The phrase "you can never have too much pitching" is alive and well in the Yankees' front office.
The club recently engaged the Padres in talks for closer Craig Kimbrel, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports.
Kimbrel, 29-for-30 in save opportunities this year, currently wields a .204 opponents' batting average -- the worst of his six-year career.
But with his 12.6 K/9 and knack for pitching in big spots, some have speculated Kimbrel would fit well with the Yanks' bullpen -- already one of the best in the league.
From Heyman:
"The name of superstar closer Craig Kimbrel has at least surfaced in the Padres' talks with the Yankees. The chances for a deal aren't known, but at first blush it would not seem to be the most logical or likely landing spot.
The Yankees have said they have no intention of trading any of their top four prospects -- pitcher Luis Severino, outfielder Aaron Judge, first baseman Greg Bird and shortstop Jorge Mateo -- in any deals. And a person familiar with the Padres' thinking suggested the Yankees' stance would have to change for a deal to have any chance of happening."
ESPN's Buster Olney also contemplated such a trade in an appearance on Sportscenter earlier this month, ultimately reaching the same conclusion. Kimbrel is under contract through 2017, and the Padres are likely to have a high asking price because of it.
Then again, the thought of Kimbrel joining the likes of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Chasen Shreve is an exciting one to say the least -- and the Yankees would be smart to consider it with the deadline nearing.
What do you think? Is a Kimbrel-Betances-Miller arrangement worth promising youngsters, or should the Yankees stick with what they have?
The Yankees have one of the best bullpens in the league, it doesn't make sense to sacrifice a top prospect for that. If the team couldn't hold a lead then sure, but we don't have that problem.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. And for the record, I'm thrilled that Tulo is off the board and those rumors can be put to bed. The only I would want to see a top prospect go is for Price. And that's only if we get a window to negotiate a contract extension.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Price is a changer not only for the AL East but for the entire American League. Not many players on the market can say that about them, maybe not even Cole Hamels.
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