Offseason Forecaster: The Bargain Bin

Every year, some team signs a player and there is a response of: "Who Gives A Fuck?"

Well, every year, some of those players go on to have seasons that are very good.
Two seasons ago, Carlos Pena was one of those guys, who just needed to given a solid chance.

Now, I believe the player is most likely going to be a guy who is non-tendered, underapreciated by his current team. David Ortiz was one of these guys a few years back. Maybe you've heard of him.

This year, I see a few guys already on the market who I think could be huge for the right team.

Eric Hinske
"Pinske" is a personal favourite of mine, as I has hoping he could be my favourite Jay when Delgado left. His Toronto career wasn't what it could've been. Still, Hinske was a bargain for Tampa last year, and will be again for a smart team in need of a quality player.

Hinske is a great fit for a small market team in need of some power from the corners. He plays a solid 1B, an adequate 3B, and a mediocre LF/RF. Some teams that SHOULD be interested are: Cincinatti (as an OF), Pittsburgh (as an OF), Milwaukee (as a 3B), San Fransisco (as a 3B), San Diego (as an OF), Texas (as a 3B), Cleveland (as a 3B), Chicago Cubs (as an OF), and Baltimore (as a 1B).

Hinske can realistically put up 25 homers if given 500 AB, and would probably drive in about 80 runs, hitting about .260-.275.

Russell Branyan
Branyan is a player who has always mashed HR at a great rate. Over his career, he has never been given a real shot a starting job with any team. Cleveland gave him 300 AB once, and Branyan gave them 20 HR. Cincinnati gave him 200 AB after a trade the year mid-season, and he gave them 16 HR. He just hits HR. The problem may be that too much else is expected. But I ask: what the fuck is wrong with just hitting HR? Adam Dunn is top-flight free agent with an identical skill-set to Branyan. Dunn just walks more, which is the difference between $15 Million as season and a spring training invite.

Teams in the market for a power hitting 1B/3B/Corner OF should take a look. The same teams interested in Hinske should be interested in Branyan, as he could hit 30 HR if given 500 AB. He is worth a look to any AL team in a DH as well (cough Toronto cough).


These 2 players could both be excellent finds a team on a budget, and could each benefit from a REAL chance to play.