Yankees News & Notes: Dickerson released, Thome receives zero interest

Sometimes fans forget that the New York Yankees and the MLB, as a whole, are a business, first and foremost. Because it’s a business, some assets get overlooked for more expensive ones and makes you question reasons they aren’t utilized. That said, the Yankees released Chris Dickerson after designating him for assignment last week. Meanwhile, in other news, veteran Jim Thome has received no interest from the Yankees this offseason.

Sometimes baseball just isn’t fair (Image: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Dickerson was released after being DFA to make room for Russ Canzler, who was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees had 10 days to either trade, release, or waive him. Chad Jennings of The Journal News said that the team had little chance to retain him:

"A team source said that no Dickerson trade talk ever came to life. It seemed that every team knew the Yankees were going to have to release him eventually, and it’s expected that he’ll have plenty of options now that he’s on the market."

Not surprising that no trade talks developed, but it is a shame. As a career .266/.352/.407 (103 wRC+) hitter, they might have gotten something for him, but teams knew the Yankees wouldn’t be able to keep him, plus there was no place to put him. He’s a victim of hitting lefty in an overly lefty-oriented lineup. Last year he hit .316/.417/.515 with the Empire State Yankees and received a call-up in September where he hit .286/.412/.714 for the Yankees in 17 plate appearances.

In other news, the Yankees have shown no interest in lefty hitting Jim Thome this offseason. According to Mark Hale (via Twitter), Thome won’t be in pinstripes in 2013, neither will Chipper Jones.

Presumably, Thome would take over the lefty DH slot, one left vacant by Raul Ibanez‘s departure to Seattle. The 42-year-old is a career .276/.402/.554 (145 wRC+) hitter who has bounced around from team to team the last few years. In 186 plate appearances in 2012, he hit .252/.344/.442 (112 wRC+) and hit righties decently well (.267/.365/.430 and 115 wRC+), but was utterly useless against righties (.179/.233/.500). Might make sense to see if he’ll sign a minor league contract, but anything more than that for a player of his age and speciality is asking for too much.