ASTROS COULD STEAL COLE OUT FROM UNDER US

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Justin K. Aller

The Yankees have been in a holding pattern when it comes to making a deal to land another pitcher to add to its growing roster.  But the World Champion Houston Astros could grab Pittsburgh's Gerrit Cole  out from under us as we hold out for the deal we want.

"Houston has engaged in talks with Pittsburgh about dealing the 27-year-old right hander, sources told Yahoo! Sports. One possible return in the trade would be outfielder Derek Fisher, with the website reporting that the Pirates would need right hander Forrest Whitley or outfielder Kyle Tucker "as a centerpiece," reported the NY Daily News late yesterday.

Source: USA Today

The Yankees have held their ground with Pittsburgh who is seeking Gleyber Torres as part of the Cole deal.  Thankfully, the Yankees aren't interested in dealing Torres who could be our regular second or third baseman come the spring.

"Torres has a tool set that makes talent evaluators drool. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds with a strong arm and athleticism, he projects to hit around .300 with above-average pop and has the ability to play shortstop, second base and third base at a high level — though there are some in the organization who think he’ll be best used at second or third," reported NJ.com back in late November. Let Pittsburgh drool all they want.  They are not getting Torres.  He's not for sale.

Source: NJ.com 

Brian Cashman has been consistently demonstrated that the new Yankees are "careful buyers" and "stressed the need to be disciplined."  He has been following this mantra of "trust the process" through his leadership of a Yankee team "with a youthful eye toward the future," reported Newsday back in July before the then trade deadline. 

So, the Pirates could deal with the Astros and that has to be alight with us.  We are not giving up the farm for a hunch, because at the end of the day is Gerrit Cole really worth it?

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof