The Atlanta Braves are counting on Eric Hinske (left) to fill many roles this season. Pinch-hitter. First baseman. Third baseman. Corner outfielder. Good-luck charm.
Hinske, a perennial one-and-done kind of guy, spent 2007 with the Red Sox, '08 with the Rays and the latter half of last season with the Yankees. All three reached the World Series, in small part because of his bat.
That's not why the Braves brought him south on, yep, a one-year deal. He tag-teams with Troy Glaus, signed a few days ago, at first base. He is versatile with a glove. He hits left-handed. At 32, he is the veteran utility man that sets Bobby Cox's heart a'flutter.
What he doesn't bring is the all-star bat that the Braves coveted this season. With Hinske, they apparently have reached their payroll maximum of about $90 million, which hasn't budged in several years. The roster makeover was largely unexciting, and fans' fever will not be soaring when spring training opens next month.
With the Phillies' abundance of talent almost assuring them an NL East title, the Braves are playing for a wild card. Their deck contains plenty of aces on the pitching staff but is decidedly lacking in royalty in the day-to-day lineup.
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