...They'll use him at first base (and maybe off the bench). Not sure if it's a minor or Major League deal. Jerry Crasnick confirms it, noting that the Rays and Giants expressed interest.Despite playing just one game at the position in his career, the Yankees are going to take a look at him at first.
Ensberg, 32, hit .231/.320/.404 for the Astros and Padres in '07...Ensberg has not been the same since seriously bruising his shoulder in June of '06.
With this acquisition the Yankees now have six guys, who will be fighting for playing time at first base - Shelley Duncan, Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit, Morgan Ensberg, Jason Lane, and Juan Miranda, could all be in the mix going into spring training.
Update: The deal is a minor-league deal, with an invitation to major league camp.
Here's what Ensberg had to say:
"I'm extremely excited about it, Ensberg told ESPN. "It's a great team and a great lineup. Most importantly, it's a team that's consistently playing for a World Series. After you've been in the league for a few years, you really start valuing that pursuit.''
Update 10:45 PM - Peter Abraham has some more info on the deal. He says that "Ensberg would make $1.75 million if he makes the roster with an additional $2.25 million available in bonuses based on plate appearances."
He also had this quote from Cashman: “I wouldn’t say anyone is a projected starter,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “There’s a job at first base that either someone is going to earn outright or it’s going to be an opportunity to mix a few different people in there."
1 Comments:
I really like this move a lot! Ensberg is the ype of player I have thought the Yankees needed on the roster for a couple years now and I don't think the search for hard-nosed players who play the game the right way and 100% should stop here either. Good signing by the Yankees. The stubborn courage our brass has shown this offseason has me thinking this team may be up to something special in the near future.
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