I said it in my offseason plan, which you can read here, but I feel like I need to reiterate one of the points...
The Yankees should sign Bryce Harper instead of Manny Machado.
Let's face it, the Yankees are not going to sign both men. It isn't so much my belief that they don't want to spend that much money, it's that they don't need to. The Yankees scored more runs than all but one team in Major League Baseball, set a record for most team home runs in the history of the game, had the second highest OPS in the league, and were second in wRC+. And they accomplished all of that while Gary Sanchez played just 89 games (and not to the level we know he can), Aaron Judge missed 45 games, and Didi Gregorius missed 16 games.
But when a team has the chance to sign a player as good as Harper or Machado, and before those players may have even hit their primes, then you can't pass it up.
It's been said that when it comes to acquiring such a player you find room for the guy. Which makes total sense. I mean, the Yankees didn't need an outfielder last offseason, but when they had the chance to trade for the reigning National League Most Valuable Player they took it. But you have to face facts, and those facts are Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Miguel Andujar, and Didi Gregorius.
Those four players I just mentioned are not guys you just push around. We're not talking about replacing a "nice" player such as Brett Gardner. Stanton and Judge are already among the league's elite, Andujar had a rookie season that makes many think he could be on that level soon, and Gregorius is a very good player that's loved by the Yankees fanbase.
The issue now is that Didi is hurt, and will miss about half of this coming season. And once he returns Aaron Boone is going to want him back in the lineup. So let's say the Yankees sign Manny Machado, and Manny is the regular shortstop for the first half of the season. What happens when Didi returns?
Some say just move Andujar to first base. First of all, and I can't say this enough, changing positions is not easy. There are so many things that go into being a good first baseman, and they go well beyond just being able to field ground balls... which is the only thing we know Andujar can do well.
Take a look at this highlight video of Mark Teixeira from 2015...
credit: Dapose Sports
While we know Miguel could do all the offensive things you saw Teixeira do in that video, I don't think he pulls off a single one of those defensive plays without a whole lotta luck. And before you think of saying the infield was different then, you may want to take a closer look at the shortstop in that video. Not to mention that Chase Headley was supposedly a good to very good defender before coming to New York, as well.
And all of that doesn't take into account all the work we've seen Miguel put into his defense this offseason. A while ago Daniel pointed out how Adrian Beltre went from being a poor defender at third to being a very good one, and lo and behold who is helping Andujar with his defense now?
Therefore, I don't want to see the Yankees sign Manny Machado. While it may cost them a bit more, particularly in the length of the contract, I believe Cashman and Company should take aim at Bryce Harper.
Recently Cashman said that the team already has six outfielders, but let's be real. Three of those outfielders sure as hell should not get in the way of bringing Harper aboard.
Remember what I said earlier about making room for elite players like Bryce? Unlike bringing in Machado, who would shake things up quite a bit, acquiring Harper simply means there's less playing time for Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, and Jacoby Ellsbury. Hell, bringing in Harper likely means there's one less 40-man roster spot for one of those players (I think you know which one). And those are not bad things.
To be honest, part of me believes that Clint Frazier will go on to have a nice MLB career. I wouldn't be shocked if he was the starting left fielder for the Yanks on Opening Day. But that isn't going to stop me from signing Bryce freakin' Harper.
I like Brett Gardner, and appreciate everything he's done for the Yankees, but the fact is he's no better than an average player these days. Heck, just look at what happened last season, when the Yankees traded for Andrew McCutchen and he became the regular starter in left field instead of Gardy.
Oh, and why is Jacoby Ellsbury still on this team? Sorry to be mean, as Jacoby seems like a good guy and all, but there's no reason to keep him around.
Even without Bryce Harper, there's little to no room on the 2019 Yankees for Ellsbury.
Speaking of Ellsbury, not only do I believe the Yankees should sign Bryce Harper over Manny Machado for the reasons listed above, but in doing so Scott Boras may be willing to help convince Jacoby to waive his no-trade clause so the Yankees don't have to settle on a lesser deal for a particular team (see what happened to the Marlins when dealing Stanton last offseason). I've never been a sports agent, so maybe that idea is ridiculous for someone like Boras to read (he does read The Greedy Pinstripes, right?), but it's a logical thought.
I didn't even bring up the fact that Bryce is a left-handed hitter in a very right-hand heavy lineup. The guy may not fit perfectly on the team, but he fits a lot better than Machado does.
If Brian Cashman does sign Manny Machado over Bryce Harper I won't be mad. I will be disappointed, but not mad. Manny is an extremely talented player, and any team would be lucky to have him on their roster. I just don't like seeing Andujar work so hard, and with future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre, just to be moved to first base later this season and possibly beyond. The offensive upgrade over there will be very welcome, but otherwise, it's not what I believe is best.
I previously said that I didn't want Freddy Galvis, but I'd gladly take Galvis, or better yet, Marwin Gonzalez, if it meant signing Bryce Harper. Heck, I could probably live with Jose Iglesias or Adeiny Hechavarria in order to get Harper.
ReplyDeleteI bet the Yankees cut bait with Ellsbury once those insurance payments stop rolling in...
100% on ells. That's the only reason he's on the roster. One possibility though, is replacing gardy him with him as he's owed the $ already. Which is difficult to swallow.
DeleteIve said harper is the guy, and it's not hard to find a way to get him into the lineup. And Bryan, isn't hicks a FA after this season too? So that's 3 guys...
Unfortunately, Machado "fits" easily, and won't be as big of a pay check. He's sexyy on the field, now than harper
But we should all be prepared, because these guys very well might not sign either... My guess is 75% chance our "big" addition is ja happ. Aim for klubot, Bauer, Thor, harper, Machado, land happ.
I really don't think this team can win. It needs too many people to produce, and judge is the only one I have faith in. Do yall agree?
I'm gunna work on a piece with ideas to improve the team without adding harper or Machado, bc that's more likely.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnd Bryan, andujar has practiced his ass off with Alex Rodriguez regularly, and incredible fielder... I pointed out that Derek Jeter at ss was better fielding at age 40 than andujar at 3rd as a 23 y/o. So I'm not expecting improvement. Which is fine. But then get a better first baseman to catch the shitty throws, because neither voit or bird will get it done.
ReplyDeleteTO have Bryce Harper in Left Field on Opening Day in 2018 I'd happily take Tyler Wade as my opening day shortshop. Get it freaking done.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBurch Burch Burch. I have been telling you guys for years now that as long as the Coupon Clipper is running the show and signing checks that his wallet is more important than the team winning the WS. Trust me he talks a good game, but as I was taught at an early age, actions speak louder than words and he shows nothing for it. The elf is now forced to ravage the farm system which has now gone from #2 to #16 with his latest trades. The point being is the Sux aren't afraid to spend because their farm is depleted and we shouldn't be afraid to spend but won't. There was no reason to bring Girlie Boy Gardner back or CC for that matter and I agree with you, Harper is the one supposed to be wearing Pinstripes. I would have also liked to see Daniel Murphy sign on because his ability to slash to all fields and he is not HR dominate which is the reason this team can't advance in the playoffs. We didn't need Stanton last year and his constant tinkering with his swing causes for lapses in muscle memory of repeating the swing. I'm sure if you posted a poll asking if we would rather have Harper of Stanton that Harper would win convincinly. Coupon Clipper knew last year he wasn't going to spend over $350 Million to get Harper so he took the cheaper way out which was to get Stanton at a lower cost. This team is built on dollars and cents and not the best players we should have. I for one don't believe this team currently constructed right now are better than the Sux and I believe Dombrowksi has something up his sleeve and he always bests the elf. Stay tuned.
DeletePart of me wonders if the dodger move would open up the Dodgers to trade for Stanton.... Granted, they could just sign harper for cash. But it would be much more cash!
DeleteAnd it's not a knock on Stanton. He is really good. But I think he's better suited for LAD, the NL, and he'd be a top 3 player on any team.
Dodgers said thye wanted an impact right-handed bat. My question is, would Stanton agree to a trade? I know he was willing to go to LAD last season, but he was leaving Miami when he was... not the Yankees. Worth a debate anyway
Delete