Bleeding Yankee Blue: THE YANKEES HAVE THEIR EYE ON AN INTERESTING TRADE TARGET

Monday, December 2, 2019

THE YANKEES HAVE THEIR EYE ON AN INTERESTING TRADE TARGET

This free agent market is star studded with elite starting pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg and Madison Bumgarner but the Yankees may be more focused on the trade market.

The Yankees are always connected to many names until they suddenly aren't, so it should never be a surprise when this happens but, shouldn't the Yankees be more focused on starting pitching? I guess acquiring bullpen arms is what gets Brian Cashman excited lately. I get excited about strengthening up that starting rotation and I hope Cashman is too.

So here we are, according to Ken Rosenthal the Yankees are interesting in Blake Treinen of the Oakland A's.

So who is he? Another bullpen guy. The Yankees have had an elite bullpen and it still hasn't brought them a World Series win. The Nationals proved to us this season that you an have a weaker bullpen and still win as long as you have the right starting pitchers and offense. Why does Brian Cashman like to double down on relievers? The Yankees need to realize that a good bullpen is important BUT it doesn't guarantee a Championship. Nothing guarantees a championship but a good offense with guys driving in runs and a rotation that is reliable and can hold a lead can get them the Championship they want.

Now if this is a sign that Dellin Betances may not be back, I guess I can understand the interest. The A's are rumored to want to cut payroll despite making the postseason as a wild card the past two seasons. He would be an interesting gamble. He was one of the best relievers in 2018 but 2019 was a major step back.

2018: 80.1 Innings pitched, 100 strikeouts, 7 earned runs and 0.78 ERA
2019: 58.2 Innings pitched, 59 strikeouts, 32 earned runs and 4.91 ERA

If the Yankees are really interested they are counting on Treinen to return to 2018 form. He would be cheaper than Betances for a year, how much who knows at this point but I believe that you get what you pay for. The savings does nothing for me. I feel more confident sticking with the homegrown talent who has proven he can pitch in Yankee stadium.

In the end, I don't believe Treinen or any other bullpen arm is the missing piece the Yankees need to be champions again. He wouldn't hurt the Yankees as long as he is effective, but is he worth it? I'm skeptical.