Tuesday, August 22, 2006
MEET THE NEW SOX
#12 Eric Hinske
Proper Name: Eric Scott Hinske
Born: August 5, 1977
Menasha, WI
Height: 6-2
Weight: 235 lbs.
Age: 29
Pronounced: hin-SKI
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Pos: RF/3B/1B/DH
Experience: 4 years
2006 Salary: $4,425,000
College: Arkansas
Transactions:
June 2, 1998: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 17th round of the 1998 amateur draft. Player signed June 17, 1998.
March 28, 2001: Traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Oakland Athletics for Miguel Cairo.
December 7, 2001: Traded by the Oakland Athletics with Justin Miller to the Toronto Blue Jays for Billy Koch.
Career Highlights:
Was named AL Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA ... Is the second Blue Jay to receive the award (Alfredo Griffin-1979 co-winner with John Castino of Minnesota)... Was also named ‘AL Rookie of the Year‘ by the Players Association and The Sporting News ... Was named to the TOPPS ML ‘Rookie All-Star Team‘ ... Set club rookie records for runs (99), doubles (38), home runs (24), RBI (84), total bases (272), extra-base hits (64), walks (77)... Led ML rookies in home runs, RBI, multi-hit games (48), runs, hits (158), total bases, doubles ...
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
Boston, which initiated the talks, is picking up the $1.1 million US remaining on Hinske's 2006 salary of $4.425 million while the clubs will split the $5.6 million he's due next season. At $2.8 million in 2007, he has a very reasonable contract for a poor man's Trot Nixon, if you will; A left handed, patient power bat. This likely spells the end of rich man's Trot's days in Boston after the 2006 season, and casts doubt on his ability to return anytime soon. A Wily Mo/Hinske platoon in right field now looks likely, with Hinske also getting in the lineup at 1b and LF. If Manny Ramirez is moved for Alex Rodriguez in the offseason, as is the the hot rumor in New York right now, then Hinske and Wily Mo could be your 2007 corner sluggers.
