The New York Yankees and their GM Brian Cashman are being
aggressive this winter, maybe overly aggressive, in the trade market and have
sent off a few key pieces from the 2015 squad already. Cashman has named a few
other trade candidates including their closer Andrew Miller, a starting pitcher
Ivan Nova and outfielder Brett Gardner. If the Yankees want to trade an
outfielder this winter shouldn’t it be Carlos Beltran and not Gardner?
Carlos Beltran is 38-years old and will be 39-years old for
much of the 2016 season. Beltran showed last season that his defense, and
specifically his knees, are not what they used to be. Let’s not beat around the
bush, if Beltran was average in right field defensively last season I would be
extremely surprised. The good news for any American League team is they still
have the DH position, the bad news specifically for the Yankees is that Alex
Rodriguez will occupy that roster spot for the next two seasons. The Yankees
could ride out Beltran for one more year, his bat is not one that forces his
way into the lineup but he did lead the Yankees in batting average last season,
but the team would love to be out of his $15 million commitment for next
season. This also clears the path for Aaron Judge.
Judge may start the season in Triple-A regardless giving
Aaron Hicks a chance in right field (assuming Beltran is traded of course) and
either Slade Heathcott or Mason Williams the fourth outfielder job. Judge
didn’t get much experience in Scranton last year and when he did he struggled
mightily at the plate for much of the year. Judge could use some more seasoning
at the upper levels for his own sake and for the betterment of the team. Either
way Judge will be ready long before the Beltran contract is up and that’s a
problem for New York.
I have mentioned it many times and while I don’t have
anything concrete to back me up I think many would agree anyway. You can
over-groom a prospect. At some point their development does a complete 180
degree turn and you begin to reverse the trend. I don’t want that to happen
with Judge so if he is tearing the cover off the ball in May and June you may
be forced to bring him up much like the team did this past season with Greg
Bird. If not then you still have the security of Ben Gamel, Williams and Heathcott
on the 40 man roster. Trading Beltran is a win-win, trading Brett Gardner is
not.
Unfortunately, these guys are so set in their ways. It seems like they had the plan for severino since day 1, keeping him at 5 innings or less through AA and AAA in preparation for a mid season call up.
ReplyDeleteBarring catastrophe, no level of performance can force these people to do anything. They have a plan in mind then walk forward with blinders on like a horse in central park.
I respectfully disagree Spade.
ReplyDeleteCashman has a habit of keeping a name out of the limelight and then he is gone. Do you not think there are other teams that may have a need for a DH such as Beltran? If they do, you can bet they have or will contact Cashman about him. Let's face it, IF Beltran were dh for this team he would arguebly be a better hitter...he is an out of shape 38 year old DH with bad knees.
IF as Daniel said, Judge is lighting it up at AAA this year, I wouldn't be supised to see him in right field mid-season and Beltran gone or bought out half way through the season...less money.
no no i definitely think there will be takers for beltran. tex too (pending health), and being that it's a contract year, why wouldn't you accept a trade to a playoff contender come trade deadline? obv tex's situation would depend on standings-but im basing this on not being in the race.
Deletei just want to see what type of hitting would force a callup
At the trading deadline...IF we are not in the playoff run...trading them is much better than cutting them off at the knees. You have it right Spade, by then maybe Judge will get much better numbers in AAA.
DeleteThat's the issue with Beltran though, and this is why he is not mentioned specifically, he does have a no-trade clause. He can't go anywhere unless he wants to go somewhere. He's been vocal about always wanting to play for the Yankees, I doubt he wants to go somewhere.
DeleteI agree about the No trade clause. But let's say you have a no trade clause, and it's the final 3 months of the season for your final year of contract. I imagine most people would be happy to be traded to a contending team at the trade deadline.
DeleteYes in most cases you're probably right. Beltran has expressed his desire to be a Yankee though and that means something to some, maybe not Beltran I don't know. I expect the Yankees to contend, at worst for a second Wild Card, in 2016 so this may be a moot point unfortunately.
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