Via Marc Craig, we get the following quote from Yankee GM Brian Cashman:
“Right now, there’s just a lot of things that aren’t plentiful,” he said. “I’ll make my phone calls and if they lead to something, great. But right now, it’s dead out there for us.”
This pretty much telegraphs what we’ve all though all along (well aside from that one day with the Cliff Lee thing): the Yankees are not likely to make a big move at the trading deadline. So for those of you, like myself, thinking the Yankees could swing a deal for a big bat DH (Adam Dunn, please!), don’t hold your breaths.
On the flip side, Cash said that once again the bench was a priority and drew “comparisons to last season” and the deals made for guys like Jerry Hairston, Jr., Eric Hinske, and Chad Gaudin.
On the pitching front:
Said Cashman: “My intent is not to go out and get a starting pitcher. I’ll have conversation about what teams are looking to do. I’ll have proposals made to me and who knows if they lead to something that I don’t expect. But that’s not my intent.”
The same goes for adding relief pitchers, of which Cashman said there are few attractive options.
This is good to hear. The Yankees don’t need a panic move of adding a starting pitcher who could be wasted roster space once Andy Pettitte comes back. Trading for relievers is also any iffy proposition because of how volatile those guys can be. What I could see the Yankees doing is trading for a guy who can go back and forth, a swingman type, to fill the void left by Alfredo Aceves. When Pettitte comes back, Sergio Mitre could fill this role, but I have little faith in Mitre.
As much as I would hate rooting for him, a guy like Brett Myers could be an attractive pick up. He’s doing well this year without too many red flags, though his HR/FB% is way down. Still, his xFIP is 4.00 and his control is good at 2.72 BB/9 (3.10 per career). He’s done relief work in the past and could do that or turn to the rotation if the Yankees decide to shift Hughes to the bullpen if/when he hits his prescribed innings limit, whatever it may be.
On August 1st, I’d expect that the Yankees will look a lot like the Yankees on July 31st and there will be no major shake ups. I do, however, expect a bench upgrade. How Jonathan Albaladejo and Sergio Mitre perform in the next two weeks is likely to decide whether the Yankees go out and get a pitcher.
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13 Responses to As Expected, Yankees Unlikely to Make Big Splash
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TIQ IQ
Matt, I wonder about Cashman’s quiet talk. He has a certain Vito Corleone about him, quiet then deadly…
Yeah, that’s usually his style but I just don’t see the Yankees–or anyone really–getting a good price on a big splash guy like Dunn.
I think we just have to wait and see. The Lee near-deal came from nowhere. Cashman plays it close to the vest, and we’re not going to hear anything out of him. Most of the rumors will be generated by media types quoting unnamed ML executives and scouts speculating about whom the Yankees “might” or “should” be interested in acquiring. I would treat those for what they’re worth.
And remember, when Steve Phillips talks, people listen. :-)
Cashman has a ninja reputation and this deadline is setting up perfectly for a scenario where that reputation comes to fruition.
Watch. It’ll be 12 noon on July 31st, just a few hours before the trade deadline, and Cash will do some “Ninja Vanish” ish on Mike Rizzo and Dunn will be in pinstripes for Nunez, Z-Mac, and Wordkemper.
Nunez is going NOWHERE!!!
Albaladejo is a different pitcher now, I think he will succeed.He’s stopped with the sinker only and is throwing the 4 seamer more often and getting it pu to 93-94.He’s going to help us.
Mitre is a waste of time.TIme for Nova and Phelps.
montero three more hits tonight…two homers last night..lets bring him up now
no one on the market is any good except for soria but this will be a hard buy. nunez, romine & SP (nova,warren, or any other sp of their choice) for soria? kc may push for jesus type prospect
This is a joke, right? I wouldn’t even think of trading for Soria if any package includes Romine. You don’t trade your #2 prospect in a package for a closer.
i followed his milb career closely, i checked out trenton games. i project romine to be .240 15hr player. his defense is overated, not cervelli type defense. but projected to be good defense catcher. plus montero will be the future starting catcher
Romine isn’t going anywhere.
agree