4 Moves The Yankees Should Make To Stem Early Slump

 

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1. DFA Jay Bruce

When Luke Voit went down in late spring training, the Yankees had to find a quick replacement that could start on Opening Day. Enter Jay Bruce, whom Aaron Boone selected over previous backup Mike Ford. The team hoped that he would provide an early punch to the lineup, but in 12 game Bruce has done everything but that. His .118 batting average and dismal .231 OBP has exacerbated a problem that was ever present once Voit went on the IL.

 

2. Bench Aaron Hicks

Although he has great skill as an outfielder, Hicks' struggles at the plate in the early going are well noted. Between the strike outs and unproductive outs, he is certainly wearing the patience of Yankees fans very thin. They could decide to platoon Gardner and Tauchman instead or go even further and seek to trade Hicks away and get a spark with a young prospect. Either way keeping number 31 in the lineup right now is a no go.

 

3. Find another Starter

Thus far the experiment with the luxury tax friendly moves has nor yielded the best results. Other than Gerrit Cole the rotation has looked mediocre. German's spring numbers proved to be fool’s gold as he was jettisoned to the alternate site after just two starts. Kluber and Taillon cannot seem to find their footing after they both missed a year. Montgomery did have a good outing against Baltimore, but the Yankees are going to need more out of him if the others can't step up. It is obvious that the Yankees frugalness in the offseason is beginning to catch up with them. However, that ship can be righted if they make a move now to stabilize the shaky rotation with a fresh arm until Severino is ready to return.

 

4. Consider firing Marcus Thames

Although Thames has accomplished a lot with the Yankees offense over the past three seasons. You can say his hitting approach is not a bad one since the team is always at the top of the majors in slugging percentage, it just gets badly exposed when good pitchers get a hold of them in the postseason. At some point the Yankees have to realize that the current status quo is not going to win them a championship. Moving on from Thames may hurt in the short term, but could bare sweeter fruit in the long run.

 

5 Yankees That Must Make An Impact In 2021

 Clint Frazier

Frazier is expected to assume the everyday duties in left field this season. That now means that he will be under every watching eye of both the organization and fans alike. Should he have a productive year, it will go a long way to solidifying his future as a Yankee. On the other hand, any prolonged struggles will result in stark criticism as to whether he should continue to occupy the starting role. The sky's the limit for "Red Thunder" it is up to him how high his career will fly.

Aaron Judge

After taking home Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 with record setting numbers, Judge has found himself in a bit of a career crossroads. He has spent the last three seasons dealing with injuries stints that have hampered his overall productivity. If he stays healthy, he will make all the difference for Yankees offense that is looking to make an impact this season. It will also play a big part in landing a long-term deal to stay in pinstripes for the foreseeable future.

Corey Kluber

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After missing the entirety of 2020 with a shoulder issue, Kluber is looking to get back on track as a part of the Yankees rotation in 2021. He is going to deal with Skepticisms, mostly because of the unknown variables of his previously ailing arm. However, as a former two-time Cy Young winner he has the capability to be a top line starter that will pair nicely with Gerrit Cole.

Luis Severino

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Severino has not pitched since 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery last February. The club is hopeful that he can round back into the All Star form he showed in the first half of the 2019 season. That would go a long way to ensuring the pitching staff is solidified as one of the best in the league. He is expected to be third in the rotation which will take some of the edge off his return but like Kluber, expect skeptics to keep a sharp eye on his form.

Gary Sanchez

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If there is anyone that needs to have an immediate impact on the team, it's beleaguered catcher Gary Sanchez. He has woefully underperformed both at and behind the plate for the past three seasons and in turn has worn down the patience of management and the Yankee faithful. If he cannot get out of this prolonged struggle, Sanchez could find himself benched for the duration of the season and quite possibly jettisoned out of the Bronx. This is a most important year for the 28-year-old who has spent nearly half of his life in the Yankees organization. So, one must be certain he does not want to see it come to an end on a disappointingly bitter note.

Top Starting Pitchers The Yankees Must Consider Signing

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Zack Wheeler - 2019: 11-8 3.96 ERA 195 SO 195.1 IP

Wheeler was a part of serious trade rumors for much of the season as several teams including the Yankees were vying to acquire his services. Unfortunately, Cashman was unable to swing a deal with the Mets because of the steep asking price and his unwillingness to part with key prospects in the organization. Although there are concerns that he could be exposed in the hitter friendly confines of Yankees Stadium, Wheeler can still provide the rotation with a power arm and game longevity (averaged 6.2 innings per start in 2019) that the Yankees are looking for in 2020.

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Stephen Strasburg - 2019: 18-6 3.32 ERA 251 SO 209 IP

The California born right hander showed out in the postseason for the Major League champion Nationals going 5-0 in 6 starts. Strasburg has opted out of the remining 4 years his contract to pursue a bigger payday after taking home World Series MVP honors. Although he's spent his entire career in the National League thus far, it is fair to note that Strasburg has not had a season where his ERA went above 3.80 which is an impressive feat no matter how you look at it. The Yankees should make a pass at him if he shows even the most remote interest in playing in the Big Apple.

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Hyun-Jin Ryu - 2019: 14-5 2.32 ERA 163 SO 182.2 IP

Ryu had a banner campaign for his sixth season in the majors proving once again that he is not going to fade out like some thought he would after shoulder surgery sidelined him in 2016. He twice posted a sub 1.00 ERA in a month (0.59 in May and 0.55 in July) and would make a nice pairing with Tanaka and Paxton in the rotation in the team chooses to look his way in the winter.

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Dallas Keuchel - 2019 8-8 3.75 ERA 91 SO 112.2 IP

For at least a month Keuchel appeared to be destined to sign with the Yankees after going unsigned past spring training. However, Negotiations stalled when the Yankees refused to give the extra $3 million that he was asking and thus the Atlanta Braves wound up swooping in and signing the lefty away from New York. Now the they have another shot at it, the team could certainly offer Keuchel a more lucrative contract to attain his services. He hasn't quite been the same since his Cy Young season in 2015 as his WHIP has increased in each year after, but he can still provide the Yankees with a stable arm in 2020.

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Gerrit Cole - 2019 20-5 2.50 ERA 326 SO 212.1 IP

Cole is the hands down top target for every contender in 2020. He put up stellar numbers for Houston this season and was a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. He's everything you could want in a starting pitcher in today’s league and would more than elevate the Yankees staff into one of the best in the MLB. He will come with heavy price tag as a Cy Young award should be added to his resume once the awards are given out. Hopefully this will not deter Cashman from offering the dominant righty the chance to play for his favorite childhood team.

5 Yankees That Need Big Performanes In 2019

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Aroldis Chapman

When you look at Chapmans's numbers from last season (2.45 ERA, 93 K in 55 Appearances) you wouldn't think that he would need a bounce back year at all. However, when you consider that he was bothered by a knee injury for several weeks, it makes even more sense for 'The Missile' to prove that he is pain free and ready own the mound as the Yankees closer in 2019.

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Greg Bird

Bird had high hopes in 2018 that he would solidify himself as the teams everyday first baseman, but another untimely injury stymied his chances. Unfortunately, things did not go his way when he returned and the big lefty found himself platooning with a red-hot acquisition named Luke Voit, whom took the Bronx by storm down the stretch. Now facing a potentially critical point in his young career, Bird must show the club the player he is more than capable of being.

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Clint Frazier

Clint Frazier's season ended before it could really begin in last year as a severe concussion kept him from returning to the field. Now that the injury is behind him, he can win a platoon spot on the active roster that would give him the chance to make a real name for himself in pinstripes

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Luis Severino

Severino got off to a spectacular start last season (14-2 2.31 ERA), He earned a spot on the All-Star team and was one of the frontrunners for the AL Cy Young award. Sadly, the second half did not play out nearly as well as the first. He posted a 5.57 ERA in 12 starts and never really found any semblance of the rhythm he had prior to the All-Star break. He has admitted that his perplexing drop-off was due to fatigue and he has worked on upping his endurance so he can stay well-conditioned for the long haul.

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Gary Sanchez

If there is any Yankee that needs a strong performance this coming season, it's Gary Sanchez. Not only was his hitting poor (. 186), his defense was called into question on many occasions. Making matters worse, Sanchez seemed disenchanted by it all and made no real effort to change the minds of his critics. Was he affected by the Yankees acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton? Was he injured for longer that he was? No one can say for certain why he played so poorly in 2018, but one thing's for certain a stellar campaign in 2019 will erase all the questions and doubts surrounding the slugging catcher known as 'Kraken'.

How The Knicks Should Plan Their Future

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A True Stabalizing Point Guard 

The Knicks have not had much luck finding a point man that can run the offense effectively. While Emmanuel Mudiay has made great strides as a ball player this season, where his fuure may lies is still up in the air. There are lots of speculation that The Knicks could pursue the likes of Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, and even Damian Lillard but given the team current rebuild thos options won't be a sure thing by the slightest.

Long Term Answer At Center

Enes Kanter has been hot and cold with the team all season and though he has expressed his love of New York and the Knicks, it doesn't appear the organization is leaning toward bringing him into the fold long term. Should that be the case, The Knicks will need to have a plan at center that they are comfortable with. Some speculate the the team could go with using the recovering Kristaps Porzingis since his size (7'3") makes him a very viable candidate to fill the role. If they would rather not move KP, luring the likes Demarcus Cousins or Nikola Vucevic to the Garden is in cards, but much like the free agent point guards it won't be easy to bring them in.

Aim for a Superstar

One of the biggest hopes the Knicks have is pairing a top superstar player with their young core. With players like Klay Thompson (unrestricted), Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant (all with player options) up for grabs the Knicks will certainly look to stake their claim in what could shape up to be a stacked free agency pool. Can the Knicks land one of these top stars? It's not impossible and if it should happen, there is a great chance the could speed up its rebuilding process and get back into contention much sooner that expected.

Use the Draft

As of right now the Knicks sit in position for a top 3 pick in the upcoming draft. This would put them in great position to land one of the highly touted college prospects like Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, or Ja Morant. WHomever the Knicks wind up wth will give the added youth that they can develop into a big contributor for years to come.

Yankees Offseason Shopping List

Starting Pitcher

Potential Targets:

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Patrick Corbin

While some say that he isn't a number one quality pitcher, Corbin could be just the right fit for the Yankees whom find themselves in need of a steady left hander in the rotation. He did put up decent numbers this past season (11-7 3.15 ERA in 200 innings) for an underachieving Diamondbacks team, and it does help that he has always wanted to return home and play for his favorite team growing up. Look for Cashman to crank up his pursuit of Corbin in the upcoming weeks.

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J.A. Happ

Outside of his poor performance in the division series, Happ proved to be a great deadline pickup for the Yankees as he posted a 7-0 record with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts. With CC Sabathia returning, some may say that it wouldn't make sense to bring another veteran lefty into the fold when you could find younger option. Still, the benefits of having a skilled pitcher around could pay some decent dividends in a long season.

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Dallas Keuchel

The former pitching nemesis of the Yankees hasn't been quite as strong since his Cy Young campaign in 2015, but he still has a lot to offer as a starter. Keuchel proved to be a healthy workhorse this season, making all 34 of his starts which was a big question mark for him coming into the season. The Yankees could look to add him should the opportunity present itself.

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Nathan Eovaldi

Eovaldi was certainly a big surprise in 2018 as he helped lead the rival Red Sox to a World Series title. He spent two seasons with the Yankees before being shut down and subsequently released after tearing his UCL in August 2016. After missing all of 2017, it appears the 28-year-old is looking stronger than ever and it certainly warrant a second look from the Pinstripes, even if it will probably come at a steeper price.

Shortstop

Potential Targets:

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Manny Machado

The likely top free agent target of the 2018 offseason is looking for a record-breaking contract and is drawing interest from teams all around the league. At just 26 years old it would make sense for the Yankees to give him the chance to patrol the hallowed position for a decade of more. However, the presence of fan favorite Didi Gregorious (despite his recent elbow surgery) coupled with Machado's admitted lack of hustle at times could put the Yankees off. Is the team willing to invest $200-$300 million in a player like Machado? Perhaps, but only time will tell.

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Jose Iglesias

If the Yankees are worried about Gregorious's long term health but don't want to break the bank on a quality fill in player, Iglesias would fit that role well. He's been very sure-handed in his career and while he may not provide the pop Didi does, he still had the ability to swing a steady bat

Outfield

Potential Targets:

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Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen spent the latter part of 2018 with the Yankees after being acquired at the deadline from San Francisco. Cashman has said that he would love to bring him back "for a reasonable price" if possible. If the 9-year veteran is willing to return to New York in 2019, it's surely worth a shot.

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Adam Jones

Brett Gardner will likely be in a platoon role, so it makes sense for the Yankees to be in the market for an everyday player whom proved he can still put up good numbers (.281 15 HR 65 RBI this season) and give stability to their lineup without totally breaking the bank.

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Bryce Harper

As the biggest name (other than Machado) to hit free agency this offseason, Harper will certainly have the attention of nearly every team in the majors. Adding him would make an already powerful lineup even more potent. The big question for the Bombers is if they’re willing to shell out big money for player like Harper, given the clubs recent history of giving contracts to young stars before (i.e. Alex Rodriguez), The Yankees could air on the side of caution before opening negotiations with the 26-year-old phenom. Then again, they could decide to take the aggressive approach and embark on the creation of the most star studded and expensive outfield in modern baseball history.

Pitchers The Yankees Could Target At (or before) The Trade Deadline

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Michael Fulmer

Fulmer was a rumored trade possibility in the offseason and throughout spring training as the Yankees sought to fill out their rotation. Given that the Tigers have made him available before (a deal nearly happened last season) One would have to believe that the two clubs could make good on that close call this time around. If the Yankees don’t want to give up too much in the way of top prospects while still getting good value, a deal with the Tigers is very much in the cards.

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Patrick Corbin

Over the winter, Corbin made mention that he would love to play for his favorite childhood team if the opportunity became available. If the Yankees are up to it, there is room to make a significant push to acquire him from Arizona. However, Corbin is set to hit the free agent market this offseason, so the Yankees still have a chance to pick him up without putting too big of a dent in their highly touted prospect pool.

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Cole Hamels

With the Rangers in last place, they'll be looking to move some veteran parts to better their future. One of those assets is Cole Hamels, a pitcher the Yankees have coveted for a few seasons now. The only concern is the likely high price Texas will give once the Yankees make the call. Is Cashman willing to trade away a small ransom to get a southpaw that the team may not hold on to after the season? It all depends on how urgent the team is to make a move like this.

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Jacob DeGrom

While he remains on the Yankees deadline vision board, taking him off the Mets hands has proven to be a tight rope. The crosstown Mets have only expressed interest in top prospects Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and Clint Frazier, all of which the Yankees have no plans to move anytime soon. DeGrom would surely be a valuable fit in the Yankees rotation. The team has struggled to fill the sizable hole in it since Jordan Montgomery went down in early May. Unfortunately, unless the Mets asking price comes down a bit, the likelihood that this deal is even entertained is very slim.

Yankees: Who's Hot, Who's Not

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Who's Hot

Dellin Betances

Things had not been going well for 6'8" right hander as he couldn’t find any consistency on the mound (His struggles have been well documented for the past two seasons). That appear to have changes as Betances is pitching to a 1.13 ERA over the last seven games. Whether or not this is a sign that his fortunes are turning around is yet to be seen, but the numbers he's sporting lately are very encouraging.

Luis Severino

Severino is proving himself to be the ace the Yankees billed hm as when he was first called up back in 2015. His 9-1 record and 102 strikeouts place him in the upper tier of Major League pitchers. Not to mention he is 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA over his last seven starts. If he keeps this up, The Dominican born flamethrower will surely find himself as top candidate in the Cy Young conversation.

Miguel Andujar

It's been stellar last 15 games for Andujar as he is hitting 21 for 56 (.375) over that span. In addition, he leads all rookies with 21 doubles and 30 extra base hits. A lot of people have been talking about the early campaign of the equally exceptional Gleyber Torres, but Andujar has managed to stand out all on his own.

Brett Gardner

After a rough April, Gardner has had a fantastic bounce back since the middle of May. Over his last 15 games Gardner is hitting .338 and has put together much better at bats than he did at the start of the season. The Yankee offense responds much better when their table setter is hitting well. If he can hold firm, the team will continue to thrive.

Who's Not

Tyler Austin

With a .143 average and 16 strikeouts in his last seven, it's safe to say that Yankees need to address the struggles of Tyler Austin. He looks very lost at the plate and can't catch up to any pitcher’s fastball, which wasn't the case back in April. Perhaps he has placed far too much pressure on himself to deliver now that Greg Bird is healthy, and fan/clubhouse favorite Ronald Torreyes sits in the minors waiting for the opportunity to get back to majors. Whatever the case may be, it would behoove Austin to get himself right before Aaron Boone has to make another roster adjustment.

Gary Sanchez

Unfortunately, the 2018 season has not gone the way Gary Sanchez would have liked. While the production is there (12 HR 35 RBI), He's hitting just .201 on the season and hasn't looked like he's any closer to coming out of his slump (.111 thus far in early June). Austin Romine (Who is hitting .344 as the backup) will continue to see playing time until Sanchez can find a groove and rediscover the highly touted hitting stroke that endeared him to the Yankees the last two seasons.

Masahiro Tanaka

Tanaka has been up and down so far, and he appears to be amid cold spell right now. He’s surrendered 20 earned runs over 38.2 innings (4.66 ERA over that timeframe) in his last seven starts and has been hurt by the long ball more than he would probably like. While you certainly can't compare this to the first half struggles he had last season, it would be best to correct some of his issues now before they become a persistent problem that could undo his season.