Eric Hinske

In January 2010, Eric Hinske was signed by the Atlanta Braves for $1.5 million dollars. Hinske started his career with the Toronto Blue Jays back in 2001. Hinske was criticized for his lack of defensive play, but made up for it with his bat. During his rookie season he belted 24 homeruns, while driving in 84 run,s but he led the American League third baseman in errors with 22. For his efforts, Hinske won the MLB and Sporting News Rookie of the Year award. His best year as a big leaguer was his first year with Toronto when he batted .279. He remained with the Blue Jays for four years until he was sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 2009, Hinske was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Yankees for minor leaguers Eric Fryer and Casey Erickson. Ironically, Hinske made his Yankee debut against his old team, the Blue Jays. For the season, Hinske hit .242 with 25 RBI’s and eight homeruns in 93 games played. Hinske was college teammate of pitcher Cliff Lee. Hinske and Lee faced each other last year in the World Series when Lee pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Last year marked the third straight year that Hinske had played in the World Series, receiving two World Series rings with the Yankees and Red Sox. Hinske played for the then World Series champs Boston Red Sox from 2006-2007. While with the Red Sox he had a 10-game hitting streak and batted .232.

Hinske was part of the Tampa Bay Rays team which reached the World Series.