The Yankees have been in contact with free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, Buster Olney of ESPN tweets.
The 33-year-old Brantley, a four-time All-Star, has been a well-above-average hitter with the Indians and Astros since his career began in 2009. Most recently, Brantley slashed .300/.364/.476 (134 wRC+) with five home runs in 187 plate appearances in 2020. The Astros did not issue him a qualifying offer after the season, so any team that signs him would not give up draft-pick compensation.
While Brantley is an appealing free agent and a left-hander who would add more balance to a righty-heavy Yankees lineup, it’s fair to wonder where he would fit on their roster. Brantley has spent most of his career in left field, where the Yankees have 2020 breakout player Clint Frazier. Similarly, right field is spoken for because of Aaron Judge’s presence. Although Brantley saw more time than ever at designated hitter last season, Giancarlo Stanton has that spot locked down in New York. So, despite the interest the club has shown, it’s difficult to envision a Yankees-Brantley union happening without a significant corresponding move taking place.
BadBenjamin
I think he would produce in Yankee T ball stadium. Maybe after peanut brittle Stanton and peanut brittle Jr Judge miss most of the 2021 season with injuries.
grndslam
Hey sour patch boy… Cry me a river!!!
BadBenjamin
Sounds like you’re cryin cause your big boys can’t stay on the field.
to4
Nail it
smith_matd
This wasn’t a complaint…. why is he crying again?
rocky7
Do you want some cheese with that wine?
amandafafi
At least your not bitter
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Nah. They will bring back Gardner again. No room for Brantley.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
They should pass on Gardner. He’s far past his prime.
99 Captain Judge
No worries Gardy isn’t coming back
SabermetricsForLife
The Peanut Brittle nicknames made me laugh. Well said MrBenjamin.
whyhayzee
Give him a tour of the Staten Island facility.
Old User Name
Only way this makes sense is if he can play centerfield as well as left and they don’t bring Gardner back.
Ducky Buckin Fent
And, he can’t.
Which sucks. He’d be an excellent counterpoint in the Yanks lineup.
The way I see it, its; bring back Gardy, just go with Tauchman instead, or sign Joc. No one else makes sense. That 4th/rotation outfielder absolutely needs to be capable of playing CF.
Brantley is an excellent hitter.
He just doesn’t fit the roster, however.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Despite his age, Brantley remains productive so I doubt he wants a reserve role. I’d say stick with Frazier/Stanton/Gardy(?) in LF.
Ducky Buckin Fent
As would I. At least for now.
That could certainly change, however.
I like Gardy, man. God bless all the knucklehead grinders.
Ya know?
But I’d like to see a good lefty bat added to the outfield/DH mix. That’s why I like Pederson. He can play those 30 or so games in CF that someone will more than likely need to pick up for Hicksie.
Some posters below are talking about how this may be indicative of a potential Frazier trade. If that’s not in play there’s really no room at the inn for Brantley.
I’ve seen him play out here a few times. Indians fans called him Dr Smooth. He’s really good & makes most teams better. No real way to shoehorn him onto the current roster, though.
Mrivers
Stanton is not playing the field. Due to CBT aspirations, Yanks will pass on Gardner.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
JBJ?
Ducky Buckin Fent
Good catch, @pwndroia.
Rosario has played some CF, too. So there’s a couple more intermediate options that I’d failed to consider. & it’s not like I’ve no experience rooting for past their prime red sox centerfielders.
Ya know?
Although Damon worked out.
More or less.
User 355748524
If the Yankees don’t mind a Matt Kemp-esque glove in center for 30 games, then Eddie Rosario makes sense if they can sign him 4M or less. His excellent ability to put the ball in play could be valuable so long as the statcast peripherals for his exit velocity doesn’t catch up to him (See: Scooter Gennett).
They could see if they can sign David Dahl to a minor league deal. Could rebound to being a productive hitter and be a nice piece on the roster or still struggle and be released on the cheap. He would also be an option in centerfield, if the defense at least resembles his 2019 performance (+1 Outs Above Average) or if he ends up with a bat too good not to be in the lineup.
Ducky Buckin Fent
I think the “Matt Kemp-esque glove” is kind of a deal breaker lol.
Yeah, Dahl *is* another one. I didn’t include him because the Yanks have very little need for another outfielder who seems to have trouble staying on the field. But on a minor league deal? Yeah for sure!
hiflew
No way is Dahl coming as cheaply as a minor league deal. Some team will give him a nice major league deal. He had a bad 2020 two months (I refuse to call it a season), but he did play in the last All Star Game, so it’s not like he is just some bum.
User 355748524
I only said IF they managed to get him on a minor league deal. If Dahl wants as much as you think he might be worth, I very much doubt the Yankees bother with him. Resigning Gardner makes much more sense, especially if we use the assumption that this partial season was a wash.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
I think that after his 2020 if they are going to trade him they should do it now, they could probably get some nice pieces back, if I’m a Yankees in Gardner wants to play I give him a contract as the fourth outfielder
Michael Macaulay-Birks
@ducky
Damon worked out for New York, one of the rare players that has worked out just about everywhere he’s been, he was outstanding in Boston
Michael Macaulay-Birks
(Fraiser)
WideWorldofSports
Brantley and DJ could help to provide the timely hitting that seems to go missing in the postseason for the yanks
Allen Adams
lower the K rate of the big boys
Ma4170
Yes they need more steady, contact hitters to balance out the lineup
Dorothy_Mantooth
They’d have to move Frazier (or Judge) in order to justify a Brantley signing. I don’t see them doing that, unless Frazier & some more assets can bring back a solid #2 starter to slot in after Cole. If they do this, then there’s no way they can duck below the CBT this season. Probably less than a 20% chance they bring Brantley aboard.
Ducky Buckin Fent
D’accord, @mantooth.
Now perhaps there’s a trade in the works? Otherwise, he just doesn’t fit on the Yankees.
Brac2brac
@Ducky
Watcha speakin that there foreign language fer. Our Yanks are in good ol ‘merica boy. Unless of course the food court might be badding a Michelin starred eatery
Ducky Buckin Fent
My bad.
Just sorta slipped out. I’ll clean it up, sir.
😉
cdav45
Could be a precursor to a Lindor trade with Frazier going to the Indians. Either way Brantley would be a welcome addition on any team. He is one of the most professional hitters in MLB. As an Indians’ fan, I miss him terribly because our OF sucks puddy balls.
sparler
A trade for Lindor, and corresponding FA OF signing is what I’ve been suspecting since the season ended. Even wondered if they’d attempt to sign Springer (though that’s likely too expensive, considering other needs). So, as you say, Frazier and a few others (??) to Indians for Lindor may make sense. Signing DJ is, I presume, first priority, and the above moves would create a logjam, but it could be sorted out, I am sure……..Having said all that, I would hate to see Frazier go!
Aaron Sapoznik
Frazier would have to be moved to accommodate Brantley. If Frazier is used to acquire Lindor that pretty much leaves free agent D.J. LeMahieu out of the picture for the Yankees with Gleyber Torres inheriting 2B.
The multi-million dollar question for this specific scenario: Are the Yankees better with Bradley in LF, Lindor at SS for potentially one season with Torres at 2B OR Frazier in LF, Torres at SS and LeMahieu at 2B? An extension for Lindor would tilt that question in favor of the first first option.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
I think your second scenario would be optimal
nyy42
Ideal Fit! Perfect
yankees2016rebuild
Agreed 100%. It could be a sign that a trade is on the way Frazier and Schmidt for snell sounds like a good fit for both teams.
TheTrotsky
No way Tampa trades Snell to the Yankees.
pc01
It really doesn’t.
Yankee Clipper
Tampa wouldn’t begin that conversation without Dominguez and Yankees won’t move him. I don’t see it happening and certainly not for a pitcher that is 1/4 Snell and Frazier.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Good luck with 5 inning Snell.
letimmysmoke55
screw New York go to SF
grndslam
Screw SF
Troutgolfsinoctober
Yeah screw SF
rocky7
What an eloquent comment by an obvious moron!
towinagain
Sounds like a Yankee move. Cashman crushes it with savvy veteran acquisitions.
Allen Adams
He is a safe bet if you can’t re-sign DJL.
VonPurpleHayes
The backup plan for a bat if DJ leaves, but yea…tough to find a spot for him.
rocky7
NO not a backup plan for DJ because he’s neither a leadoff hitter, nor an infielder on a crowded outfield roster at this point to see where he’d fit….the only backup plan for DJ would be too go hard a a top line shortstop and move Torres back to 2nd.
24TheKid
Michael Brantley would be a great leadoff hitter. High OBP and quality at bats are perfect for hitting leadoff.
VonPurpleHayes
I specifically meant for a bat.
costergaard2
Go get Didi and move Gleyber to 2B. Get Yadi for 2 years and sign a pitcher behind Cole. That’s the off-season. You could sign 2 of the three for what DJL will cost.
Yankee Clipper
True. No to Yadi. No to Didi. Bat is waning.
Mrivers
Stanton is not playing the field. Due to CBT aspirations, Yanks will pass on Gardner.
stretch123
Bring him in to create a Brantley/Hicks/Judge OF with Stanton at DH and Frazier roaming around the OF. Not like Judge and Stanton stay healthy, either.
rocky7
Good point…..somewhere next season chances are between Hicks, Judge, and Stanton there will be some IL and on top, he’d provide left-handed pop and balance to the lineup.
Yankee Clipper
This is a great point. The problem is that if we pick Brantley up, they will all be healthy for once with our luck!
grndslam
We have the Best GM in baseball, either Cash may be working on plan to get more lefty in the lineup and have to some players or driving the price up on Brantley so some teams don’t get him…
grndslam
move some players
rct
I don’t know about best GM in baseball, but I think practically any GM would have a lot of success at running the Yankees. Need some hitting? Take on Stanton’s massive deal. Need some pitching? Sign Cole to a massive deal. Not exactly rocket surgery.
NYYstateofmind
Or brain science. In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny, “What a maroon!”
jdgoat
Ya agreed. It’s not hard to be a GM when you have no consequences for making bad moves due to unlimited roster funds.
Troutgolfsinoctober
Well not ANY gm….. but yes point taken it’s gonna be better for ya with the dough to burn. Say what you want but Cashman has fleeced ppl many times. He’s not a bad GM, just don’t think he’s the best. I like Friedman from LAD. Imo he is the youngest, smartest, wisest, most astute(throw in any other great adjective you can think of) GM in the game. Not sure who’s brilliant idea it was to sign pollack, if he was the guy, than that’s my only knock on him.
braves4life1
If the Yankees sign Brantley would that mean Cashman might try to trade Clint Frazier or Miguel Andujar??
Dorothy_Mantooth
Absolutely, but I doubt Andujar brings back much talent in return. He’s at his lowest possible value right now so they’d be better off holding onto Andujar to see if he can turn it around this season. Frazier & some additional prospects could certainly bring back an interesting piece for NY.
takeitback
Frazier and Andujar for Correa
Aaron Sapoznik
This trade creates the same dilemma for the Yankees that a Lindor deal would. Both leave free agent 2B D.J. LeMahieu out of the Yankees picture and lineup with Gleyber Torres inheriting 2B. Still in all, it’s a nice problem to contemplate…
nyy42
Both
Allen Adams
Astros could use one of the Yankees mediocre outfielders…
Aaron Sapoznik
Then they would be smarter to just re-sign Michael Brantley, no?
Mickey777
He would be the perfect #3 hitter between Judge and Stanton. They would have 5(Branton, Frazier, Hicks, Judge,Stanton) for the 3 OF positions plus DH. Only problem only Hicks can play center. It would require another OF to back up CF.
Perksy
Yes, but how many of those OF’ers are hurt often? Most of them.
pasha2k
Brantley would fit in well in the outfield but Frazier would ride the bench cuz you won’t get a #2 pitcher fir him you would need Sanchez n another. But also what team is so pitching endowed they will trade a top starter? I don’t see it. Maybe a 4 or 5 starter sure. A top starter you pay not trade for.
rocky7
Pasha….come on….stick to Brockstar stuff and all Red Sox…..the Yankees aren’t going to just sacrifice Frazier, who is exactly the type of player lots of teams would want in 2021…offensively adept, and much improved defense….but cheap and young, Sanchez….well this year will tell the tale but a potential starter even though in both leagues that are very very thin at the catcher position, and “another”…….the days of the Yankees doing this type of deal are over long ago…..I do agree though, that it is highly doubtful that any team really wants to deal a proven #2 starter for anything less than an “overpay” by an acquiring team….but how many teams are even in that position other than farm rich teams like the Dodgers, Rays, BlueJays etc……
pasha2k
Hey Rockstar I follow the Evil Empire with admiration so lighten up.
B-Strong
No! If the Yankees leave Brantley alone, the Red Sox will leave DJL alone. Pinky swear!
rocky7
Why would Brantley want to go to the RedSox unless Chaim would boll him over with an over the top money offer which isn’t going to happen….not to disparage the Sox, but their chances of going from last to first in 2021 is highly doubtful and why would Brantley want to play on a losing team to finish out his career….of course unless he is swayed by a ridiculous money offer…which again isn’t going to happen in Boston.
Troutgolfsinoctober
While I completely agree with everything you said. We have seen em go from worst to first before. Nothing surprises me dude. Again, I don’t see it either but ya just never know.
I don’t see him or DJL going to bean town.
Aaron Sapoznik
D.J. LeMahieu at 2B makes a lot more sense for the Red Sox than Michael Brantley at LF/DH. Boston’s defense is better off with Andrew Benintendi in LF and Alex Verdugo in RF. They also have J.D. Martinez locked into the DH role.
The Red Sox weakest positions are 2B and CF. Signing LeMahieu and George Springer instantly gives Boston one of the best lineups in the AL. I suspect the Yankees will have something to say about their archrivals signing LeMahieu when all is said and done this offseason.
Yankee Clipper
Uh, you … that was out loud. Just saying. Lol
pasha2k
Signing Springer would be a public relation nightmare in Boston. It would never happen. If bloom ever did that he would need extra fire insurance from when the press gets to the press conference because it would be an inferno.
pasha2k
I hope we resign JBJ
802Ghost
Is Frazier really a “break out star” in 2020?
rocky7
He certainly re-established his offensive value, and re-structured everyone’s perception about his defense abilities both playing left and also right field at an at least average expectation level and with time who knows…..left field and right field at Yankee Stadium at now easy outfields to play……..don’t. like all these superstar and breakout star terminology that is used to market players but he certainly is someone given his age, salary, and potential that can be viewed as an up and coming regular major league outfielder.
nyy42
NO
Gasu1
Too small a sample, but his numbers were at All-Star level if extrapolated over a full season. Lot of “ifs” there, but a 149 OPS+ is pretty damn good; and his defense was fine, none of the rookie jitters from 2019.
jdgoat
It actually looks like he was the exact same hitter he has always been, except he showed he has the ability to take a walk. I don’t see why that would go away moving forward.
Murphy NFLD
I would guess Brantley only comes in if DJ leaves, You would think Frazier or Andujar would be traded then aswell. Andujar to jays for a catcher. Jays need a 3b even though i believe he isnt a very good one
pjc1966
I like Andujar as a hitter, but the Jays might as well move Vlad back to 3B. Andujar might be a worse option defensively.
jdgoat
He’d be a good Lemahieu replacement to bring a balance to the all or nothing hitters they currently have.
Perksy
Why can’t they have both? I don’t see how one affects the other. One is an Infielder and one is an outfielder. Unless it’s a money issue
Perksy
But then it would just be replacing the other and they’d be back in the same spot. Signing both would really change the lineup.
BobSacamano
Tigers should be asking the price on Frazier
fitsiqis65
Forget it- cash is running the team back as it was. Gardy will be back. Cash will kick the tires on everyone and then talk about losing out to a better offer. Besides we need pitching (good pitching not crap) and a SS before Brantley if coin is really a problem…
nyy42
I agree 100% – Maybe add a pitcher.
YakAttack
Matthew Boyd for Frazier and Deivi Garcia…
(Sarcasm if it wasn’t obvious.)
angt222
If Yanks sign Brantley (who would be a great fit), do they bring back Gardner?
Perksy
That’s a great point. I would much rather have Brantley over Gardner. I don’t understand how the article can say he wouldn’t fit. Stanton, Hicks, Judge are always hurt. And in fact Clint Frazier has had his injury woes as well. There would be plenty of AB’s for Brantley. .300 hitter, left handed and doesn’t strike out.
MoRivera 1999
Without Gardner you have no back-up CF. That’s the problem with Brantley: he doesn’t solve the one OF the NYY’s have: CF back-up. With Brantley, the NYY are forced to resign Gardner. And then you have four LF’s: Brantley, Gardner, Frazier and Stanton. And what about Tauchman?
Troutgolfsinoctober
Screw it, what about JBJ? He plays good defense. Not saying his bats no where close to MB’s but he can probably play anywhere out there. If he’s cheap enough I’d plug and play him for sure.
angt222
Personally think Yankees resign Gardy so he can hang up the spikes with fans in the stands. After he retires, the 2022 OF will be Hicks in LF, Florial in CF and Judge in RF.
Yankee Clipper
Yeah I agree, but I think they need to let Gardy know they’re moving in a new direction one way or the other as much as we love him after this season. We can’t keep waiting on him. As far as Florial, I think he specs out to more of a LF rather than CF. Not sure he would be adequate backup, but he is set to debut this year at some point, allegedly.
I think they’re trying to just put off the two-to-three years until Dominguez is ready to start launching bombs and patrolling CF.
Perksy
Read somewhere else that Brantley is only a plan B if they can’t resign DJL. That’s crazy, they should sign both. One is an OF and one is an IF. It would balance out the lineup even more so there wouldn’t be as many batters in the lineup that strike out.
Joe Momma
I agree with you but I’d be surprised if analytics allowed it. Bat to ball skills aren’t valued much anymore. It will be interesting to watch both the Astros and Yankees lineups if these players wind up elsewhere.
Joe Momma
Sounds about right. Cashman loves getting players a couple years after they would be most valuable to the team.
WideWorldofSports
Joe momma
Bjoe
Rich get richer
chicagofan1978
I’d like the Sox to sign him and keep eloy at dh
gorav114
I don’t know why the Yankees would pursue anything but djl and pitching. Maybe an alternative at catcher but the pitching after Cole is sus
youareatrex
He seems like someone who would end up on the Yankees at some point. I’m sure he’ll do well there
wu tang killa beez
Yankees need to resign DJ and I could see Joc Pederson instead of Brantley, he would do damage in the AL east
jim stem
Stanton has 36 hits in 2 seasons, maybe DH is more open than the writer thinks. Not to mention, seems like the Yankees always have like 12 infielders trying to get at bats?
All that said, of course they will probably sign him. Lol
Fg-3
Brantley is Taylor made for the Yankees… I think a Frazier trade is the way to go. Probably with Andujar for a #3 or 4 starter. But DJ needs to be signed first
Just_a_thought
I’m shocked Louisbeans hasn’t commented about emptying his nuts over this rumor yet.
Troutgolfsinoctober
Maybe he has emptied his nuts already today. Maybe he had a heart attack when he heard it. Maybe he got a colonoscopy today. I dunno dude, lots of possibilities why he hasn’t lost his mind over it yet.
Get Off My Mound
Personally I would think it would be best to sign Brantley and trade Frazier for a decent prospect bundle. I’ve never been high on Frazier and Brantley has a proven track record.
Rsox
Yankees can’t seem to get enough DH types on their roster, Judge, Stanton, Sanchez, Andujar, Ford, Frazier. Brantley would be interesting but signing him pretty much closes the Door on Brett Gardner. I wonder if Gardner would retire or try to catch on elsewhere
cdav45
The Yankees and Indians really do match up well this offseason. Not only are the Indians looking to move Lindor, I suspect that Carrasco is available as well do to the lack of finances. Cookie is a horse and signed to a very team friendly deal with options. You can plug him into the 2 or 3 spot and reap the benefits.
I don’t think it will be a package deal, more of a one or the other, but anything is possible I guess.
its_happening
Brantley’s the signing, Frazier is the trade bait for Lindor. That’s how this makes sense.
rangers13
Rangers would send Lynn and Calhoun + prospect or RP to NYY for Frazier and Andujar. If Yankees just want a LH bat I am sure Rangers would send Odor for Andujar alone. Seems like a beneficial deal for both and Odor might hit 45 HRs in Yankee stadium with a short RF porch.. More extreme possibility and one I would not like to happen, but Rangers could send Gallo, Lynn, and Odor to NYY, for Frazier, Andujar, Sanchez, and Schmidt and Losaiga. Yanks get a number 2 starter, 2B, an OF who can play LF or CF, while Rangers get starting LF, DH/1b, co-catcher, and a young 4 or 5 starter this year who in 2-3 years could be a no.1 or no.2 starter. Not to mention Gallo will only cost around 6m this year and 12-15 next year. That makes hinm cheaper and younger than both DJL or Brantley. To satisfy all you mediocre OF for NYY fans Gallo just won a Gold Glove in RF.
dimelotitony
Joc Pederson would be a nice addition to the Yankees he brings a Lefty Bat along with being able to play all the OF positions plus most of all he provides insurance when Hicks gets injured which is a given as well for the entire OF of the Yankees. His swing would be great at Yankee Stadium along with balancing the lineup more.
Yankees should cut loose Gardner yes he was the heart & soul of the Yankees with his Leadership but its time to cut bait on him and go younger. That would leave Tauchman or they can go after Almora at a low cost if they want.
Yankees will kick the tires on Kyle Schwarber but where does he fit realistically with Stanton taking up the real estate there is no room unless a miracle out of all miracles Cashman coerces Stanton to be allowed to get traded to the Padres while taking on a bad contract back in Hosmer but there is a better chance of Miguel Andujar becoming an elite defender than this happening.
LordD99
Adding Brantley as a lefty, high BA, good contact hitter makes sense on one level, but I can’t see where he fits unless the Yankees are also planning on trading Frazier as part of a package for Lindor. Maybe they’re concerned they can’t bring DJLM back, so they’re looking at directing resources toward Brantley and Lindor?
dimelotitony
Which is my thought as well I know they are giving Frazier the vote of confidence but normally is the kiss of death when it comes from Cashman I can’t see the Yankees keeping Torres at Shortstop nor can I see them adding Didi again so why not kick the tires on Lindor offering a package say like Schmidt, Frazier, Andujar to name a few I mean they saw what the Dodgers gave up for Betts.
As for Bradley he is without a doubt a Professional Hitter but at the same time Yankees are trying to allocate their resources on getting under so that was why I feel Joc makes more sense he is younger is a Lefty as well and will cost way less than Brantley while they go after Lindor.
DJ is a true professional hitter but he will be able to command more money in this year’s free agency class and possibly a 4 year pact i would say 4years/$93 million whereas LIndor is only 27 years old is a switch hitter and made as well for NY and could possibly coerce him to sign for less AAV with the endorsements he will make in NY if he were to be traded to the Yankees.
cdav45
As an Indians’ fan, I think your offer is very good. I’d take either one of Schmidt or Gil, whichever the Yankees would prefer to send. For Frazier, Andujar, and one of Schmidt/Gil I think the Yankees should receive a prospect in return also or Hedges if you prefer. Maybe both?
hockeyjohn
Where do you play Andujar cdav45 on the Indians? He can’t play 3B, He can’t play OF. I would not want to put him at 1B. Andujar is a DH only and the Indians already have a DH. Also, to one of your earlier comments, if the Indians trade Carrasco, I would be incredibly disappointed. Why trade someone that is on a good contract that WANTS TO BE AN INDIAN?
Rsox
In theory they could play Andujar at 3B (not saying they should, but they could) and move Ramirez to 2B since its unlikely the Indians bring Hernandez back.
dave frost nhlpa
Lindor & Plasec for Andujar Voit Nelson.
That’s a lot of club control that you could flip as well.
hockeyjohn
Cleveland has stated that Jose Ramirez will stay at 3B. Andujar showed he can’t play 3B or OF. Cleveland is a team that values pitching and defense. Andujar is a DH.
hockeyjohn
Dave, your trades are so one sided it is not even funny. Andujar. Voit, and Nelson does not get Lindor let alone Lindor AND Plesac. Plesac has a lot of club control as well.
Rsox
Andujar has little to no trade value at this point on his own yet Yankee fans believe that he can bring multiple players in trade. Andujar is a throw in because the Yankees don’t even know what to do with him anymore
cdav45
@hockeyjohn Andujar has been getting repetitions at 1B and LF. According to the Yankees staff stated he is doing well in LF and started getting reps there before they even asked him to do so. If he were to join the Indians, he would likely take over 1B with Naylor moving to LF fulltime. Josh is better suited for LF anyway. Bottom line, you find a spot for a bat like Andujar’s when you’re desperate for offense like the Indians are.
You trade Carrasco because that good contract for that good SP is worth its weight in gold. That and the fact that payroll needs to be reduced and SP depth is a strength. That’s before the return of the Lindor and Carrasco trades which are sure to have a near ready SP prospect in them.
hockeyjohn
Cdav45, Andujar can not play LF. I watched two of the seven games that Andujar played in LF in 2020 on TV. In one game, he made a two base error on an easy ground ball single. In the other, he played an easy fly ball into a triple. Andujar can not play LF. I don’t hold much hope that he can play 1B. He is a DH and we do not need a DH.. The Cleveland Indians are built on pitching and defense. They would not put out a hack like Andujar in the field.
As far as Carrasco, it sends a bad message, in my opinion, to trade a good player that wants to play in Cleveland. How do you get anyone to sign with the Indians when you trade a player that wants to be here?
Every locker room needs a few veterans that can lead the way for a young team like the Indians will be.
its_happening
Yeah. Moves Torres to 2B. It all makes sense.
MWeller77
“Yankees Have Shown Interest in Michael Brantley”
Weirdest misspelling of “Blue Jays” ever
to4
No thanks, The Jays don’t want any part of him. We are OK with Springer lol!
The Yanks however, should take Realmuto and Bauer before the crosstown team does. You know what I’m talking about right. Bauer seems to be interested in the Mets…..don’t let this guys take over the big apple.
to4
How about moving Frazier to CF, playing Brantley/Stanton/Judge between DH/RF-LF, and having Hicks and Gardner as the 4th and 5ft OF. That way the Yanks have fill ins I’m the event of an injury.
hockeyjohn
Cdav45, Andujar can not play LF. I watched two of the seven games that Andujar played in LF in 2020 on TV. In one game, he made a two base error on an easy ground ball single. In the other, he played an easy fly ball into a triple. Andujar can not play LF. I don’t hold much hope that he can play 1B. He is a DH and we do not need a DH.. The Cleveland Indians are built on pitching and defense. They would not put out a hack like Andujar in the field.
As far as Carrasco, it sends a bad message, in my opinion, to trade a good player that wants to play in Cleveland. How do you get anyone to sign with the Indians when you trade a player that wants to be here?
Every locker room needs a few veterans that can lead the way for a young team like the Indians will be.
driftcat28 2
*yawn* this is another of those “Yankees due diligence on every free agent”. Nothing to see here
Spare Tire Dixon
Just an idea for Yankees:
1. Sign OF K.Schwarber (for LF)
2. Re-sign IF D.LeMahieu (for 1B)
3. Trade with Cleveland for SS F.Lindor, P C.Carrasco
Indians receive: 1B L.Voit, OF C.Frazier, P C.Schmidt, others
Yankees receive: SS F.Lindor, P C.Carrasco
C Sanchez
1B LeMahieu
2B Torres
SS Lindor
3B Urshela
LF Schwarber
CF Hicks
RF Judge
DH Stanton
Cole, Carrasco, Severino, Montgomery, Garcia
Voit and Frazier give Cleveland a couple controllable bats to replace Lindor’s production. They also get a strong pitching prospect in Schmidt.
Lindor gives NY a superstar that they could try to extend beyond 2021. They can also move Torres to 2B for good. Frazier and Voit are very good, but expendable if LeMahieu returns.
Spare Tire Dixon
1. LeMahieu, 1B (R)
2. Lindor, SS (S)
3. Judge, RF (R)
4. Stanton, DH (R)
5. Hicks, CF (L)
6. Torres, 2B (R)
7. Schwarber, LF (L)
8. Urshela, 3B (R)
9. Sanchez, C (R)
OR
1. LeMahieu, 1B (R)
2. Hicks, CF (L)
3. Lindor, SS (S)
4. Judge, RF (R)
5. Stanton, DH (R)
6. Schwarber, LF (L)
7. Torres, 2B (R)
8. Urshela, 3B (R)
9. Sanchez, C (R)