A World Series Good Luck Charm?

If Eric Hinske isn't the luckiest man in the world, it's because Ringo is still alive.

Two years ago, Hinske picked up a championship ring while collecting splinters for the Red Sox. The corner infielder/outfielder contributed two home runs and a .317 OBP pinch hitting and spot starting for the rouge hose.

Last year, Hinske chipped in 20 dingers but a mediocre .798 OPS for the AL champion Rays, while anchoring right field.

This year, the 31-year-old former Rookie of the Year was relegated to purgatory, signing a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he's blended seamlessly into the general level of futility. His World Series streak was certain to end at two.

Until today, when the Bucs sent Hinske to the Yankees for a pair of minor league non-prospects. Hinske will provide a lefty bat and badly-needed defensive versatility to the Yankees, and ironically replace injured Xavier Nady, whom the Pirates dumped for prospects last year.

The Pirates have nothing to lose in jettisoning Hinske, who has never replicated his impressive debut. However, it's doubtful that they got much in return in a pair of 23-year-old Single-A players. Casey Ericson has looked sharp here in Charleston out of the pen, but he's facing adolescents at this level. The same can be said for Florida State League outfielder Eric Fryer, batting .250 so far this year. Each has a long way to go in a short time for this to pay off for the Steel City.
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