Each day, "Piss and Wynegar" will present Yankees "player previews" for the coming 2008 season. In what can only be referred to as a "revelatory" strategy, we will use statistics, as well as opinion, to further our analysis.The Yankees seem to be cultivating a new Spring Training tradition: invite an also-ran utility man to camp and let him make the big club. Last year, Josh Phelps lit it up in Tampa, made the team, and proceeded to crash and burn in the Bronx. This year, it appears that Morgan Ensberg is our man. He's been added to the 40 man roster, and rumor has it that his place amongst the elite 25 is almost guaranteed.
Over the last two years, Ensberg's name has really only come up in conversation when prefaced with "What the hell happened to...?" In 2005, as a 3B, he was a bonafied star for the Astros, belting 36 homers, driving in 101, and posting a SLG of .557. He had not had a year like it before, and he would not have one like it again (though he did hit 25 HR in less than 400 AB in 2003 while batting .291, so he had that going for him). So, what the hell did happen to Morgan Ensberg? Well, injuries led to terrible performance, which led to a loss of employment, which led to a Yankees non-roster invitation.
And, voila! It looks like Morgan's coming north. For what it's worth, we're kind of psyched, even if his ugly 2007 numbers do make him look cooked. He can play 1B, 3B and even dabbles in the outfield (apparently). What's more, the fact that he won't be an everyday player (at least until Jason Giambi suffers a season-threatening paper cut) means that he won't be expected to re-live 2005. In short: Ensberg only has to be slightly better than mediocre and the guy can officially resurrect his career.
Welcom to the club, Morgan. Jason Lane hates you.
To read previous "Hi! My Name Is" entries, click here.
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