I am the first person to admit when I am wrong or that I misjudged
something, and the longer this thing goes on the more it looks like Curtis
Granderson really is the only option for the New York Yankees this season. Now,
I admit that I wrote a post detailing why the New York Yankees did not need Granderson,
but keep in mind before flaming me or before accusing me that I am playing both
sides and flipflopping that this was written while Judge was still on his
original 3-week timetable, and not the unknown timetable that we are faced with
today. It seems like Granderson may be more valuable to the Yankees than I
originally thought, and here’s why.
The Yankees need an outfielder, period. I don’t trust Shane
Robinson on the roster and I don’t trust him in the middle of a pennant race.
Could the Yankees survive three weeks as originally planned with Robinson?
Absolutely, but we could be looking at another three-to-four weeks for all we
know, and the need for an outfielder has become more pressing. Granderson has
cleared waivers and looks a lot more feasible for the Yankees than other
outfielders that have cleared revocable waivers, including but not limited to
Adam Jones and Andrew McCutchen. Why? Money.
Granderson is set to make roughly $1 million for the
remainder of the season while both McCutchen and Jones will make roughly $4
million or a shade under for the remainder of the 2018 season. The Yankees reportedly
have about $4 million to play with for the remainder of the season while
remaining under the luxury tax threshold, something that is going to happen
whether the fans think they are “not committed to winning” because of it or
not. With Granderson acquired the Yankees would still have enough money on the
books left to go out and add to the bullpen, to the bench, to the rotation,
whatever. With Jones, who has a full no-trade clause with 10-and-5 rights, and
McCutchen the Yankees would not have that wiggle room.
So, let me eat my crow and take my foot out of my mouth
while you, Brian Cashman, go out and acquire Granderson. He is a left-handed
veteran outfielder that is familiar with the New York market, the team and the
postseason. He can still hit for power and play a good defense in right field.
Make the move, and make me ultimately look dumb, because if it makes the team
better then I am okay with that.