When I talked about the Yankees need for a fifth hitter I didn’t put Jermaine Dye into the equation. With the budget, that was reiterated by Brian Cashman, I wasn’t sure he would fit into their plans. I saw more of an Austin Kearns or Reed Johnson type. Rumors have come out the Yankees are interested in Dye, which spurred skepticism from some quarters of the Yankees Universe. I think Dye is exactly what this lineup needs and is a better version of who I originally suggested in Gary Sheffield.

The negatives are pretty obvious. Dye, is a lousy fielder, and at 35 years old, saw his production drop in 2009. Even though he hit for power, Dye was essentially a league average hitter. Remember, you’re asking the left fielder to replace Johnny Damon, a popular player in the clubhouse and someone who gave the Yankees an OPS around .850. Why would I think Dye is the right type of player?

First, you won’t be asking him to give you 150 plus games in the field. He can be part of the DH rotation which should keep him fresh. As for the fact he hasn’t played left field since 2003, that shouldn’t be an issue since Nick Swisher can move to left, a position he played 117 times in his career, and Dye can stay in his normal spot in right field.

The positives? Dye hit lefties producing an OPS just under .900 last year. In a lineup that features Cano, Granderson and, at times, Brett Gardner it would be nice to have a right handed bat. Don’t forget, Dye was asked to be the power focal point in Chicago, but with the Yankees he will be protection for Alex Rodriguez. All the great Yankees teams have brought in stars at the end of their careers. Players like Tim Raines, Cecil Fielder, and Darryl Strawberry thrived in diminished roles and I can see Dye having similar success. It’s not like he is years removed from productivity as he was fifteenth in MVP voting back in 2008.

I understand the desire for a balanced player that can bring you value on both sides of the ball. The game is increasingly moving towards the complete player and less “softball type” lineups. Reality is that player isn’t affordable or available this offseason. All you want is a one year commitment from Dye anyway, and unless there is another team pining for his services, that should easily be accomplished.

Jermaine Dye would fit this lineup perfectly the way it’s currently built.

Tags: Brett Gardner, Cecil Fielder, Chicago White Sox, Curtis Granderson, Darryl Strawberry, Gary Sheffield, Jermaine Dye, New York Yankees, Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, Tim Raines