Stu is unable to present a GRW today. Thus, in his absence, I’ll be taking over for the second time. Stu will return next week with a live report from Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Sick with it, for sure.
Anyways, last time I subbed in for GRW, I highlighted Eric Hinske. Some people didn’t take it seriously, but allow me to remind you that he’s a solid contributor on a winning team – the D-Rays are winning the AL East right now, and Hinske has put up a dandy .257/.342/.542 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 4 stolen bases, and a 141 OPS+ (meaning he’s 41% ahead of an average player at this point). Pretty sick, right?
Today…I have to concede something. I show a lot of disrespect and negligence towards this particular player, despite everyone constantly showering him with hugs and kisses and proverbial handjobs. His spectacular defense, grit, hustle, facial hair, pretty eyes, and better-than-they-seem offensive numbers make this man a serious piece of any potential championship puzzle.
I’m talking, of course, about Reed Johnson.
More after the jump!