Congratulations to Eric Hinske on being named top freshman in the American League. Before the season began, I was touting him to my ESPN readers as "Corey Koskie lite," but the Wisconsin kid may be even better than the Canadian. The vote was about as expected, with righty Rodrigo Lopez of Baltimore finishing a respectable second. Lopez might have won the NL award (it went to Jason Jennings) so a strong case can be made for Hinske as the best 2002 rookie in either league.
Blocked in Oakland by Eric Chavez, who is in a tier above other 3B, along with Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen, Hinske must be extremely grateful to J.P. Ricciardi for his opportunity. He established himself from Day One as an intense competitor and a tough out. Coach Brian Butterfield's arrival coincided with a dramatic improvement in Eric's glove work, which had been alarmingly erratic the first three months.
Forget about a sophomore slump for this guy; #11 will hit 25-30 HR and steal 15-20 bases, and I will be surprised if he isn't around .290 in 2003 -- his approach is so consistent, and his eye so advanced, he's not going to endure long slumps, and he knows the pitchers better. He must get smoother at third; still double-clutches a lot. Hinske should play almost every day, maybe resting three or four times against the toughest lefty starters. I love this kid; he's worth the price of admission and a SkyDome beer.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20021104065153999