Best off season move for 2010 season : Marcus Thames

When the Yankees gave Marcus Thames a non guaranteed contract in February, it seemed like an after thought. Many teams sign players that are trying to catch on with a team to spring training and then either send them to AAA or cut them.

The Yankees had gotten Nick Johnson to fill the DH spot, along with Randy Winn to be the fourth outfielder, so Thames had a slim chance of making the team. But much to my surprise Thames made the team, and the Yankees carried five outfielders, Thames role was to hit against lefty starting pitching. I figured it wouldn't be long before Thames was gone, hes a great hitter but the Yankees had Nick Johnson at DH and Girardi planned to rest the older regulars at that spot. Thames is a poor defender so at the time was it really necessary for the Yanks to just have one player on the team to hit against lefties?

This season Thames got off to a good start and Yankees fans embraced him for his walk off home run against Jonathan Papelbon and the Red Sox in May. The love for Thames, who go the first pie of the 2010 season didn't last long, as the next night he dropped a key fly ball in the outfield and the Yanks lost the game.

Thames spent some time on the DL and missed most of June. But looking at his current numbers, it is easy to say that this has been the best pick up that Brian Cashman made this past off season. Thames already has 11 homers in only 165 at bats, not only is Thames hitting homers but he is hitting .327 against left handed pitching.

Thames recently gave the Yankees a huge spark while Alex Rodriguez was out, but even with A-Rod back Thames should see more playing time. Lance Berkman has struggled since coming to the Bronx and Austin Kearns can play the field instead of Brett Gardner.

I understand that during the playoffs Thames may not get many chances, other then at DH against a lefty pitcher. But Thames could always come off the bench and pinch hit, making a team re-think about bringing a lefty in for Curtis Granderson or Brett Gardner. With the Postseason arriving, and Thames possibly being on the bench as a pinch hitter, we should enjoy these Happy Thames !