Yanks acquire Jamie Hoffman through Rule 5

So I was wrong. The Yankees took outfielder Jamie Hoffmann (from the Dodgers) instead of their formerly own Zach Kroenke. Kroenke went to the Diamondbacks later in the first round.

Remember, picking someone up in the Rule 5 draft means the team has to keep the player drafted on the 25-man roster the entire year. The selecting team can decide to waive the player, and if he clears waivers, he must be offered back to his original team.

Back to Hoffmann. His only major league experience came this past year with the Dodgers, and he did not fare well in his 14 at bats. According to Chad Jennings, Hoffmann was rated the best defensive player in the Dodgers system by Baseball America. He has split most of his five-year minor league career in center and right field, and has minimal experience in left.

Now, will he make an impact on the 2010 Yankees?

Maybe. Jennings says “he’ll have a chance to win a bench role in spring training.” That means, Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner will have to earn their spots on the roster. Then again, there is still basically an entire offseason to play out. Let’s wait and see before jumping to any conclusions.