Wild Thought: NRI Garret Anderson?
Posted by Steve L. on January 14th, 2009 · Comments (10)
Today’s wild thought…
…assuming that no one is willing to sign Garret Anderson, should the Yankees consider giving the long-time Angel a non-roster invite to their Spring Training camp?
Even at his age, Anderson is a league-average bat, thereabouts, these days. And, he’s been through the mill. So, it’s not like playing in New York should rattle him. From most reports, he’s a first-class guy as well.
He could be some nice insurance to have during the camp…in case Matsui has issues or if Damon, Swisher or Nady get hurt (or, if someone may be traded). And, if he makes the team, even as a bench player, that’s probably a better tool than some of the Yankees current options.
I would love to have Anderson as a pinch hitter and part time DH/Matsui injury replacement. Of course, that is assuming either Nady or Swisher gets traded or else I don’t really see any room for him.
What would be the Yankees bench right now?
Probably Nady/Swisher, Molina, Ransom/Berroa and Melky. Wouldn’t take Anderson unless there’s a trade first because he can’t really play defense anymore so you’d be stuck with Anderson and Matsui who are the exact same player (except Matsui might still have something more left in the bat). Even then I’d rather grab more of a situational slugger to provide some pop of the bench (and pref back up 3rd base).
Any chance Brandon Inge might be available?
But ideally, wouldn’t you want someone that can field his position? The Yanks already have 4 corner outfielders (Damon, Matsui, Nady, Swisher) so I don’t see what Anderson brings to the table.
Bringing him to spring training is fine but he doesn’t really fit in on the roster.
According to UZR/150, Anderson was pretty good with the leather in the OF last year.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2&position=OF
[...] Should the Yankees go after Garret Anderson? He is currently unsigned and the Yankees could definitely use him. A Spring Training invite couldn’t hurt. [...]
Brandon Inge has no stick.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t understand defensive metrics at all but I know what I saw and he looked slow as heck out there in LF.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t understand defensive metrics at all but I know what I saw and he looked slow as heck out there in LF.
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FWIW;
UZR/150 (ultimate zone rate per 150 games): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is, per 150 defensive games.
which leads to;
UZR (ultimate zone rating): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is in both range runs and error runs combined.
which leads to;
RngR (range runs): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is, determined by how the fielder is able to get to balls hit in his vicinity.
-and-
ErrR (error runs): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is, determined by the number of errors he makes as compared to an average fielder at that position given the same distribution of balls in play.
As for how this relates to Anderson, it appears he’s a capable LF’er, just don’t keep him out there too long; his defensive innings have declined every year since 2005, yet he has alternated between negative and positive UZR/150.
Anderson is a player in the twilight of his career, there is a reason that the Orange County Anaheim Angels of Cali let him fly. The Yanks have quite a few outfielders right now and bringing in a declining one even for a cheap price doesn’t make sense. Anderson isn’t necessarily gonna light the stadium on fire with his offense and even though they added Teix, I still have worries about the offense. I essence, I agree with MJ about the number of people they have playing that position. The only outfield move that would make sense would be gluttonous, obscene and ripped by everyone but that would solidify the offense if anything: Manram. He’s not the greatest fielder but boy can he hit. So if the Yanks want to still be pennywise and pound foolish, by all means get Manny, their payroll is still in the stratosphere
You guys do realize that Anderson would only be a pinch hitter and possible injury replacement. When you have a pinch hitter you want someone who can put the bat on the ball and Anderson is still one of the best at that. We aren’t talking about giving him 300+ at bats here unless someone gets hurt.