A FEW LEFTIES I'D LIKE IN PINSTRIPES

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The Yankees have pitching problems, and I've been keeping an eye on the bullpen and while we do need a great, stud starter, I would love to get alittle help in the pen as well.

Christopher Scott at Yanks Go Yard writes a good piece here, and while I don't agree with all the guys he mentions, there are 3 that I've always been fond of:

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"Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup 
J.A. Happ isn’t the only player on the AL East rival Blue Jays roster who should be on the Yankees radar. Left-handed reliever Aaron Loup has six years experience under his belt, and he’s been pretty consistent during his career. The 30-year-old southpaw isn’t a high leverage guy but his career .228 opponent batting average against left-handed hitters would come in handy for any team. 

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Miami Marlins – Adam Conley 
The rebuilding Marlins should not be shy during the deadline to deal aging players who can bring some value back to the club. Lefty Adam Conley can do just that as he sports an ERA of 1.42 through 19 appearances. While it’s a small sample size, the Marlins should move him sooner rather than later because some team is likely going to overpay for him....

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Minnesota Twins – Zach Duke 
The 35-year-old Zach Duke could be a worthwhile rental for any team who needs a reliable lefty specialist. He’s sporting a 2.90 ERA as of right now and lefty bats are only slugging .222 against him. He wouldn’t cost the Yankees much to acquire either, and he would bring experience to a pitching staff filled with youth."

I think alittle help from a LOOGY could prove helpful.  Not that this will be the reason why they will win down the stretch entirely, but there are little things that need to be improved on.

Yes, indeed a solid, strong starter would help... but in the world of minor improvements as the deadline comes around... this is something to also think about.

Nice piece. Check it out if you can.

BYB HOT STOVE: VOLUME VI

Win some, lose some at the Winter Meetings for all MLB teams.  Some teams did better others, but at least we re-signed Chase Headley.  And he said he wants to be here- that's some fire and fervor in our every day third baseman.  Sit down ARod.  Just saying... anyway onto this week's Hot Stove Volume VI.

Cole Hamels is still hanging out there and another two teams have expressed interest.  According to Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants have expressed interest in the Phillies franchise pitcher.  They join the likes of the Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres and Rangers.  Much like the decision to roll out Jimmy Rollins who traded in his Phillie Red for Dodger Blue, the Phillies are also shopping Ryan Howard and there is some interest.  The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles have DH needs and the Phils are willing to eat most of the rest of his contract, so we may see Howard in the AL East.  Hopefully, the Yankees will sit this one out.

By now you all heard that Melky Cabrera is headed to the White Sox who are stacking their team with pickups Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson, Adam LaRoche and Zach Duke.  But their National League counter part, the Cubs, have been up to their heels in trades and rumors.  After picking up stud pitcher Jon Lester, now the Cubs have their eyes set on corner outfielder Colby Rasmus.  CBS Sports Reporter Jon Heyman says that Rasmus has a two-year deal in him.  This is a deal that could happen very soon.

After being posted on Monday, Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang will be accepting offers ending this Friday at 5:00 p.m. according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.  The 27-year-old short stop hit 39 home runs and batted .354 in the Korea Baseball Organization.  Some critics are saying that these stats don't translate cleanly to Major League Baseball because of the hitter-friendly atmosphere of KBL, but never-the-less the Mets, Giants and Athletics all have an interest in Kang says Ken Rosenthal.  With the signing of Didi Gregorius, the Yankees will probably steer clear of Kang.

Lastly, Justin Upton remains in the news with the Seattle Mariners showing interest for either him or another right field bat.  There is also talk that Upton would make a great San Francisco Giant.  But another force in the NL West vying for Upton too.  Despite signing Matt Kemp, the San Diego Padres "are all over" Upton according to Mark Bowman from MLB.com.  I bet the Pads sign him. Just a hunch.

That's all for Hot Stove this week.  Hoping for more than a Chris Capuano and Chase Headley signing for the Yankees next week.  Stay tuned!

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @suzieprof






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