The Future

From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):

Here’s the scary part: Jeter, according to the plus-minus defensive rating system, isn’t even the Yankees’ worst fielder relative to his peers. Giambi ranks 29th among first basemen, Cano 29th among second basemen, Bobby Abreu 33rd among right fielders. A-Rod is 16th among third basemen — just average.

The Yankees’ defensive shortcomings are one reason they should refrain from re-signing Giambi or pursuing Manny Ramirez; the departures of Giambi and Abreu alone would help the defense. Frankly, the Yankees need to continue parlaying some of their young pitching into younger, more athletic position players — the way Cashman did when he traded for outfielder Xavier Nady, 29.

Other general managers wish they had the Yankees’ resources, but for all of Cashman’s advantages, he also faces unique challenges.

Rebuilding is not an option for the Yankees, and the ability to bestow lavish contracts is a blessing as well as a curse. Both Sabathia and Teixeira, for example, are 28, much younger than Posada, Rivera and A-Rod were when they re-signed with the Yankees last off-season. Still, a six-year commitment to Sabathia would not necessarily be prudent. Nor would an eight- to 10-year commitment to Teixeira.

From the Yankees’ perspective, such concerns ultimately might prove irrelevant. They simply aren’t developing players as effectively as the Red Sox, whose homegrown talents include left-hander Jon Lester and closer Jonathan Papelbon, plus first baseman Kevin Youkilis, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and now shortstop Jed Lowrie.

The comment about Nady is very true. The Yankees have stockpiled all of this great pitching talent (supposedly), so maybe it’s time for them to trade for some younger players, players that will finally fit into the “younger and more athletic” theme that has been seen as Brian Cashman’s goal for the future of the organization. I’ve written about the practicality of getting younger, from a positional standpoint before, as it has never been a realistic option for the Yankees since their best position prospects (they don’t seem to have many impact bats) are still years away (Jesus Montero) and the only one who could arrive relatively soon is Austin Jackson (unless you also count Brett Gardner).

The Yankees won’t be able to continue shelling out longterm deals to the best players approaching free agency. It’s just not realistic since those deals are built on 20 million dollar years (imagine 6 players on the team worth $20 million per?) and are probably going to hurt you down the road. With the offseason coming quickly, maybe the Yankees can start showing their cards and look for some younger bats? Matt Holliday could be traded, but then again he’ll be a free agent after 2009. Maybe the Yankees would be smart to trade a young and talented pitcher for a lesser known player but with loads of talent like Joey Votto of the Reds. The Rays and Twins took a similar approach before the season when they swapped Matt Garza and Delmon Young (that deal seemed to work out great for both teams).

It’s a random thought (the Votto part), but a thought, nonetheless and after seeing age creep into this year’s lineup, it could be a priority for Cashman (if he chooses to return).