It could be safe to say that Eric Hinske has always been looking for a place to call home. After winning the Rookie of the Year with Toronto in 2002 following a career year in which he hit 24 home runs and drove in 84 runs the former Blue Jay has seen his production dip since then despite some lofty expectations that were placed on the first baseman’s shoulders upon his leaving the University of Arkansas to pursue a career in the bigs.

Hinske came to Boston last season following a trade hoping to resurrect his fortunes and started 21 games for the remainder of the year despite the fact that his offensive numbers again left much to be desired. Unfortunately, it could be the case that Hinske could again be on the outside looking in as manager Terry Francona has been quoted as saying that it will be a challenge to get Hinske into the lineup on a regular basis as Kevin Youkilis is touted as the team’s opening day starter while Willy Mo Pena is the team’s fourth outfielder leaving Hinske and his salary a question without an answer at the moment. Boston is due to pay him $2.8 million this season after the Jays covered the remaining $1.4 million following last year’s deal amidst offseason rumours that the Sox had tried shopping Hinske around the league and one team in the conversation had been the Seattle Mariners but until something develops, the former Jay looks to be in red and white for the coming future.

Better things could be in the offing for the American League’s former star rookie as he has had a solid spring thus far, the highlight being a grand slam in a spring game a few days ago against the Tigers that keyed a five run first inning, a game Boston held on to win 7-6 and has also had three doubles with a .300 average to date.

He may be starting to find his swing again but whether that translates into more playing time in the future is a matter of conversation on its own. But for his part, Hinske is just looking for a place to call home.

Writer: Branko Belan
Edited By: Brian Le