Frank Wren the next Yankees GM?

Let’s be unrealistic for a second here and consider just what would happen if the New York Yankees were to not bring back Brian Cashman after his contract expires after this season. New York has already announced that they were going to tender Cashman a contract to keep their GM in the Bronx for at least another season but what if Cashman declined it? What if the Yankees changed their mind? Would the recently fired Frank Wren of the Atlanta Braves make sense in New York?

Wren has his faults like any other GM but he definitely made his name on building the farm system and by specifically developing starting pitching. Wren was not afraid to lock up his young talent in Craig Kimbrel, Jayson Heyward, and others either which is something we see far too little of in New York lately. Sure Wren gave a big money extension to Dan Uggla and gave even bigger money to BJ Upton after a career year but his track record, albeit in a shorter sample size, looks more hit than miss in Atlanta.

I personally think Wren got a raw deal after his pitching staff was decimated by injury all season long. Wren went out and acquired the likes of Ervin Santana, which was a no brainer, and Aaron Harang, which carried them at the beginning of the season, late to bolster his team. One thing about Wren was he was not afraid to make a move and aggressively improve his team. It is also noteworthy that Wren did not sell off any of his top prospects out of the farm system either while getting the better end of the Justin Upton trade with Arizona.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that Wren would be a sight for sore eyes in New York and may be, faults and all, the GM that the FANS have been screaming about for a long, long time. 

Donkey Fantasy Projections: Brian McCann

Brian McCann, Catcher

Admit it, you drooled over Jesus Montero and the thought that he could be the Yankee backstop for years to come? How about future catcher Gary Sanchez? Yes, it seems like the Yankees always have catching "prospects" but it also seems like we are waiting, constantly waiting.

Well, this year the bank has been literally broken and the Yankees went back to plan G, as in "George". They signed checks and one of those big checks went to Brian McCann. 

Courtesy: NYDailyNews

It's easy to say from a fantasy perspective that McCann will regress with playing in New York. The history behind former all stars that sign with the Yankees in their later years isn't exactly pristine. 

Add that with Brian's regression over the past five years and it scares you a bit. Although, is it that bad? He has consistently put up 20 home runs a year and his RBIs have not dropped below last years total of 57. He could repeat last years production (.256, 20hr, 57RBI) and most Yankee fans would be thrilled!

But he won't.

I see an increase in every category for three very important reasons. 

1.The ball park- Yankee stadium is easily the best park for Brian. He will easily hit 25 home runs with the only legal PED in baseball, Yankee Stadium. (See also Russel Martin)

2. The line up- Let's be real here, if you can hit 20 hrs with the Upton brothers for protection, anyone in the middle of the Yankees order should add to that total.

3. Heart- They are comparing this guy to Paul Oneill with comparable heart and passion for the game. I don't see him crumbling in the Bronx, I see him thriving.

It's hard not to project a big year out of McCann but I will keep it somewhat conservative:

AVG .265, OBP .350, HRs 25, RBIs 75, RUNs 70

 

(All projections are based on stat compilation, research and a slight tinge of Yankee bias. Although, remember before you disagree, your taking advice from someone nicknamed Donkey. Good luck with that!)