YANKEES KEEPING OPTIONS OPEN FOR SOMETHING MORE

Source: Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Brian Cashman told the media that his phone isn't on silent when asked if the Yankees will be making more moves prior to Opening Day, now slated for April 7th. In addition, the Yankees GM said he would make the Yankees franchise player, Aaron Judge, an extension offer ahead of the season's opener. Following a 10-9 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the best teams in baseball, the Yankees are keeping their options open for more depth and breadth to this 2022 team. And that's good because right now, they are not good enough.

Source: Corey Sipkin

I for one is glad that Cashman addressed the Judge situation. He brings so much to the table for the Yankees. His charisma, his swing, his defense and just his disposition keeps the Yankees blood pumping. He needs his extension and then he just needs to focus on playing baseball. “I’m a baseball player,’’ Judge said. “I’m gonna come in here and do what I need to do on the field. If I take care of what I’ve got to do on the field, everything else will work out,” reported the New York Post. Not surprised at his response to reporters regarding his extension. He is confident and ready to perform. Just like we need him to be.

Then there is pitching, which has been the Yankees' Achilles heel for years. Injuries and just lack depth have hurt the Yankees over the last several seasons. Will Cashman bring in more starting pitching for 2022?

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

"The Yankees are one of several teams in the mix to trade for Oakland Athletics starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, who are available on the block," reported SI.com. Does Cashman get this done without giving up prospects? Maybe, if they consider shipping Gleyber Torres to Oakland?

“I would expect the Yankees do everything possible to preserve both of them (Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza) and retain their flexibility going forward,” MLB Ken Rosenthal said on Ryan Ruocco and CC Sabathia's  R2C2 podcast this week. “Maybe both become stars for the Yankees. Maybe one gets traded for an even bigger pitcher than Frankie Montas.”

Source: Athletics Nations

My optimism remains high that the Yankees go after more. They have to in order to contend against the teams in their own division let alone the rest of MLB. The Jays, the Rays, the Orioles and the Sox all score a lot of runs against the Yankees and have just the ballparks and talent to make things happen. If the Yankees don't lock these teams down, and don't score their own runs, they are going to be simply left out of what looks to be an exciting season. Let's hope Cashman keeps his ringer on extra loud for something more—because right now, this team is just not there yet.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof