With the trade deadline approaching, we’re bound to see numerous rumors regarding the Yankees. Fans will clamor for certain players. The media will fan the flames. Mike Lupica will slap himself in the face with Fenway Franks.
However, let’s step back from the typical speculation, analyze exactly what the Yankees need, and then identify our trade targets.
According to Baseball Prospectus, the Yankees have a 100% chance of making the playoffs. The team has the 2nd-best run differential in the AL at +65. The offense ranks 1st in the AL in wOBA (.344). The starting rotation and bullpen each rank 2nd in the AL in xFIP (3.72 and 3.69, respectively).
Based on this analysis, it’s very clear what the Yankees need…
NEWSFLASH: Barring a Bostonian-like collapse, the Yankees will be playing in October. There is no trade that will materially increase their chances of making the postseason.
Sabathia is coming back. Pettitte will reportedly be back in September.
Sure, it would be nice to add another high-quality reliever and take the burden off Boone, Robertson, and the Stoic Shirt Untucker. And it would be swell to move Cody Eppley down in the depth chart. Yet, with Joba close to returning and AAA arms that can be called up for depth (Juan Cedeno, DJ Mitchell, Adam Warren, etc), why give up a good prospect or two for an outside relief arm? We don’t see the logic in it. It’s not going to improve the Yankees chances of heading to the playoffs whatsoever.
If the Yankees were in a fight for October, our opinion would be different. However, with a healthy lead in the AL East and 87 teams making the playoffs via the wild card, why surrender anything of value in an attempt to get the Yankees to the postseason? As currently constructed, they’re already there.
The only justification for trading top prospects would be if the Yankees are trying to increase their chances of winning in the postseason, not getting to the postseason. And that would mean either Cole Hamels or Zack Greinke — mercenaries for hire that would in theory create a starting rotation designed to crap on opposing bats in a short series. But that’s a whole different argument: trading for a rental.
When it comes to making the playoffs though, where can the Yankees upgrade?
Seriously.
It’s happy days right now for the Yankees.
64 Comments
Brian S. July 11, 2012 23:21
Justin Upton.
Kevin S. July 11, 2012 23:26
Agreed. 24 y.o. five-tool superstar who should get even better and only counts for $8.5 million against the luxury tax for the next three seasons. Can be done either in conjunction with a Swisher trade to get a third team to foot part of the prospect package for Arizona, or Cashman can move Upton to left for the rest of the year, use Gardner as a roving replacement if/when he gets healthy, and then let Swisher walk at the end of the year.
Dellin Betances July 12, 2012 00:39
You can trade me for Justin Upton straight up!
Seriously, Towers wants to strengthen the team too. The Yankees do nothing for the DBacks in that respect. It’s not getting done in this universe or those closely related to it.
Kevin S. July 12, 2012 15:06
If Towers trades Upton, it’s to rebuild. Yanks can offer some combination of Sanchez, Williams, Austin and Bichette to headline. Whether Cashman decides the eventual price tag is worthwhile or not, the Yankees’ farm system absolutely has the goods to get a deal done.
Dellin Betances July 12, 2012 18:14
Except no report said he is looking to trade Upton to rebuild. They won the freaking division by 8 games last year for chrissakes.
Brian S. July 12, 2012 00:30
The “S” in my name stands for Stinky
Brian S. Breath July 12, 2012 00:50
tossing too many salads
Brian S. July 13, 2012 13:56
Be nice.
More Likely July 16, 2012 10:21
Phil Hughes for Denard Span
Twins – completely horseshit pitching – need to do something about that or screwed for many years – huge ballpark, which will help Hughes and his flyball/homer tendencies – would easily be their #1 starter.
Yankees – fielding, speed, hitting instantly improve – RF fence helps Span – insurance against Gardner injuries – insurance against Swisher and/or Grandy leaving – reasonable contract – versatile – enough arm for multiple outfield positions.
Yankees – would still have CC, Andy, Nova, Kuroda, Garcia, Phelps, plus Pineda and Banuelos for the future.
Captain Clutch July 11, 2012 23:38
I trust The Cashman.
-30 UZR July 12, 2012 00:12
…to move you to DH next season, drastically improving our run prevention abilities.
Jeter's Dong July 12, 2012 00:48
Open up big boy. Deuce don’t sit. You like that? I got that from Papelbon calling himself Cinco.
Randy Levine July 12, 2012 00:29
Don’t worry guys, I got this.
Phil "Monster Jaws" Hughes July 12, 2012 00:49
My agent is on line 2.
CH CHING!!!
Ki m Last July 13, 2012 13:56
Lumps.
Matt Garza July 12, 2012 00:41
Guys, you forgot about me. I’m not a rental and I can help in the postseason.
I worry Theo would fleece Cashboy though.
Better Call Saul July 12, 2012 00:56
You’re not that good. Nice 4.32 ERA and 4.37 FIP in the beastly NL Central.
Matt Garza July 12, 2012 01:06
You must have been in a cave when I was in the AL East and doing well.
Padilla July 12, 2012 12:39
I will hit you in the head with a pitch, woman.
Geico Ad July 12, 2012 18:43
I think I WAS in a cave, ’cause that was ages ago.
Stating the obvious. July 12, 2012 00:52
Agree with the general sentiment but nothing wrong with making a trade in the hopes of improving the chances of winning the whole thing once the Yankees are in the dance.
A Young Stud Catcher July 12, 2012 00:55
Where o where can I be found?
Better Call Saul July 12, 2012 00:56
Not Seattle.
Dellin Betances July 12, 2012 01:08
Might as well as ask for a blowjob from Kate Upton. It’s not happening.
Kate Upton July 12, 2012 20:34
If all you did was ask than you’re right, it’s not happening. But if you gave me $1,500 in cold hard cash then it would be definitely happening.
Kate Upton July 12, 2012 23:26
But you can watch this for free, just by asking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeJatEw_NJc
Big Spike July 13, 2012 11:49
I just watched that video below, kid. That blow job’ll definitely cost more than 1500$.
And you’re gonna have to wear a bag too.
Joe Mauer July 12, 2012 10:45
In Minnesota, although the $ would be difficult.
Oxymoron July 13, 2012 23:03
Holy shit, is it 2006 again?
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Tradenickswisher July 12, 2012 07:59
Trade Swisher, a nice guy and a nice player but the Yankees have far too many guys that swing and miss. In the playoffs the need to put the bat on the ball in order to manufacture runs…Yes I would love to trade Arod, but thats not gonna happen. Trade Swisher for a right fielder that is more of a gap to gap line drive hitter. A guy that does not strike out 130 times a year. Or walk 110 times either. The offense needs a little balance. Swisher is a good guy but lets face it he will not be on this team next year anyway. He is the most trade able guy on the roster.
Kevin S. July 12, 2012 15:09
Yankees have the ninth-lowest K% in the league. Given that they also have the third-highest walk rate, the highest ISO and the highest wRC+, you strikeout botherers can get bent.
Tradenickswisher July 12, 2012 16:25
I am using strike outs to point out that they do not put the bat on the ball enough to manufacture runs….anyone who has watched them this year knows this…Go back and watch game 5 last year….they need better balance offensively to win a title…the end…take your stats and shove up your ass.
bullpens July 12, 2012 17:35
Swish’s patience will help get to me quicker against playoff starters.
Tradenickswisher July 12, 2012 18:28
you guys should all just blow the guy
Are You Kidding Me? July 13, 2012 21:22
Did you just say “watch game 5?”
Tell me you didnt just attempt to bolster an argument regarding strikeouts on the merit of A GAME?
Are you fucking kidding me?
DOUCHE!!!!
Agreed July 13, 2012 21:23
I agree… Douche
I'm Just Sayin' July 13, 2012 21:24
He might come back and use one at bat for his retort…
I’m Just Sayin’
Tradenickswisher July 15, 2012 18:05
yes I did use one game You god damned moron. Look at how many times they left runners stranded at 2nd and 3rd with less than 2 outs. Its my whole point you fucking short sighted stat addicted no nothing about actually playing the game of baseball fucking cock sucker. When you get in the do or die game you can not leave runners stranded, you do what ever it takes to get them in. I was at game 5 while odds are you were in a chat room breaking down the odds of you actually touching a naked womans flesh(zero) I have forgotten more about the game then you will ever know. Drop dead you stat obsessed fool. Go play your 17 fantasy leagues.
Are You Kidding Me? July 16, 2012 00:42
Did you just say “I was at game 5″ and that was supposed to bolster your argument somehow?
Are you fucking kidding me?
Thanks for proving (beyond all doubt) that you are more of a douche than originally first surmised) You are DOUCHETASTIC!
You also proved that douches can use a keyboard… now I know.
I was at game 5… ROFL. douche…
Tradenickswisher July 17, 2012 17:15
wonderful comeback
Reality July 18, 2012 12:01
Not as good as yours. As illustrated by your superb use of the English language, combined with amazing deductive reasoning, you were clearly head of the debate team.
Or… you’re simply a Douche.
I’ll take Douche for $500 Jack
Mike Francesa's Accent July 12, 2012 10:24
You guys are awf (off) lately, like me when I try tah tawk hockey. It’s biz-ah. It’s just awd.
You keep on fawhin’ (forcing) me tah break character an’ let my friend tell yah what’s what.
Here’s Mr. Accent:
Thanks Mike. Do you guys really think we’re all sitting here worrying about the Yankees making the postseason? They have the best record in baseball and a six-game lead in their division for christ’s sake. Naturally any trade would be about success in the postseason itself rather than their efforts to get into the postseason.
The only trade that would make sense is a big-name starter. But it doesn’t solve for the fact that CC isn’t as good as Verlander or Weaver – two likely first-round opponents. Considering how lost the Yanks looked again Darvish, I”m not sure CC can match him inning for inning, either.
The fact is that you get into a series where you have to throw your best pitcher at least twice. The Yanks best pitcher isn’t as good/effective as the other postseason teams’ best pitchers. It’s a detriment that simply can’t be solved for and the main reason it’s hard to be really confident about this team winning everything.
Great pitchers are going to figure out a way to get the guys out on the Yanks that are plying over their heads – guys like Jones and Ibanez. Swisher will disappear again, like he always does against great pitching. And A-Rod’s a joke at this point in his career.
I liken the Yankees chances to the pull and pray theory – you just gotta hope for the best.
Advice July 12, 2012 11:52
Don’t break character anymore.
BTW, you really thought that rambling mess of a thought was worth four paragraphs, when you started one of the better characters on this site? After the PSU report came out? You don’t think you could have made our lives better with some funny shit about child touchas? You thought your views on this were so profound that you had to use your platform for that?
Mike Francesa's Accent July 13, 2012 11:51
If you think I’m one of the funniest characters on this site, then maybe give me a pass about ONE comment that you disagree with, asshole.
And no, I don’t think my views were so profound… because they were in response to a very obvious post by the site creator. The Yankees chance of missing the postseason is next to zilch, everyone knows that and a diatribe on trading to get to the playoffs was as unnecessary as your response to my comment. Dick.
Fuck with me again and I’ll break character all over your face, fucker.
Advice July 13, 2012 12:57
Who knew the Fatcesser impersonator was as cranky as the real guy?
Jay Destro's Weenie July 13, 2012 13:57
You are a poor excuse for sperm.
Sensitive RAB Guy July 12, 2012 13:43
Fat boy ain’t shit without the accent
The Truth July 12, 2012 21:48
he lost me when he said that Yu Darvish was potentially better than CC. Also Verlander was great last year, bu the has been touched up quite a bit this year. Weaver uh okay he doesn’t exactly make me lose sleep. If he does for you fine.
Mike Francesa's Accent July 13, 2012 11:53
Learn how to read, stupid.
I didn’t say that Darvish was better than CC. I said that he is, potentially, more EFFECTIVE than CC because the Yanks were completely baffled by him earlier in the year. His chance of success against the Yanks is greater than CC’s chance of success against the Rangers.
Eat shit and die.
Here’s the Minkman.
Mike L. NYDnewwz July 12, 2012 11:13
Its unfair when a big market team spends money on players.
Vicente Padilla July 12, 2012 11:15
One time I saw Mark rape a kitten in the clubhouse. I think it was a Latino kitten. Mark hates Latinos!
Mark Teixiera July 12, 2012 11:56
In fairness, that kitten was an AWFUL figure skating partner.
Brandon July 12, 2012 14:02
The team is more than good enough to make the playoffs, but what about winning? Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke will cost an absolute fortune, and we really don’t need them. A rotation of Sabathia, Pettitte, Kuroda, and Nova is good enough to beat the Angels, Rangers, or White Sox.
If Brett Gardner’s injury continues to keep him on the DL, the Yankees should go after an extra OF bat. Carlos Quentin is producing a 160 OPS+ in PETCO of all places since returning at the end of May, and a move to Yankee Stadium would certainly help him. He should cost virtually nothing as he’s a free agent after the season. Unless of course you think the platoon of Jones/Ibanez is good enough.
Dellin Betances July 12, 2012 18:23
If we learned anything about the playoffs, ANY rotation is good enough to beat ANY team. Unless, I’m in the rotation. Then it’s a lock that I throw at least 2 shutouts.
We get it July 13, 2012 13:58
Betances sucks.
New Slogan July 12, 2012 20:29
If we had $200 million to burn, The Yankees would make the playoffs.
Yankee Fan July 12, 2012 20:45
You’re impressed that the Yankees are making the Post Season with an extra wild card spot available?
NoMaas went from never losing a game to hey we’re making the playoffs!
What small market mentality is that?
Um July 12, 2012 21:30
Our catching core is batting a robust .210 combined. If anything needs to be improved it’s behind the plate. But what do I know? I sell meat on a stick for a living outside Yankee Stadium.
Joe Mauer July 13, 2012 11:06
What about me? The Twins can’t afford me, and Minnesota is the most boring place imaginable.
Big Spike July 13, 2012 11:52
Why didn’t we think of that before we traded Mo’s kid?
Kevin July 13, 2012 00:49
Trade for Hamels just for the fuck of it
Mike Francesa's Accent July 13, 2012 12:31
Why da hell isn’t dis website workin’
BEXY July 13, 2012 13:59
I WOULD EAT CASHMANS ASS. WITH AN OLD FORK AND AFTER HE JUST HAD BEANS.