It has been a relatively quiet time in the Bronx as long time Yankee fans have begun pining for the loud and bombastic late great owner George Steinbrenner. The boss had a knack for keeping the Yankees in the headlines on a daily basis, even in the dead of winter, but times have changed since his passing.
However, the Bronx Bombers did make some news with their recent trade in which they sent second baseman Martin Prado to the Miami Marlins for starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Also completing the deal is first baseman and outfielder Garrett Jones coming to New York along with pitching prospect Domingo German with David Phelps going to Miami.
The fact that the Yankees sent Prado to the Marlins is also evidence that they have confidence in prospects Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela to take over at second base.
New Way of Business
After a second consecutive season out of the playoffs, Hal Steinbrenner expressed his frustration and disappointment but, unlike his late father, there was no bombast or bellowing. For that matter there were also none of the firings that were typical after a bad season with his father in charge.
Since Hal and Hank Steinbrenner took over the duties of running the Yankees as co-chairmen of Yankee Global Enterprises there has been a new found emphasis on player development and the end of an open checkbook. The Boss’ theory of buying his way out of problems and annual pennant purchases are over. And the trade with the Marlins validates the new way.
The Steinbrenner sons have voiced admiration in the past for how the Tampa Bay Rays were able to field consistent contenders on a shoe string budget while playing in a dump of a ball park.
Eovaldi Brings Lively Arm and Potential
Last year, Eovaldi threw nearly 200 innings with a 6-14 record and a 4.37 earned run average. He allowed 223 hits which was the most in the National league. But Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman sees plenty of upside stating that, “He has a good arm and he is young (24 years of age).”
Eovaldi will join a starting rotation of Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Chris Capuano, and Ivan Nova. Tanaka and Nova have elbow issues while Sabathia is battling an ailing knee. Nova is coming off Tommy John surgery and will not be available until May. Eovaldi is likely going to be asked for another 200 innings in 2015.
“This team has been lacking in terms of innings, so we’re just trying to give ourselves as many of those options as we can,” said Cashman. “Given our current payroll and our current commitments, if we can find guys that have this type of ability and are cost controlled and are in the arena that we can afford, it’s an easier fit.”
Competition at Second
Meanwhile Refsnyder and Pirela will compete for the starting spot at second base. Both are reputed to have good bats but may be lacking on the leather. Cole Figueroa and Nick Noonan are also in the mix as insurance policies.
“Clearly, if spring training were starting today, that is the competition,” said Cashman.
Jones and German
German could become an instant pitching possibility as he posted strong numbers at Greensboro in Class A Minor League ball with a 2.48 ERA in 25 appearances. He was the eighth ranked Marlins overall prospect.
“We had a number of scouting reports,” said Cashman, “It’s great to add another lottery ticket, so to speak, into that prospect category for us and I know our people are very excited to add a prospect with his physical tools into our system.”
German was rewarded with a trip to the Sirius XM All Star Futures Game last year and boasts a fast fall that can reach in the mid-90s. He has a heavy sinking ball that creates plenty of groundballs.
Jones gives the Yankees some left handed power off the bench as he has hit 15 home runs in each of his last six full seasons. Jones could see plenty of action as the back to injury plagued first baseman Mark Teixeira.
