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Bombers Could Stand One More Deal to Improve Outfield The Yankees have gone far and beyond anything their faithful could have hoped for this offseason, snatching up the likes of CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher...

Nosebleed Diaries: Yankees Should Make One More Move

by Ethan Gooderum (Columnist)

29

508 reads

Opinion

January 03, 2009


Bombers Could Stand One More Deal to Improve Outfield    

The Yankees have gone far and beyond anything their faithful could have hoped for this offseason, snatching up the likes of CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher.

These acquisitions provide the Yankees a solid utility player in Swisher, two potential aces in Sabathia and Burnett, and a slugger—not to mention a Gold Glover—in Teixeira.

Dedicating over $400 million to these players, the Yankees have made a statement, showing that they will do what it takes to be a solid World Series contender this season, if not the preseason favorite.

However, in my mind there is still a move the Yankees have to make: trading for the Kansas City Royals' David DeJesus, a Brooklyn native and former Rutgers outfielder.

The 29 year-old is in the prime of his career, and his stats would be immensely bolstered, transferring from a dull and mediocre Royals lineup, to the elaborate batting order that the Yankees currently posses.

DeJesus, who played 135 games last year, racked up a .307 batting average with 73 RBI. While DeJesus only had 11 steals last year, it is well known that he has potentially game-changing speed on the bases, and he is a quality defender in the outfield. At the plate, DeJesus also has great plate discipline, and is fantastic against right-handing pitching, batting .310 against righty hurlers last year.

DeJesus is fearless when it comes to playing outfield, though that reckless abandon does make him slightly injury prone. All in all, DeJesus could prove to be a very solid everyday outfielder—a young sense of stability that the Yankees could use.

Would the Royals give him up? Yes. Kansas City's outfield is currently over-stocked with players, as they have Ross Gload, Jose Guillen, Mark Teahen, Coco Crisp, and DeJesus. Similarly, the Yankees have Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Brett Gardner, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, and Nick Swishser. If the Yankees were to get DeJesus, at least one of the players I just listed would have to go. In my mind, that would be Xavier Nady, if not Cabrera as well.

To get rid of those two guys, I think the Yankees should use them as trade bait, part of a deal to lure in a sixth starter, possibly an Erik Bedard-type, although I wouldn't go for Bedard himself, as he is injury prone, and has been said to have had a poor attitude.

Getting rid of Cabrera and Nady, and bringing in DeJesus would make an outfield of: Damon in left, DeJesus in center, Swisher in right, Matsui as a DH, and Gardner as a bench guy, filling in for whoever had a day off.

DeJesus is an ideal fit for the Yankees, and he could easily develop into a fan favorite, due to his hustle and New York background. It's tough for me to ask Brian Cashman for more, as he has done so much to please the Yankees fans this year, but one more fitting addition would always be nice.

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29 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Dave Flowers 6 months ago

    What a complete and utter knucklehead this writer is. Trade Xavier? He's only the best all around outfielder in the lineup. You don't trade a Mercedes in for a VW. Ethan, just who thinks you are qualified to write a sports column? Certainly not me or anyone else with common baseball sense.

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    • Ethan Gooderum 6 months ago

      Nady had a fluky season (look at his career stats)... he dropped off quite a bit towards the end of the season, and while I am actually a fan of his- he doesn't seem to fit into Brian Cashman's plan, as the Yankees have rarely mentioned his name when mapping out their plan going forward.

      And also, please tell me why I have no right to write a sports column on this site, when it is an user-written sports site, where all opinions are welcomed, and people are supposed to be supportive.

      What did I do wrong? I gave my opinion, provided stats to back it up, and analyzed the players involved. Sounds fine and qualified to me.

      As far as a Mercedes for a VW, remember that the Yankees would ultimately use an excess outfielder for a 6th man in their rotation, something that would bolster their rotation, and would fill a need.

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  2. H. S. Avis 6 months ago

    I agree with you Dave, trading Nady would be a big mistake. The guy is really quite solid. Although De Jesus is a good all around player, he is hardly in the star category. If the Yankees move an outfielder it should be Melky or Matsui. What Cashman needs to add to the roster now are players with speed and athleticism. Say, a Chone Figgins type.

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    • Ethan Gooderum 6 months ago

      Speed and athleticism? DeJesus has exactly that. Figgins, is not in that star quality, and is only a minor step up from Brett Gardner if anything.

      I agree that I would rather have Matsui go, but due to his injuries, the truth is that no one will really scoop him up.

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  3. Ryan McFadden 6 months ago

    I wouldn't mind seeing DesJesus in the yankees outfield. I would wait to see how Damon does this year at leadoff. they have a logjam out their though. i would prefer a chone figgins type like the guy above me said. The question is who do you trade. I wouldn't dish out nady and i don't think the Royals would trade mastui for him. i've read in a few places they really dont want to trade this guy

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  4. Dave Flowers 6 months ago

    Ethan, please don't take it personally, but in 59 games with the Bombers last season, Xavier hit 12 HR and had a slugging % of .474. You also didn't see anyone attempting to take an extra base on a hit to LF. I didn't say you had "no right to verbalize," but questioned your judgement severely. As far as mentioning names in future trades, MLB is much like the hype before the college draft. It simply cannot be depended on, as it is nothing but liar's poker. As a life-long Yankee fan (1st Stadium game in 1962), your projected lineup of Damon in left, DeJesus in center and Swisher in right makes about as much sense to me as the phrase "Jumbo Shrimp." I go with Damon in left, Gardner in center and Xavier in right, unless we can dump Damon for a LF with an arm (No, NOT MANNY).

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    • Patrick SJ Read 6 months ago

      Damon in Left Nady in Center and Manny in right.

      Manny is the return of Babe Ruth's curse - he is from NYC - he moved there from the DR when he was 14. He hates the Red Sox Ownership and Theo. He cant stand them and he said that he wants to be a Yankee - I say he is almost qualified based on that alone.

      Dave - think of the torn hearts as Manny goes Monster beating the Sox - and then rejoices as a Yankee. This is the Curse of Poppis Jersey being realized. The drama alone is worth tens of millions of dollars - therefor its good for Baseball's future and as a baseball fan I have to demand Manny be signed by the Yanks.

      I really want to see the Sox fans suffer again - its high time the worst fans in the league get whats coming them.

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    • Ethan Gooderum 6 months ago

      I agree that we should try MUCH harder to get Manny- in fact, his demands seem to be getting lowered... I really don't see him wanting to play for a team like the Giants, which has been getting reported... I think it might just be a move that is trying to get the other teams to go after him, rather than see him get snatched up by an uncompetitive team.

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  5. Patrick SJ Read 6 months ago

    Another young outfielder is not what the Yankees need - IMO. They need to replace Bobby Abreu's bat - his RBI and Runs. Not sign some Joe Rookie who's best attribute is the city where he is from - no offense Ethan, but he's too young and not reliable enough yet.

    Manny Cometh for the Stripes.

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    • Ethan Gooderum 6 months ago

      Obviously, I think that Man-Ram would be the best option for us, but I am looking more at backup plans here, yes- just for the sake of conversation, but why not?

      I would much rather have someone like DeJesus than Gardner wouldn't you.

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  6. Dave Flowers 6 months ago

    Patrick, I completely agree with replacing Abreu's bat, but I believe the Yanks have done better by signing Texiera to replace Abreu's output. At the same time, we can release a DH that can't play 1B or hit LH pitchers (Giambi). This is what I think will give Gardner the chance to play without pressure, since we have the offensive output and rotation to keep the Yanks in every game. I may be relying on Brett Gardner too much, but with the backup and abundance of AAA potential we now have, I say give the kid a chance.

    Manny Goeth For Manny Only

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    • Ethan Gooderum 6 months ago

      Perhaps... if Gardner doesn't perform well in Spring Training, I think that there is no way you can have him as your everyday Center Fielder in the reg. season.

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  7. Dave Flowers 6 months ago

    The only way I'd like to see Manny being signed by the Yankees is to make him cut his hair off - then release him. Much as I'd love to see someone with his hitting talent in the NYY dugout, he always was and has been a cancer in the clubhouse. Do you seriously think Yankee fans would put up with "Manny being Manny?).

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    • Patrick SJ Read 6 months ago

      Not at all Dave - I think Manny understands that Manny being Manny would end quickly when in NY.

      I know that you already know this, but let me point it out for those who dont - this is a team who benched Don Mattingly for not shaving his mustache properly & he had the best batting avg in the league that year. The Yanks were not considered competitive so to lose the "captain" for that reason should indicate that Manny comes with a leash - unlike that commie red nation to the NE.

      I was shocked that Giambi got away with the scruff for so long. On the other hand, Munson had the stache too - but it wasnt handle barred like Donnie Baseballs.

      I disagree with your Giambi assessment Dave - the guy is 3rd on the All Time Yankee LeaderBoard for Most Home Runs per at bat - behind only A-Rod and the Babe. He's a four time All Yankee All Star, a perennial 100 RBI hitter with an on base percentile of 400 plus (career!)

      Take last year - he had 4 less RBI than Abreu but had 150 (+) less at bats too. He had 3 lress HR than A-Rod but with 60 less at bats too, had the second highest OBP, the highest slugging percentage (and if you recall our whiffs with RISP hurt bad last year) - he got hit 8 more times than A-Rod (which tells me that ptichers fear the G-Force) and actually stole 2 bags (LOL)

      I know the argument - he didnt live up to the expectations - and neither will anyone who is compared to Babe Ruth.

      If not Manny, then Giambi. He was the 2nd most productive bat in the line up. I dont think we need another unproductive outfielder - nor another rookie either. With all the options out there, why Gardner? Why not Melky? Why not a trade or why not just go with Nady in ctr and Swish in right (or vice versa)?

      PR

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  8. Joseph Cook 6 months ago

    I know this may sound far fetched but Andruw Jones will be released so why cant the Yankees trade Matsui to the Giants for bullpen help? If Jones is in shape our outfield could be Jones, Melky, and Nady. Damon could dh and provide depth with Gardner and Swisher.

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  9. Joseph Cook 6 months ago

    Star power with upside. Better arm and outfielder than Damon and Matsui.

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  10. Dave Flowers 6 months ago

    Ethan, I'm sure on your side with this one. I still can't belive the Dodgers paid him $30M for 2 years. Jones hasn't been able to hit his own weight the last 3 years. Joseph, I'd suggest you check your stats before coming up with the opinion that Jones is star power.

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  11. Dave Flowers 6 months ago

    Melky is without a doubt a superior player. His lack of hustle will hopefully be adjusted this year. Last year Jones hit .158. The year before that was .228. Give me Melky any day over Andruw. Matter of fact, I'd take just about anyone over Jones - except Manny.

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  12. Joseph Cook 6 months ago

    Defensively is my point, and the Yankees should consider adding a better defensive outfield which is why the considered Cameron. However, Cameron has the propensity to strike out, and we would be giving up Melky. So that move move would have been a moot point, unless you are telling me Cameron is a better bat. He also is at least five years older. Back to my point Jones has more upside, Matsui has trade value and we keep Melky our home grown talent. By the way are you tired of Damon's lollipop arm, and over rated lead off hitter, which is probably better suited for slap hitting Jeter.

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  13. Ethel Lair 6 months ago

    We best first add another arm in the rotation preferably giving Andy a little more money to come back for one more year.

    If he decides not to come back then we need to spend to get one before spring training. I like the acquisitions of Xavier Nady & Nick Swisher. Against trading either of them.

    Glad of course for the big 3 we did get already. Not against Manny coming and never thought I'd say that, but number 1 he can hit and is a threat with short porch. He likes hitting at the stadium as records prove.

    Number 2 Manny wants to get back at the Sox. I think he would be motivated to help us win and not be slack like he was toward the end of his stay in Boston.

    The hair would have to be cut (example Damon) and I'm sure it would be and he would not be able to get by with that just "Manny being Manny" in NY.

    So, round out the holes left to fill. One more starter and one more big Man-ny bat!

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  14. Wesley Johnson 5 months ago

    As Royals fan who's seen two former centerfielders end up in New York, I don't really see it as a necessity, but inevitability. Like it or not, Royals home-grown centerfielders WILL end up in New York. You can't escape it.

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  15. Jordan Lanning 5 months ago

    As much as I hate the Yankees I think trading DeJesus For Nady and possibly Cabrera would be great. But only one problem, trading DeJesus for two more outfielders would only crowd our outfield even more. The Royals still need a veteran middle infielder and I don't know if the Yankees have anything that would fit into our category. The Yankees (Yuckies is what i like to call them) have tons of talent and maybe even a pitcher and an infielder for DeJesus would be a trade the Royals may have to bite on. But the magic word for the Royals would be if you would be willing to trade a couple of prospects with some legitimate talent.

    Thanks Ethan

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  1. Mike 5 months ago

    I believe the yankees should go out and try to trade for a centerfielder, maybe a guy like David Dejesus or Carlos Gomez.

    Gomez is a good hitter and a superb defender. Gardner can rotate with him in center field, with Gomez getting the majority of the starts.

    Gardner is a good defensive centerfielder from what I saw in his brief stint last season, but he hasn't shown that he can hit consistently.

    If Gardner could hit over .300 throughout the course of a full season or have a decent on-base percentage, we all know he is a force to be wreckoned with on the basepads.

    The yankees can maybe put a package together for the Twins which includes Melky Cabrera and Xavier Nady for Carlos Gomez and a pitching prospect. Melky is cheap and I do not believe Nady at
    6. 5 mil is that expensive. Maybe the yankees can eat about half of Nady's contract to make the deal more desireable. Gomez comes extremely cheap about half a mil I believe, and has tremendous upside. Gomez is a five tool player. I would just be worried about his attitude and maturity in the clubhouse. He reminds me of Jose Reyes the way he conducts himself, but maybe the yankees could
    mold his personality.

    Nady was just an emergency fill-in last season and may not be able to sustain those numbers he put up last year, over another full season with the Yankees. Plus the fact that he is not the best defensive outfielder. Swisher should play right field, and maybe if they sign another free agent right fielder for cheap (unlikely), but if they do swisher can back up and rotate the position in right field.

    With that said I would not trade Nick Swisher. Between Swisher, Posada, and Texeira in the lineup, there are three potent power-hitting switch hitters, which will make it awfully tough for an opposing manager to come up with a way to pitch to these guys. The fact that swisher can switch hit, play good defense in the outfield, and backup Texeira makes him a nice upgrade over Nady.

    Im probably dreaming about this scenario, the Twins probably wouldn't bite on the deal, it may be a downgrade for them in centerfield.

    but just an idea.

    Let me know your thoughts.

    Mike

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    • Ethan Gooderum 5 months ago

      I think that Gomez could be a good idea... I don't think that the Twins are overly dedicated to him... I just don't know what is the right package to give. I have a feeling that the Twins would want an Ian Kennedy type, and we would send something like Kennedy and Cabrera for Gomez and a back end relief pitcher perhaps... I just do not think that the Twins would want Nady so much... I think that you will see the Bombers hold onto Nady until the deadline, and then either trade him or Swisher, depending on the production that they are getting from those guys.

      Ethan

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