New York Yankees: 5 Moves They Must Make Before the July Trade Deadline
The New York Yankees currently sit in first place of the AL East with a record of 31-23. If the Yankees wish to stay ahead of the AL East, they must cut ties with some players and add depth to their starting rotation.
The Yankees are not getting any younger and their window of opportunity to win another championship seems to be dwindling by the day. If the Yankees wish to make another run at the postseason it is imperative they make a few moves to help them stay atop the rest of the American League.
The Tampa Bay Rays and The Toronto Blue Jays continues to improve and the Boston Red Sox are starting to fire on all cylinders. If the Yankees do not improve the few holes on their ball club, the Yankees could miss the post season.
Here are five moves the Yankees must make in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.
5. Release Jorge Posada
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It has been a great, maybe hall of fame career from the 39-year-old catcher, but it is time to start thinking about his life after baseball.
Jorge Posada will turn 40 in August and is off to the worst start of his entire career. He is currently batting .169 with six home runs and only 16 RBI in 136 AB's. Yikes.
The DH in the American League is one of the most important pieces to success ball club. If you can't hit, you shouldn't play. Especially if the team has no use for you on the defensive side of the team.
The Yankees have made it clear that they have no intention in letting Posada catch ever again.
Jorge do yourself and every Yankee fan a favor and retire with honor. Do not let them release you, it is time to face the music. Tip you cap to the illustrious Yankee fans on more time, then hang up your cleats.
It's time to move on.
4. Trade Nick Swisher
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Whether it is for prospects or another Right Fielder, Nick Swisher's time in New York should be coming to an end.
Swisher will turn 31 in November and the Yankees are not getting any younger. This is the perfect time to move a middle aged player for some young talent before he has no remaining credibility left.
Plenty of teams around the trade deadline will be willing to trade prospects for the hope that Nick Swisher can turn it around.
There are little to no signs that Swisher will get back on track this season. After 172 AB Nick is batting a career low .215 with only four HR, eight 2B and 23 RBI. Holy Cow!
Nick Swisher also lacks speed, he only has one stolen base and has been caught twice.
The Yankees are team built on speed and power, Swisher doesn't have either and should be moved before his name gets completely tarnishes.
They may need to eat some of Nick's salary to make a move, but in the long run this move will help the Yankees compete down the road.
3. Trade Prospects for Starting Pitcher Brett Myers
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Brett Myers seems like he has been around forever, even though he is only 30 years old. He can give the Yankees starting pitching much needed innings, averaging at least six innings per start.
So far this season Brett is 2-4 with 4.82 ERA and 52 K's, these numbers are not too promising. Then again everyone knows Brett is notoriously a seconds half pitchers and could help the Yankees in a play off push. Oh yeah and he pitches for the Houston Astros.
The Houston Astros are going to be sellers at the July trade deadline as they are off to another terrible start. The Yankees must take advantage of the Astros' new ownerships want to become a younger ball club.
Adding Meyers also gives the Yankees starting pitching depth. With Freddy Garcia injury prone and Bartolo Colon aging (38) and overweight, it is going to be tough to say they both will pitch well the entire season without a set back or two.
Also, Ivan Nova could be used in the pen as a long man and give the bullpen some much needed depth.
1. CC Sabathia
2. A.J. Burnett
3. Brett Meyers
4. Freddy Garcia
5. Bartolo Colon
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2. Acquire a DH, Preferably Vladimir Guerrero
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Vladimir Guerrero has proven so far this season he can still hit. So far he has a .289 BA, five HR, and 23 RBI. He can also spell Nick Swisher is right field from time to time if he continues to slump.
This is a quick fix for the Yankees, he will not cost the team a lot of money or a great deal of Major League ready prospects.
Vladimir Guerrero is veteran player with over 440 HR and a career .319 BA. Not to mention a hefty upgrade from the production Jorge Posada is giving them.
He is also a second half player and look for Vladimir's numbers to heat up as we make our way into the summer months.
1. Hunter Pence
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If the New York Yankees front office wants to get serious about winning now, they will make a block buster trade to acquire on of baseball's rising stars; RF Hunter Pense.
This season Hunter Pence is batting .317 with eight HR and 43 RBI. He also has an OPS of .867 and the ability to hit for extra bases.
This deal may take the Yankees to part with some of their top prospects like C Jesus Montero, SP Andrew Brackman, C Austin Romine and IF Brandon Laird.
This move could address the problems RF and Hunter Pense could also occasionally DH.
Pense will be a prize commodity come July, the Yankees with have to be aggressive in acquiring him or other teams with gladly fend for his service.
Could you Imagine adding Hunter Pence to the already destructive New York Yankees line up, fans would already be lining up for a parade in the Bronx.
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