The Jet Stream Vol. 14 — “Paxton…James Paxton”
NOV. 20 — James Paxton is a New York Yankee. Sounds sexy doesn't it?
Let’s say it again, just for kicks. James Paxton is a New York Yankee.
Brian Cashman got things started last night by trading top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield, RHP Erik Swanson and OF Dom Thompson-Williams for the big lefty out of Seattle. The Yanks have started to solidify their rotation, but the implications are much bigger than that:
No More Corbin?
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin has been linked to a move with the Yankees for what seems like an eternity, but is there really room for him anymore? My answer is clearly no. I doubt the Yankees feel like a rotation with three lefties (especially if one of them is CC Sabathia) is a good idea with how many amazing right handed hitters the Indians (Lindor, Ramirez, Edwin), Red Sox (Mookie, JD, Xander) and Astros (Altuve, Bregman, Correa) have. Look for the Yankees to add righties to their rotation if and when they make more moves.
Which Brings Us To…
Corey Kluber. Righty pitcher. Perennial Cy Young candidate. Robot.
Making a move for him involving Miguel Andujar and another small piece would be best case scenario for both teams. Here’s why:
For the Indians: You part ways with a pitcher that has been a huge part of your success over the last couple of years, but that has underperformed in the playoffs compared to his regular season success and is getting older. You gain 40+ doubles a year and an impact bat in the form of Miguel Andujar, who can protect Frankie and Jose in a lineup constantly striving for depth. Even more important is the fact that Jose can play second base with Andujar now becoming your everyday third baseman, which all but cures the hole seen there through large stretches of the season when Jason Kipnis was struggling (not to mention using Kipnis in the outfield increases your depth out there as well).
For the Yankees: You fill a legitimate need in the form of another dominant (righty) starter. Severino will feel much less pressure knowing that Paxton and Kluber can help anchor the staff, and being able to learn from older, successful pitchers in this league will only help him. Kluber has legitimate World Series experience, and will provide an added veteran presence that is vital for a young team. Letting go of Miguel Andujar stings, but allows Cashman to make a multitude of moves that make the Yankees a more dynamic, flexible team…
Those Moves Are:
(made into a list for easier consumption)
- Manny Machado getting signed, with the option of playing either left-sided infield position from the start of the season.
- Signing Pittsburgh Pirates star Josh Harrison, who has the ability to play third or second base with equal proficiency, and allows Gleyber to play shortstop in Didi’s stead. (If you sign Machado as well as Harrison, Gleyber can play second and Manny can play short)
- Dealing for Scooter Gennett, who plays second. (In this scenario, Gleyber would play shortstop again)
- Signing Marwin Gonzalez, utility-man from the Houston Astros. He can play basically anywhere, and makes a World Series contender weaker. His ability to play first base at a high level is also incredibly intriguing.
Regardless of what moves you like the most, having a potential infield consisting of a collection of Machado, Didi, Gleyber, Scooter, Harrison or Gonzalez sounds almost too good to be true. Hardly any of it makes sense with Andujar in the lineup still unless he is a DH, consequently putting Giancarlo Stanton in left field everyday, which is NOT happening.
On the surface, keeping Andujar seems like a no-brainer. But upon closer inspection, we see that dealing him away makes room for a collection of players that make the Yankees a way better team. The morale of the story is: I don’t care how many doubles you hit your rookie season; If I could teach you a thing or two about fielding a ground ball, you probably shouldn’t be wearing Pinstripes.
All in all, signing Paxton is a good first step, and the options that arise from his acquisition are all really fun to think about. As my close friend said last night after hearing the news, “The stove is now hot.”
It only stands to get hotter in the next month. Let’s enjoy it.
Happy Tuesday, Go Yanks
,Jet
