Kevin Mench
Posted by Steve L. on February 4th, 2008 · Comments (4)
Via Ed Price -
The Yankees have interest in free agent Kevin Mench as a fifth outfielder, according to a person with knowledge of discussions who asked not to be named because no deal has been struck.
Mench, 30, would probably go to Yankees camp on a minor-league contract. But he give the Yankees a right-handed option in the outfield, where Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu are lefties and Melky Cabrera is a switch-hitter. Shelley Duncan is right-handed but could win the first-base job.
Back in July 2006, when it was rumored the Yanks were interested in Mench, I was for it. Since he still punishes LHP, I wouldn’t mind seeing him come to camp. He’s a better option than Jason Lane.
On a minor league deal, I’m all for it. Cashman is stockpiling some nice reserves with guys like Lane, Ensberg and if he pulls this trigger, Mench, in case someone goes down. If these guys come up and play well (or even play well in AAA) you can trade them for teams in need in July and maybe end up with some useful parts (like in the bullpen.) Hard not to like this if they do it.
Not exactly sure where he fits in, but I like Mench. I know he’s been a disappointment since leaving Texas, but I’m surprised there’s so little interest in him.
I think Cash is now able to take a different approach to putting a bench together because he now has a manager who he knows will actually play guys based on merit rather than veteraness or favoritism.
I think Cash is now able to take a different approach to putting a bench together because he now has a manager who he knows will actually play guys based on merit rather than veteraness or favoritism.
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It’s a bit difficult, given the durability of the starters, but I feel Cashman has done well during the season building a bench.