A key component to Cashman's reluctance was due to teams' overwhelming requests for New York's top prospects, specifically pitcher Luis Severino, and fielders Aaron Judge and Jorge Mateo. For the first time in recent memory, a brand name player was not shipped to the Bronx; however, Cashman did make a minor move on Thursday, as he sent minor league players Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez to the Mariners in exchange for utility man Dustin Ackley. The intent of Ackley's acquisition is to increase the production from the Yankees' bench, as the names of Garrett Jones and Stephen Drew have failed to excel.
In correspondence to the move, the Yankees chose to designate Jones for assignment Friday morning, while also sending spot-starter Chris Capuano to Triple-A Scranton. Due to these two demotions and the recent arm injury to pitcher Michael Pineda, the Yankees are currently left with two open slots on the active roster, and a corresponding move will soon be made.
With 101 games already in the books, along with a six-game lead in the American League East, the Yankees have proven to be comfortable and confident with their respected roster. Although the year may be New York's to lose, Brian Cashman and Yankees' executives have shown commitment to a long-term investment: the team's future.
Here's a quick recap of what happened this week in baseball, and what to expect from the Yankees within the final two months of season play.
The Blue Jays Are All-In
Baseball's two biggest blockbuster trades were constructed prior to Friday afternoon, as Rockies' slugger and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and pitcher David Price were added to the Blue Jays' roster. While Toronto's lineup already possessed potent forces in the names of Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson, Jays' GM Alex Anthopoulos looked to create a monster on the lineup card. With a healthy Tulowitzki on the field at Rogers Centre, Toronto is looking to double their production on the offensive end. As Tulowitzki was dealt Tuesday, Tigers' ace David Price was shipped Thursday in a move that shocked the baseball world. With a third place record of 52-51, the Blue Jays have under-preformed on the pitching end, and with an All-Star southpaw like Price at the helm, the Blue Jays have made up for a lack of talented and consistent starting pitching. With both studs placed aside, Toronto also gained smaller pieces, as they added depth to their bullpen and outfield with the acquisitions of veteran LaTroy Hawkins from Colorado, and outfielder Ben Revere from Philadelphia. Toronto has placed all of their chips into the middle of the table, hoping for a quick turnaround and push to the postseason, a daunting task that has not been accomplished for nearly 22 seasons.
Yanks Swap For Ackley
Thursday's deal for Dustin Ackley was in response to an evident lack of production from the Yankees' bench players. Ackley was the 2nd overall pick in the 2009 draft, who made his Major League debut with Seattle in 2011. In his 5th season, Ackley's numbers have been relatively sub-par (.215, 6 HR, 19 RBI), but he has already shown pop in his bat, as he belted 16 home runs and drove in 65 RBI last year in 143 games. The 23-year-old appears to be a replacement for the struggling Stephen Drew, but due to Ackley's versatility in the field, he has only played a single game at second base this entire season, forcing manager Joe Girardi to be patient in maneuvering Ackley on the defensive end. With Ackley eligible for arbitration this winter, the Yankees may look at Ackley as only a mere rental.
Severino Called Up
As Brian Cashman refused to deal away his rising stars, New York's biggest move this week was done internally, as highly-touted pitching prospect Luis Severino was called up from Triple-A Scranton once Friday's deadline passed. This decision was made after it was revealed that starting pitcher Michael Pineda was placed on the 15-day disabled list with forearm inflammation, a similar injury that sidelined ace Masahiro Tanaka and closer Andrew Miller for nearly four weeks. Severino attracted the Yankees' eyes with strong performances in Spring Training, and since mid-March, the 21-year-old flame-thrower has been nothing short of spectacular in the minors. In Severino's 11 games in Triple-A, he has earned a record of 7-0, posting an ERA of 1.91 in 61.1 innings pitched. With 50 strikeouts added to his name, Severino will immediately fill a rotation slot, and hopefully excel in a competitive division race. As arguably the highest regarded prospect in the Yankees' system, youngster Severino will serve as an integral part to New York's postseason aspirations while Pineda is sidelined.
PHOTO BY
BRUCE GILBERT/NEWSDAY
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