Despite the obvious need for middle infield and pitching help, the New York Yankees could possibly let the non-waiver trade deadline pass without making a move, as stated by Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman to ESPNNewYork.com.
Several big names are said to be available as the July 31st deadline approaches, names that would help the Yankees and many other teams. But in Cashman's view, the Yankees will not make a move unless it makes sense for the club.
"There is a strong possibility that there might not be anything that makes sense for us," Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com.
The glaring need for the Yankees at the moment is second base. For most of the season, Stephen Drew has occupied the position, posting abysmal numbers at the plate. In 80 games, Drew has posted a .181/.255/.369 slash line with 12 home runs and 25 RBI. Those numbers led the Yankees to giving one of their top infield prospects Rob Refsnyder a chance.
Unfortunately, for Refsnyder, his stay in the big leagues lasted just four games. He was sent down to Triple-A yesterday to make room for the returning Carlos Beltran. That move contradicted earlier reports that Refsnyder would remain with the team after the All-Star break. With Drew once again the incumbent, a trade for a steadier hitter at the keystone seems needed.
However, Cashman admits that the market for second baseman leaves a lot to be desired
"On the position player side, people would want to point to second base, and understandably so," Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com. "But then if you look at the marketplace of available players, it is not a great market."
At the same time, Cashman does like the future of the team. It is well known that the Yankees want to hold onto top prospects Aaron Judge and Luis Severino. But with Refsnyder knocking on the door, the Yankees GM does not want to sacrifice the teams future for the short-term.
"We do have an internal candidate [Rob Refsnyder] who is trying to push his way into the mix. So I don't know what is going to happen. There is a strong chance that we won't do anything because of what is coming in the near term and the far term," said Cashman.
As far as the pitching goes, it has been a strength for the Yankees thus far. Right-hander's Michael Pineda and Nathan Eovaldi have been solid, each recording nine wins. Japanese import Masahiro Tanaka has been reliable when healthy, but with a partially torn UCL floating around in his elbow, he could be a ticking time bomb.
Add in a struggling CC Sabathia and recent Tommy John surgery returnee Ivan Nova, the Yankees rotation is far from a sure thing. Which is likely one of the main reasons the team was in attendance for Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto's start yesterday, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
#Yankees scouting Johnny Cueto today in Cincinnati. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2015
There is still over a week to go before the non-waiver trade deadline arrives. Between now and then, minds can change, moves can be made, and Cashman continues to reiterate that he will be engaged with other teams seeking improvements.
"At the same time, I am engaging all clubs to see what is available," said Cashman.