Sexson fits in New York because the Yankees needed a right-handed slugger to match up against left-handed pitching — and Sexson had a .344 average against lefties this year.
Assuming the deal is completed, he’ll be in the lineup Saturday against Oakland.
The Yankees will only have to pay Sexson the prorated minimum of $390,000 from his $14 million salary with the Mariners. Seattle is eating the remainder of the nearly $6 million Sexson is owed for the season.
I really like the Yankees strategy of picking up castoffs. Every once in a while, you pick up a gem that just needed a little polish. “Big Sexy” is 33 and two years removed from his last solid season in 2006 when he hit .264 with 34 hr and 107 rbi. His numbers had been trending down since he hit 45 hr in 2003.
I was very surprised to see the contrast in his vs righty/lefty splits. In 61 at bats this year against lefties, he’s slugging .623 with 5 hr. In 191 ab vs righties, he’s slugging .304 with 6 hr. Interestingly, last year’s splits weren’t particularly pronounced. Clearly, his effectiveness against lefties is what interests the Yankees, as they have been vulnerable against left-handed pitching with Jeter having an off year, Melky hitting poorly from the right side and ARod hitting terribly wirth runners in scoring position.
He’ll presumably get starts at first base against lefty starters and occasional pinch hit at bats.
Welcome to New York, Richie.
Your Average Joe 