ARE THE YANKEES OFF TO A GOOD START?

Source: Arkansas Razorbacks

Some will say that the Yankees are ahead of the game this off-season.  I think they may be right, but they are still down one starter and I am not sure if they are off to a good start without more insurance in the rotation.

"GM Brian Cashman had the best quote of the Meetings when he referred to the Yankees as a “fully operational Death Star,” which leads me to believe he’s just getting started, with major moves still to come," reported NJ.com.  Recall, the Yankees signed James Paxton and added J.A. Happ but with CC Sabathia still questionable as far as longevity and Jordan Montgomery coming off Tommy John surgery, the Yankees need another guy on the hill.

Source: USA Today

"The Yankees are off to a great start this offseason with the acquisition of left-handed starter James Paxton from the Mariners and the re-signing of lefty J.A. Happ, who they signed to a two-year deal with a vesting option during the Winter Meetings. The Yankees are now in pursuit of superstar infielder Manny Machado, as well as chasing most of the elite relievers still on the market," according NJ.com.

Source: NY Post

Elite relievers are definitely key assets to the arsenal but more comfort is needed in the starting rotation.  Forbes posted this insight earlier in the month, "It has been common knowledge the Yankees are actively looking for trading partners for the services of right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray. The marriage between the two hasn’t worked out as all would have hoped and a change of scenery would do Gray quite well. The list of potential suitors for Gray is nearly a dozen ball clubs. The Yankees don’t expect to find answers to their pitching concerns by trading Gray for prospects. In truth, their best bet in building a starting rotation that meets the Yankees’ lofty standards first begins with conceiving highly creative trade proposals and then considering free agent left handed pitchers J.A. Happ and Dallas Keuchel."  Keuchel would be a definite score for the Yankees.  Making that happen is likely.  The pursuit is real...because the front office knows the Yankees need just one more good starter.

As we move into the last year of 2018, the Yankees are off to a good start as far as trades and added components to what is becoming the pursuit of 28 in 2019.  Let's hope they keep the Death Star engaged and the Yankees pick up one more good guy for the hill before the middle of January.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof