Bleeding Yankee Blue: YANKEES CELEBRATE BY SIGNING HOLLIDAY. NOW WHAT?

Monday, December 5, 2016

YANKEES CELEBRATE BY SIGNING HOLLIDAY. NOW WHAT?

(Oct. 1, 2016 - Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees got an early Holliday gift. Okay, so maybe not as funny as it sounded in my head but nonetheless, it has happened. The Yankees have been looking for a DH and they finally have one. It may not have been the most obvious choice but it does make some sense. If I have learned anything since the end of last season it is "trust in Cashman" so.....why the hell not?

(Sept. 29, 2016 - Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America)

Welcome to pinstripes Matt Holliday. I'm personally not "in love" with the deal but I don't hate it either. It's short term and it doesn't cost a lot of money and if does offer the Yankees a lot of options. Now we have some new veteran blood in the clubhouse and suddenly Joe Girardi has a much more versatile line up. I am starting to really talk myself into it....sort of.

(Oct. 13, 2016 - Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images North America)

As much as I liked the idea of Edwin Encarnacion in pinstripes, I just didn't like the idea of having to spend all of the money for another long term contract. I am looking forward to having even more money to spend on the free agent classes of 2018 and 2019 which has some of the biggest names in baseball. The Yankees are rebuilding and if they stay patient we could land some of the biggest names later when we really are chasing another World Series ring.

Holliday will be taking over as the full time DH, and the Yankees could even give him some time at first base or the outfield if needed. His best outfield days are over but in a pinch he can still play left field. The more important possibility here is being able to play him at first base if Greg Bird misses any time or struggles. Holliday may not be a very experienced first basemen but he did play 10 games in the position last year for the Cardinals. The Yankees just got a three for one signing.

(Sept. 7, 2016 - Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

When the Yankees traded Brian McCann they lost a valuable, respected clubhouse voice and a powerful bat. Holliday is a 7-time All-Star and widely respected in the game. He also managed to hit 20 home runs and 62 RBI's after missing seven weeks with a fractured thumb. The American League could be a very good move for Holliday and even better for the Yankees if he stays rested and healthy.

(Sept. 13, 2016 - Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees are making moves, and I think in the long run this makes sense. Now they get to keep their first round draft pick which they would've lost if they signed Encarnacion and they get some pop and versatility. And just because it is fun to stir the pot could this move or Holliday be the start of other moves....like Brett Gardner? Last month we wrote IS BRETT GARDNER BEING SHOPPED? and maybe there is something brewing after all. He's been the subject of trade speculation for years, especially recently. Maybe the Yankees are on the verge of dumping him for a younger and cheaper piece?

Things are heating up....we'll see what happens next. In the meantime, welcome to the Team Holliday!