Yankees Sign Three Minor Leaguers

Written by Greg Fertel | 12 January 2010

Considering I run a "minor league blog" here, I am not too good at passing along the Yankees minor league news. Anyway, the Yankees have signed three players to minor league deals over the past few days.

David Winfree, OF: Winfree is a 23-year-old who has spent his entire seven season career with the Twins organization. He has been considered a decent prospect before, but his walk rate really holds him back. He has posted a career OBP of .318, which will do a lot to kill a marginal guy's prospect value.

He tries to make up for the lack of on-base ability with power, but it's not enough. He used to be a third baseman, but struggled there defensively and was moved to the outfield. He has a strong arm and can man right field, but his range is extremely limited.

Just to add on some more negatives, his baserunning isn't too strong either. I guess it can't hurt to have added depth in Triple-A, but if this guy sees the majors with the Yankees —something went horribly wrong.

Reid Gorecki, OF: Unlike Winfree, I see a few things to like in Gorecki. He's a veteran who will be 29 during the 2010 season and made his major league debut with the Cardinals last season. He can play all three outfield positions and can play them quite well.

Since 2007, TotalZone says that Gorecki has been worth 41 runs above average. Because of his defensive skills, CHONE projects him to be above replacement level in 2010. Gorecki doesn't have the raw power that Winfree possesses, but he has an overall better approach at the plate and wouldn't kill a team.

If the Yankees need to call someone up because of an emergency during the season, Gorecki is the perfect player for that role.

Royce Ring, LHP: Ring possesses a familiar name, as he saw some major league action with the Mets a few years back. He's a lefty who has had success against lefty batters throughout the minors, so he is a good guy to have around. He won't blow you away, but he strikes out a few batters and doesn't walk many.

CHONE projects a 3.98 ERA from Ring in 2010, and I'd take that in a heartbeat from a guy picked up on a minor league deal.

These three guys present some extra depth, which can never hurt. I still am bitter that the Yankees didn't add Austin Kearns, when he apparently could have been had on a minor league deal as well as these three.