BLAKE SNELL? I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT

Photo: Getty Images

Despite the great starts the Yankees got from Jonathan Loaisiga and Domingo German recently, it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Yankees will soon be seeking pitching.

It's been one of the biggest topics of conversation in almost any newspaper or Yankee blog out there. It's that time of year again where everyone will be pointing out who might be available and where they should go. Combing through various articles, I came across this one from NJ.com proposing a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Blake Snell.  If anything, it's interesting...

Photo: Getty Images

"The Athletics' Jim Bowden, former GM of the Reds and Nationals, imagined a deal between the Rays and Yankees: Yankees land Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays for Justus Sheffield, Erik Swanson and Clint Frazier."

Photo: Getty Images

Sitting here looking at this deal, I'd like to say no way. I, like Casey would love to see Red Thunder stay in the Bronx and develop. I would also love to see what Sheffield can do. After meeting and watching him pitch this last fall in the AFL, I sort of developed a soft spot for this kid. I feel like this might be a little bit of an overpay, but unfortunately the Yankees are going to have to overpay for any pitcher that could be of help. Every team in baseball knows that's what the Yankees are after and they're going to be asking a king's ransom. Especially when that pitcher is young and under team control for four and a half more years.

Photo: Adam Hunger /AP

Could Snell be an answer for the Yankees? A look at his numbers seems to suggest it. The big positive here would be that he does have experience in the AL East where he's beat the Red Sox twice and the Yankees once this year. He also just pitched a great game ending the Astros win streak.

My main question is, would he be able to replicate what he has done in Tampa Bay and do that in the bright lights of New York?

I wonder what's going on in Cashman's mind.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr