The Pirates have come to an agreement with free agent utility player Eric Hinske. Dejan reports that the deal is worth $1.5 million, with incentives that could add an additional $1 million. FanGraphs had Hinske at a value of 2 wins in 2008, a performance that would be worth $8.8 million in free agency. I doubt Hinske will match that output again this season, but he should produce enough to make his contract a good value. A nice signing for the Pirates.
The contract should be officially announced tomorrow, after Hinske passes a physical. No word on how this signing will affect the already full 40-man roster.
The two wins is based on his 2008 numbers. I would expect him to be closer to one win in 2009. Still, solid for a bench guy at just $1.5 million.
He’s probably a better chance to make the team than Monroe, but nothing special.
Is FanGraphs 2 wins based on his 2008 .347 wOBA, or on a projected value, which range from .331 to .338? A power spike in 2008 got him 20 HRs, the most since his rookie year (24), but he only hit .247 – he’s definitely projects well below average for a 1b or of.