Just as I’m lamenting the inactivity of our GM as the San Diego Padres throw together more trades and signings before 9 am than they have in the previous five seasons, Brian Cashman steps out of the shadows and swings a deal.
At first I was skeptical – I pretty much am over anything that Cashman does. Let’s face it, lately he hasn’t been on the winning side of many transactions.
I had an article all ready to go assuring Yankees fans that Rob Refsnyder would eventually get his shot – just not this season. The signing of Chase Headley had assured Martin Prado of the regular second base job, and that wasn’t a bad thing. Prado was arguably our most versatile and talented player on the diamond last season, so we were going to have a tremendous upgrade over last year’s Stephen Drew experiment at the position. However, it also meant that Refsnyder would probably have to wait another campaign until he could assume a regular spot on the field.
I had an article all ready to go assuring Yankees fans that Rob Refsnyder would eventually get his shot – just not this season. The signing of Chase Headley had assured Martin Prado of the regular second base job, and that wasn’t a bad thing. Prado was arguably our most versatile and talented player on the diamond last season, so we were going to have a tremendous upgrade over last year’s Stephen Drew experiment at the position. However, it also meant that Refsnyder would probably have to wait another campaign until he could assume a regular spot on the field.
Well, toss that article aside. “Cash” traded Prado, David Phelps and some undisclosed cash. I picture an unmarked attaché being exchanged by men in black suits with dark sunglasses, don't you? The Yankees got Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones and prospect Domingo German. Read out initial article, PHELPS & PRADO SHIPPED OUT OF THE BRONX!
Once the shock that Prado was gone and Phelps – who it had been rumored was a front-runner for a rotation spot – went with him had worn off, I decided to examine what our return would be. As a Yankees fan, I have to admit that I don’t follow the activity of the Marlins and really didn’t know who Eovaldi was. It turns out that he’s a 24-year-old fireballer that started 33 games last season.
While he had a dismal 6 – 14 record with an unremarkable 4.37 ERA, he also had 20 quality starts (starts where he went at least 6 innings, giving up 3 or less runs) and lasted at least six innings 24 times (going at least seven innings 11 times). During 2014, Eovaldi had the 4th highest average velocity in MLB. His fastball ranges from 95-98 mph and he also features a slider, curve and change-up. It would appear that this kid has a high up-side, and gives us our 4th starter (if you count Ivan Nova) younger than 28-years-old (Masahiro Tanaka – 26, Michael Pineda – 25, Ivan Nova – 27). We have the foundation of a solid rotation for years to come.
Garrett Jones is an insurance policy. The 33-year-old is primarily a first baseman, but also has experience in the outfield. He has decent power (he has hit 15 or more HR in six straight seasons) and carries a career average of .253. There’s nothing flashy, but he is a solid fill-in for when Mark Teixeira misses time (and let’s face it, he’s going to miss time). Should manager Joe Girardi look for a late inning matchup at the plate, Jones hit all 15 of his home runs last season against right handed hurlers (Jones is a lefty). Given our right-field porch, Jones seems to be a good fit for the team.
Finally, there is Domingo German. He’s a 22-year-old right handed pitcher that just completed a full season at Lo-A Greensboro. Coming into the 2015 season, he was ranked as the sixth best prospect in the Miami organization. Last year he started 25 games for the Grasshoppers (love that team nickname) and had a 2.48 ERA in a little over 123 innings pitched. In fact, he hasn’t had an ERA over 3.69 (his first year at the age of 17) in any of his 5 minor league seasons. This youngster out of the Dominican Republic has shown great promise. Just imagine the options Joe Girardi is going to have for our rotation in the future.
With the likes of Luis Severino, Ian Clarkin, Domingo German, Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Pineda, Ivan Nova and Masahiro Tanaka all in the mix for the five spots, it could be an embarrassment of riches for the Bombers.
Overall, I have to say I like this deal. It brings more youth to the team, and adds depth to our starting pitching, right down into the minor leagues. Yes, we lose a player I really liked – Martin Prado. I was genuinely excited about seeing what he could do with a full season as a Yankee. David Phelps has also been solid – as a fill-in starter, and a long reliever. Both will be missed, but a shakeup with this team – and organization – was very much needed. With the trade, Brian Cashman has injected more youth, as well as a couple of lively arms, into the club and its impact isn’t so much for this season as it is for seasons to come. Finally, it would appear that our GM is looking to the future, and it is appreciated.
Stay tuned to BYB. There is no doubt going to be different opinions from our writers here. We all don't agree with this trade.
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