SPANISH HARLEM – The New York Yankees start the 2nd half 4 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sux. They will look improve their chances of winning the division, whether it’s internally or via a trade, a move will be made. With Manny Machado traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a key trade piece is off the board. If the Yankees want to win the World Series, they will have to look elsewhere and with that said, here my top 3 things to look out for if this team is going to make a run in the playoffs.
THE TRADE
Everyone knows the Yankees need more pitching, especially in the starting rotation. There are rumors that the organization will also look for relievers if they fail to land a starter but the propriety will be to get a front line pitcher. At this point there aren’t many out there because it looks like the New York Mets want no part in trading Jacob deGrom but the Yankees will continue to monitor that situation in case things change, its more likely the Yankees end up with Zach Wheeler than deGrom. The other name to look out for is Michael Fulmer of the Detroit Tigers, who are open to trades as they are rebuilding but will ask for a package that consist of multiple high end prospect to pull the trigger.
The next group of pitchers won’t wow you but could help solidify a Yankees rotation that have 3 good starters that they heavily depend on. The Toronto Blue Jays will most certainly trade J.A. Happ because he is in the last year of his deal and will become a free agent after the season. While he hasn’t pitched good in his most recent starts, he is someone that could help the Yankees as mid rotation starter. Then you have Cole Hamels, who would love to get out of Texas and pitch for a contender. He has made his desire known for the Yankees and would provide the playoff experience they desire. He is not the same Cole Hammels from 5 years ago but he is still someone that could provide big innings if healthy.
SONNY GRAY
The Yankees made the trade for Sonny Gray last season because they thought they were getting a talented pitcher that could become a front line starter that was cost effective and had the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the american league. Instead Gray has been downright horrendous, to the tune of a 5.46 ERA. In his most recent start against the Baltimore Orioles, you saw flashes of what he could be if he throws strikes and pounds the zone but those starts come to few and far between. Its more likely that you will see Sonny Gray blow up on the mound and give up runs in bunches. He is the main reason the organization NEEDS to trade for a pitcher. If this team is going to win the division, Sonny will have to turn the corner and produce the way he is expected to.
GREG BIRD
It has been a difficult two years for Greg Bird, who has found himself either injured or mired a long slump that has Yankees fans clamoring for an upgrade. When Bird came up to the big leagues, he was advertised as the future at first base for the Yankees and the first of many prospects the team were high on. Its kinda weird to imagine now that he was the highest rated prospect in the system, ahead of guys like Luis Severino and Aaron Judge. The Yankees love his lefty bat in their lineup because he separates all the right handed hitting but whats the point of that if he isn’t producing. I’m not ready to give up on him but Bird is a player the Yankees need to be better in the 2nd half of season.
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