Eric Hinske proved himself to be a useful bench player last year -- and he had a shot at being a playoff hero if Brooks Conrad hadn’t intervened -- and as a result, the Braves quickly offered him a contract last week, reported to be in the neighborhood of $1.5 million. Atlanta has some competition, however, as Tim Brown is reporting that the Brewers are interested too.
Hinske is a nice player to have around on a year-to-year basis, but if his newly-found popularity results in him demanding two years or substantially more dollars, the Braves should probably cut bait. They need whatever financial flexibility that have to shore up center field and the bullpen and can’t be making largish commitment to corner guys with some pop.