Yankees, Mets Among Teams Interested In Outfielder Brennan Boesch
LAKELAND, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Yankees and Mets are among teams that are interested in outfielder Brennan Boesch, according to CBSSports.com/WFAN insider Jon Heyman.
A Tigers spokesman announced on Twitter on Wednesday that Detroit released the 27-year-old.
Both the Yankees and the Mets could use a home-run threat in their respective lineups.
The left-handed hitter has some power and could take advantage of the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx Bombers have been looking for some pop ever since Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson went down with injuries.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman reached out to Derrek Lee -- who is retired -- about coming back and playing first base in the Bronx. He also tried to lure Chipper Jones out of retirement, but the future Hall of Famer respectfully declined. He's also reportedly had interest in signing veteran Scott Rolen to play third base.
The reigning American League East champions signed outfielder Ben Francisco to a minor league contract on Monday.
Boesch, whose primary position is right field, could also be a logical fit for the Amazin's. The Mets' outfield is arguably the worst in the major leagues, with Marlon Byrd, Mike Baxter, Collin Cowgill, Jordany Valdespin and Kirk Nieuwenhuis competing for jobs.
Boesch hit .240 with 12 home runs in 132 games last year, but was left off the postseason roster. He was in the mix for playing time this season in left field, but Detroit has other players who, like Boesch, hit left-handed. Andy Dirks and Quintin Berry have been competing for time at that position.
Boesch hit 14 and 16 home runs, respectively, in his first two years in the league.
The third-year player tweaked an oblique muscle at the start of spring training. He also missed the entire 2011 postseason because of a right thumb injury that required surgery.
Any interest in Boesch, Mets and Yankees fans? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
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