The New York Yankees are holding on tight to their top spot in the division as the second half of the MLB season gets underway. Looking like real contenders for the postseason, many have expected New York to be active at the trade deadline. The team has some pitching needs along with infield inconsistencies that they could upgrade and the deadline is certainly the perfect opportunity to get another bat or arm for the roster, but will they be as aggressive as some believe?
The Yankees have been linked to a number of trade deals involving top pitchers and infielders with the July 31 deadline approaching. However, general manager Brian Cashman told the media that there is a real possibility the Yankees stay put and not make any roster adjustments at the trade deadline.
"There is a strong possibility that there might not be anything that makes sense for us," Cashman said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "If you are focusing on: Are there going to be available starting pitchers [that] are better than what we have? Yeah, but will they be worth the price tag to acquire on a short-term rental, for instance? Is it worth the overall cost of some of the talent we have coming? That is what we would wrestle with. There are certain players that we do not want to move."
Cashman is referring to the question marks surrounding CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova. Both players had forgettable first half seasons. Sabathia notably struggled on the mound with one of the worst ERAs on the team. Meanwhile Nova returned from Tommy John surgery to see his numbers drastically declined. That caused a number of NBA sources link the team to players like Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto and James Shields. However, Cashman is not sold on the idea.
"There is a strong possibility that there might not be anything that makes sense for us," Cashman said. "I do like the chemistry in this clubhouse. I do like the personnel that we have. I recognized that we all have our flaws and defects and areas that could be better, but in some cases, you might not be able to address them because of availability just doesn't exist."
According to the New York Post, the Yankees have sent scouts to see pitchers like Hamels so no move should really be ruled out for the Yankees, but at the moment Cashman sounds content. The same can be said about Stephen Drew who has not looked great all season. The Yankees called up Rob Refsnyder, but sent him back down after four games to develop more. Brendan Ryan is available to move around if the team is truly unhappy with Drew.
