New York Yankees at the Deadline: Why New York Will Mainly Stand Pat

Every MLB team becomes very busy around the July 31 trade deadline, but no team is usually more active than the Yankees.  They have become notorious for making big splashes, sometimes even ridiculous cannonballs, to improve their squad and make a final push to the World Series.  

This season, however, the Yankees may not be so deep in the trade market.  It may even be surprising if they make a reasonably big trade at all, but there are reasons why.

Finding Premium Talent: It's Not Like It Used to Be

Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez has had great success against New York, and his last start before the trade deadline on July 27 was no different, as he shut them down and picked up the victory.  In past years, it would take a phone call, some cash and maybe a couple prospects, and the Yankees would have a good opportunity to take King Felix from the Northwest and plug him into their rotation.  

This season, it may not be so easy.  With a premium put back on starting pitching recently, giving up a front-line hurler like Hernandez is much more difficult.  Though there have been recent cries for the Mariners to deal him, seeing as there is no hope for their division race, it would be a waste of a decade's worth of patience to send him away.  An ace like him rarely comes along, and there is no one player (or three for that matter) the Yankees could give them in return that could make the trade worth it.  

He is not the only top-end player deemed "untouchable" in this league.  Pitchers like David Price and Clayton Kershaw are gems of fading teams, ones a contender would dream of getting.  It seems the Yankees used to be able to turn those dreams into realities, but the opposition's stubbornness to release such talent may hurt New York at this deadline. 

Players on the Market That Just Wouldn't Fit

Something the Yankees' clubhouse has acquired in recent years is a sense of chemistry while watching them play.  Trading for someone like Tampa Bay Rays' outfielder B.J. Upton could certainly put that one step backward.  

Upton has had promise as a great young talent, displaying a mix of power at the plate and speed in the outfield.  It is his character that may put his value in jeopardy, especially for the Yankees.  He has been disciplined in the past for a lack of hustle, and every time you watch him, you feel he's one frustrating ground ball from returning to that level.  

If the Yankees could not unlock the secrets of Upton's skills within, he is not currently an upgrade for their lineup.  His potential would certainly make him respectable to Curtis Granderson in center field, but right now, he is a glorified veteran prospect, something New York does not need for the postseason.   

Yes, the Yankees Are Under-Performing

It seems hard to believe, but the great offense of the New York Yankees is not firing on all cylinders for various reasons.  At first glance, they seem fine; they have lots of home runs, runs scored and stolen bases.  Look deeper, and find they could be much better.

The glaring problem is not a problem, but something very good that potentially could be MVP-great.  That would be Robinson Cano, the Yankees' version of the natural.  His effortless power, fundamental hitting and smooth fielding at second base should make him the best player on the team come year's end.  This year, however, Cano has failed to maintain an average over .300 all season, something he is definitely capable of doing with his beautiful swing.  

Also troubling on their offense is Mark Teixeira, who is starting to resemble a hitting style of Jason Giambi from the left side of the plate.  His average has dipped to .240, a number Giambi floated around for much of his Yankees career.  Defenses play a shift (a player alignment that favors the side of the field the batter usually hits the ball) on Teixeira, and he is becoming increasingly proficient at hitting into it.  

Finally, the usual disappointment of A.J. Burnett finds himself buried somewhere in the Yankees' rotation, searching for something he can hang his hat on positively.  Ever since joining the team with C.C. Sabathia in 2009, it seems he has not found that hook yet.  Though his talent and effort are both outstanding, there is something he hasn't grasped in New York yet.  You must win and win convincingly to be looked at as a star.  Until he can go out in a big rubber game or against the Red Sox in September and throw a gem, his respect as the No. 2 starter in pinstripes will have to be earned.   

A-Rod's Massive Void

As the All-Star Break came, Alex Rodriguez left, heading for surgery to repair a torn meniscus cartilage in his right knee.  In his wake was a vacuum in the Yankees' lineup, something very few players in baseball can replace.

His offense this season has been very respectable, with fewer home runs but a better average and good numbers with runners in scoring position.  His fielding has been on par or better as well.  With him gone, it is obvious the Yankees are struggling a little more to score runs. It's not just his offense, but his presence in the batting order that affects a pitcher.  There's no doubt they know he's there and what his capabilities are, but without him, the lineup seems a bit more beatable.  And it could be that small bit of confidence the pitcher needs to beat them.

Once Rodriguez returns, the need for a right-handed bat will diminish significantly.  If he returns at full strength, he is fully capable of reviving his season and carrying the Yankees to October.

Reasonable Improvement Are Few and Far Between

With all options currently on the trade block before the deadline, none make a lot of sense for the Yankees to acquire, assuming they would have to trade to get a player of caliber.  The best pitcher available is Rockies' starter Ubaldo Jimenez, but it would most likely cost the Yankees a starter of their own or young prospects they don't need to give up right now.

The infield is nearly impossible to upgrade, and there is certainly no reason to do it.  In the outfield, their mix of speed, power and switch-hitting skills make them a very tough outfield to top.  Though their bullpen could always use improvements (whose doesn't), there are no pitchers that could come in and majorly impact the team, especially with Rafael Soriano soon to return.  

For once, the Bombers may draw none and see if their hand can win.  The team they put on the field every day today will be the same in September, and if they perform at a high level, it should be enough to get them into October.