With the blockbuster steal of the decade with Stanton joining the Yanks, there are still holes to fill; mainly starting pitching and 2nd base.
The Yanks would be in fine position if they stood pat, but I doubt they will.
I expect a deal with CC, but the way pitchers go down during the season, I think the Yanks would be shopping for another starter. Hopefully, they give Chance Adams a shot, but that's rarely their style.
We can put Torreyes or Wade in at 2nd, but I think the Yanks want more punch there. Torres still needs seasoning before he comes up for more than a cup of coffee.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Yanks sign CC, and shop for a SP for insurance and maybe a 2nd baseman. I'd love to see them sign Todd Frazier, but that's probably a pipe dream. He's an upgrade over Headley and can stand in at 1st if Bird falters or gets injured.
I think they would LIKE to move Ellsbury- but with his no-trade and huge salary, it will be VERY hard to do, especially if Ellsbury continues to maintain that he wants to stay.
With that said, the addition of Stanton might break that dam- Ellsbury is now no more than the 3rd CF and the 3rd LF. He has almost no chance of getting sustained ABs now- and that MIGHT encourage him to get a list of teams that he would accept a trade to- but the amount of money the Yanks would have to eat on the deal might be prohibitive.
At SP, CC would probably be nice, but his likely contract ask (between $10 and 12M) would put the team right at or over the luxury tax line. The Yanks MIGHT have to lower their sights a bit to a vet who would be willing to take $5-7M. Another thing to keep in mind- there is the possibility that Adams might just run away with the 5th SP job, so whoever they bring in as a vet might have to be willing to move to the pen.
Another possibility MIGHT be that the Yanks explore what kind of trade return they can get for Betances. With DRob, Green and Kahnle now established as late inning options, the Yanks might examine what Betances could net them in a deal. As a potential closer candidate elsewhere, the return could be VERY strong.
As far as 2nd base - Torreyes and Wade can do that if they think Torres need half a year at SWB.
Good Lord, do what they need to do to send Ells away even if it means eating 75% of his salary....
Biggest question, if they can unload Headley, can Andujar really play 3rd?
Would an IF of Bird, Wade, Didi, Torreyes be acceptable for a while should Headley find a new home and if Torres is not ready???????
I think they would LIKE to move Ellsbury- but with his no-trade and huge salary, it will be VERY hard to do, especially if Ellsbury continues to maintain that he wants to stay.
With that said, the addition of Stanton might break that dam- Ellsbury is now no more than the 3rd CF and the 3rd LF. He has almost no chance of getting sustained ABs now- and that MIGHT encourage him to get a list of teams that he would accept a trade to- but the amount of money the Yanks would have to eat on the deal might be prohibitive.
It wouldn't surprise me if Atlanta considered Headley. They need a stop gap at 3B for 1 year until prospect Austin Riley is ready. Headley would likely not cost much at all to obtain if the Braves take on his remaining salary. How about Headley for P Aaron Blair?
The next thing is pitching, I think that they could look to package some of the above with a prospect of two for a top to middle of the rotation type pitcher, that is possible, signing CC seems to be a no brainer, a 1 year deal for 10 - 12 mil seems like something that may work, could be lower but with incentives also.
Other then that I think the focus will be on the next wave of players to fill out the roster, Clint Frazier, Glyber Torres, Tyler Wade, and Andujar would be the every day guys, and as far as pitching the next wave is Chance Adams, Sheffield, and Abreu. I think they will all get a close look and may get a shot at some point this season, the other thing we need to learn is about Tanaka and his health, the good news is he didn't opt out, the bad news may be why. Then there is Montgomery, can he take the next step, and Severino, can he repeat his last step. These are all important development for the Yanks.
Hes got as good a shot as any for a bounce back year. Maybe Joes handling of him was an issue, who knows. I see no reason to trade him right now unless its a package deal to get rid of Ellsbury.
Of interest to me, the Yanks have become RH-hitter dominant over these past few years. (Yes, I know that we still have Bird, Didi and Gardner, but nonetheless...) I suspect that this change is deliberate, given how the shift has taken away so much of the production of LH hitters. It's a wild thing, given Yankee Stadium's dimensions, but all of our RH power goes the other way VERY well, so that offsets the loss of lefty power somewhat.
That's interesting. I suspect Frazier is a hot commodity now that Stanton is in pinstripes.
Yanks are in an enviable position in which they are not forced to do anything. With 3 teams bidding against each other for the services of Frazier, Cash could pull off another coup reminiscent of last years plunder that got them Torres, Sheffield, etc., as well as turned around and got Chapman right back.
Seriously doubt the Mets are serious contenders with what happened with Jay Bruce last season. Although, that wound up working out for the Yankees.
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Have been in contact with the Yankees regarding Clint Frazier.
That's interesting. I suspect Frazier is a hot commodity now that Stanton is in pinstripes.
Yanks are in an enviable position in which they are not forced to do anything. With 3 teams bidding against each other for the services of Frazier, Cash could pull off another coup reminiscent of last years plunder that got them Torres, Sheffield, etc., as well as turned around and got Chapman right back.
I wouldn't get your hopes up for a big return. Out of those three the likeliest team to finalize a deal is Atlanta and they wouldn't give up Teheran for Frazier. The Yankees have asked about Foltynewicz in the past so he would probably be the return.
I think Torreyes was extremely underappreciated last year. I'm fine with having him as a plan B
But, in he unlikely event that Headley is traded, I wonder what our plans are for 3B. I don't think that Andujar is read yet, so do they bring in someone else?
Sign CC to a 1 year deal to fill out the rotation. No need to spend additional money beyond him for more depth - they'll have to rely on the farm for spot starts if necessary if they're serious about getting under the tax threshold.
Trade Headley. Could use Tyler Austin or Jake Cave to package with Headley in order to get a decent (but low level) prospect back.
Re-sign Todd Frazier. Maybe 2 or 3 years at ~$13-14M per year. He clearly made a huge impact with the team last year as a leader and is solid in the field with bottom of the order pop.
See what Brad Hand would cost in trade. Chasen Shreve, Cave/Austin and Thairo Estrada? Is that too expensive? Or is it not even enough to get San Diego to the table?
Hang onto Betances (for now). Trading him at this point would be a bad sell-low. Hope he restores his value in the first half of the season and then look to reload the system again by flipping him for prospects.
Check in on potential upgrades for backup C. Romine is serviceable but it might make more sense to have a defensive specialist backing up Sanchez.
Add Josh Paul to the MLB coaching staff. He was lauded for his work with Sanchez defensively in the minors and would be worth adding for that reason alone.
See what Brad Hand would cost in trade. Chasen Shreve, Cave/Austin and Thairo Estrada? Is that too expensive? Or is it not even enough to get San Diego to the table?
No chance San Diego accepts that offer.
And they can't sign CC and Frazier and get under the luxury tax. One maybe, and they'd probably need to unload Ellsbury or Headley to do it.
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In comment 13732427 Jay on the Island said:
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Have been in contact with the Yankees regarding Clint Frazier.
That's interesting. I suspect Frazier is a hot commodity now that Stanton is in pinstripes.
Yanks are in an enviable position in which they are not forced to do anything. With 3 teams bidding against each other for the services of Frazier, Cash could pull off another coup reminiscent of last years plunder that got them Torres, Sheffield, etc., as well as turned around and got Chapman right back.
I wouldn't get your hopes up for a big return. Out of those three the likeliest team to finalize a deal is Atlanta and they wouldn't give up Teheran for Frazier. The Yankees have asked about Foltynewicz in the past so he would probably be the return.
I dont see the love for Teheran. Hes utterly average and the best you can say about him is he eats innings
Wade looked so overmatched at the plate last year that he has to prove something to me for me to consider him ready...not that he won't do so, but it's far from a guarantee.
But, in he unlikely event that Headley is traded, I wonder what our plans are for 3B. I don't think that Andujar is read yet, so do they bring in someone else?
Wade is actually one of the finest 2nd basemen in the minors and had a .310 BA, stole 26 bags, and hit 7 HR's at S/WB over 85 games played. He kind of flopped when given the opportunity to play at the stadium last summer, but don't underestimate his future.
Torreyes is a gutsy, hard nosed little guy that surprises on occasion, but he's not the future at 2nd. Most likely our utility infielder for the next few years. I suspect Wade beats him out in Spring training to start at 2nd base. They will wait until the June cutoff date before giving Torres a shot as it extends his option an additional year. But make no doubt about it, Torres will be in the lineup by all star break and probably settle in at 3rd or 2nd for the long haul. However, when we ink Machado next year (hoping), he takes over 3rd and Gleybor owns 2nd.
I would love to see us move Headley and find a way to keep Todd Frazier. Love the Todd.
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in ST. But he looked overmatched last year, so he's got to show that he can hit at least a little to win that job.
Agree - the Yanks have high hopes for him. And he has that sweet LH swing. He might have been a bit star struck when he got the chance last season, but he'll outgrow that (knock on wood). Great glove, speedy, hits for average, etc. Could be the leadoff batter in the future if he can make the transition from AAA to the bigs
IMO, I think that the Yanks want Wade to eventually claim a "supersub" role. He has played SS, 2B, 3B and even a little OF in the minors. He has speed, but no real power to speak of. He has good OBP skills and is reportedly solid defensively at multiple positions.
I think that the Yanks are trying to develop starters AND bench reserves who have a lot of positional flexibility.
I think that the Stanton deal is a good example of why. I don't think that the Yanks went into the off-season planning around Stanton- or to get him at the price they did. I don't think trading Castro was one of their planned moves. However, the situation arose and the offer was too good to pass up- so he was dealt.
If the Yanks had pigeonholed Torres for 3B, they would have had a problem- but they made sure that Torres got time at 2B, SS and 3B for a reason. Now, Torres is in the drivers seat to get the 2B job.
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We've got two really exciting options at 2B.
But, in he unlikely event that Headley is traded, I wonder what our plans are for 3B. I don't think that Andujar is read yet, so do they bring in someone else?
Wade is actually one of the finest 2nd basemen in the minors and had a .310 BA, stole 26 bags, and hit 7 HR's at S/WB over 85 games played. He kind of flopped when given the opportunity to play at the stadium last summer, but don't underestimate his future.
Torreyes is a gutsy, hard nosed little guy that surprises on occasion, but he's not the future at 2nd. Most likely our utility infielder for the next few years. I suspect Wade beats him out in Spring training to start at 2nd base. They will wait until the June cutoff date before giving Torres a shot as it extends his option an additional year. But make no doubt about it, Torres will be in the lineup by all star break and probably settle in at 3rd or 2nd for the long haul. However, when we ink Machado next year (hoping), he takes over 3rd and Gleybor owns 2nd.
I would love to see us move Headley and find a way to keep Todd Frazier. Love the Todd.
I think that too many are undervaluing Andujar at 3B.
If this were a year ago, I would have agreed that the defensive questions were significant enough to have a vet plan B. However, numerous scouts reported that as the season went along, Andujar's defense improved significantly and reports said that he was now likely ready to play at least an average defensive 3B in the bigs.
Andujar's bat would also be a significant help. While he does not walk a lot, he also does not K a lot. His power is developing into good power for a 3B- and playing in Yankee Stadium won't hurt either. He would make an excellent 7-8 hole hitter.
Torres should and will be the Yanks 2B for the foreseeable future. However, we should also be aware that Didi reaches FA in 2 more years. If Torres' bat proves to be as good as scouts think, the Yanks MIGHT consider making Torres the SS when Didi reaches FA and simply filling 2B within from their DEEP pool of middle INF in the system.
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Major press conference planned for Giancarlo and yankees tomorrow in Orlando to kick off winter meetings.
I don't agree. He's a 22 yo kid. There's plenty of time for him to develop. And I like his bat.
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Still dont think he has a future on this team. His defense may have gotten a touch better but hes a liability at third. He wont DH but better serves this team as a trade chip for a starting pitcher. Headley is also under contract and will likely be the starting third baseman on opening day (he doesnt have muchbtrade value ) unless they resign Frazier.
I don't agree. He's a 22 yo kid. There's plenty of time for him to develop. And I like his bat.
You never know. If he improves that much Id be pleasantly surprised, but for a team thats ready to compete now Im not sure they have the luxury of waiting for his glove to get better. That doesnt happen overnight.
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In comment 13733140 Dang Man said:
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Still dont think he has a future on this team. His defense may have gotten a touch better but hes a liability at third. He wont DH but better serves this team as a trade chip for a starting pitcher. Headley is also under contract and will likely be the starting third baseman on opening day (he doesnt have muchbtrade value ) unless they resign Frazier.
I don't agree. He's a 22 yo kid. There's plenty of time for him to develop. And I like his bat.
You never know. If he improves that much Id be pleasantly surprised, but for a team thats ready to compete now Im not sure they have the luxury of waiting for his glove to get better. That doesnt happen overnight.
Except that your belief isn't true. Scouts have reported that his defense is no ML ready. He is NOT a liability defensively.
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In comment 13733244 yatqb said:
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In comment 13733140 Dang Man said:
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Still dont think he has a future on this team. His defense may have gotten a touch better but hes a liability at third. He wont DH but better serves this team as a trade chip for a starting pitcher. Headley is also under contract and will likely be the starting third baseman on opening day (he doesnt have muchbtrade value ) unless they resign Frazier.
I don't agree. He's a 22 yo kid. There's plenty of time for him to develop. And I like his bat.
You never know. If he improves that much Id be pleasantly surprised, but for a team thats ready to compete now Im not sure they have the luxury of waiting for his glove to get better. That doesnt happen overnight.
Except that your belief isn't true. Scouts have reported that his defense is no ML ready. He is NOT a liability defensively.
Provide a link? Ive seen this from not one source.
Rich, you are a worthless troll. You tell people their opinion is wrong all the time and provide no evidence whatsoever. Regardless of the topic. You must be a real blast to hang out with.
2. Field offers to drive up price for Frazier - then don't trade him.
3. tell Torreyes, Wade, Solak, Torres that the job at 2B is open for the winning.
4. Re-sign CC if he agrees to a "I have no cartilage in my knee" discount. If not, sign two arms to compete with our AAAA arms for that 5th spot.
5. Shop around for someone to challenge Shreve.
6. Shop around for someone to challenge Romine.
6. Shop around for someone to challenge Romine.
What happened to Higgy?
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In comment 13733332 Dang Man said:
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In comment 13733244 yatqb said:
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In comment 13733140 Dang Man said:
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Still dont think he has a future on this team. His defense may have gotten a touch better but hes a liability at third. He wont DH but better serves this team as a trade chip for a starting pitcher. Headley is also under contract and will likely be the starting third baseman on opening day (he doesnt have muchbtrade value ) unless they resign Frazier.
I don't agree. He's a 22 yo kid. There's plenty of time for him to develop. And I like his bat.
You never know. If he improves that much Id be pleasantly surprised, but for a team thats ready to compete now Im not sure they have the luxury of waiting for his glove to get better. That doesnt happen overnight.
Except that your belief isn't true. Scouts have reported that his defense is no ML ready. He is NOT a liability defensively.
Provide a link? Ive seen this from not one source.
Rich, you are a worthless troll. You tell people their opinion is wrong all the time and provide no evidence whatsoever. Regardless of the topic. You must be a real blast to hang out with.
Well it helps my case tremendously that you are almost ALWAYS wrong and I am here to point it out.
Just because you don't believe it doesn't make it false- which is where the problem is- not with me, not with my statements, but because when you are wrong, you can't deal and refuse to admit it. Grow up.
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6. Shop around for someone to challenge Romine.
What happened to Higgy?
I see him more as a replacement in the event either Sanchez or backup CA get injured. Maybe Boone will deal with catchers differently than Joe did.