a star. He was on my radar for a while. But, in the case of Stairs, nothing really happened for him until 1997 – and by then he was an OF/DH (with Oakland).
Stairs can do some things at the plate – and he can play 1B, OF, or DH. But, he’s 38-years-old now. And, he’s more of a RF than a LF. (No way could he cover ground in LF at Yankee Stadium.)
I suppose that he could be an upgrade on Andy Phillips – if Phillips is only going to bat .175 this season. But, I don’t see Stairs as someone who the Yankees can plug into LF for the rest of the year.
That said, and given his age, if I’m the Yankees, I would not give up anything of value to acquire him.
No way on Stairs.
We’ve already got one fat, non-athletic guy who doesn’t really have a position in Giambi. But at least Giambi can rake.
I wouldn’t exactly call Giambi fat. And neither would you — to his face. He would probably calmly break you over his knee.
Even if we said we meant “phat”?