When news broke yesterday that the New York Yankees had
claimed a former member of their team off revocable waivers my twitter mentions
absolutely blew up. Many were wondering why Yankees GM Brian Cashman was going
after another high priced reliever when there were more pressing needs and
others were wondering when Robertson was going to make his first appearance
back in Yankees pinstripes. Revocable waivers don’t work like that ladies and
gentleman and I’d be surprised if Cashman didn’t claim about 99 other pitchers
that were on waivers during August. The only reason you’re hearing about David
Robertson being claimed by the Yankees is because of one of two things, his
contract or the fact that he’s a former Yankees star.
I’ve heard rumors and read blog posts stating that some
teams place their entire active roster on waivers at one point or another in
the month of July, it’s procedural at this point. If the player is claimed and
you don’t want to lose them or don’t want to trade him to the claiming team
then you pull him back, simple as that. If the Yankees claimed the last relief
pitcher in the Colorado Rockies pen you wouldn’t hear about it, why? Because it
doesn’t garner clicks and it doesn’t sell newspapers. This is the reason we’ll
never know how many guys Cashman claimed and tried to acquire and this is why
we’ll never know why teams like the Baltimore Orioles claim guys with no
intention other than to keep them from falling to the Yankees, that’s how this
show works.
If you want to kill Cashman for not acquiring talent this
season then kill him for not acquiring it before the July 31st trade
deadline, not the August 31st trade deadline. Big and meaningful
moves rarely happen in August because of these games that teams often like to
play. Keep so and so away from this team, keep this GM from bettering his team
and simply claim the guy so the next time around the waivers are not revocable.
It’s all a set of mind games in August which should put the emphasis more on
the July 31st trading deadline for all GM’s around the league.
Could you imagine though? A 2015 Yankees bullpen and beyond
with Andrew Miller closing games, Dellin Betances pitching the 8th,
David Robertson pitching the 7th and some combination of Chasen
Shreve, Justin Wilson and Adam Warren in the 6th inning and prior?
Game, set and match. Too bad this was all to block the Toronto Blue Jays and
not about improving the team, it would have been nice to have a four or five
headed monster in that bullpen.
two names cry out. Hal and the Elf and thats why we didn't improve
ReplyDeleteCashman tried, claimed a ton of guys according to reports. Should have gotten the job done in July though because nothing is a given or easy in August.
DeleteHe claimed people to block the Jays. Come on Burch you're smarter than that.
ReplyDeleteHe claimed Robertson for sure, the names of players he claimed were not released so we don't know 100%
DeleteHe claimed Robertson to block Toronto. He wouldn't pay him then why pay him now?
DeleteFLAME.....as in, this season.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm too close to the flame. In fact, I am.
I am taking my men off the field of engagement.
For now, too much frustration, as others bolster their lines, while ours is weakening.
I must take a step back, for now. I do not deal with this well.
For you that move forward....God Speed.
Little p,
DeleteI don't get it. If the season ends today the yankees are hosting a playoff game. With a good series head to head against Toronto youre back in first. Why the willingness to give up?
Hans, the same reason he was willing to pay Gyorko and Kimbrel, he wants to improve the team despite what a lot of people think
ReplyDeleteBurch I personally don't believe that about the other guys for a second. I believe Coupon Clipper Hal has stopped the spending and the best Cashman could do was Ackley. By the way how can the Elf make any trades now that his two trading partners have dried up. Jack Z let go by Mariners and Dave D now with the Roid Sux. Now you'll never see a trade from the elf.
ReplyDelete