After the initial shock, the question now becomes — will it stick? A quiet Monday morning exploded with the news that Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman was acquired by the Yankees for four minor leaguers. But who? The reports trickled in at an excruciatingly slow pace. YES Network‘s own Jack Curry first broke it that the deal was imminent. But involving who? A few minutes later, MLB’s Ken Rosenthal reported it was a done deal. But for who? What seemed like days to clarify was finally announced within the hour — it was four minor leaguers. But who???
During those drawn out moments of suspense — phones, text messages, website comments, and everything else were blowing up with speculation. Was it any of the “untouchables”? Did Ca$hMoney lose his mind? Was it Gardy? The unknown drove you nuts. It turned out to be right-handed pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis, along with infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda.
Whew! Hate to see any of these guys go, but you have to take some solace in the old cliché — “they’re not prospects, they’re suspects.”
But adding Chapman to the ‘pen, suddenly the pinstripes have arguably the most potent backend punch in the majors. On paper, it’s a 6 inning game again like we haven’t seen since Mike Stanton, Jeff Nelson and Mariano Rivera. Maybe better with the lone exception of ‘Mo.
While questions still remain with the starting rotation, this undoubtedly takes some serious pressure off. If — just if — the club can get consistent quality starts, this deal is a difference maker.
In 2015, the Yankees offense finally started getting back to being The Bronx Bombers we know and love. While there’s still much room for improvement, the club finished second in all of MLB in runs scored (764), fourth in home runs (212), and fifth overall in OPS (.744).
That has to continue, but it may be a tall order. Will A-Rod and Tex repeat their offensive output? Can Didi continue his second-half surge at the plate? Will McCann continue to improve? Can Headley find his groove again with the bat — let alone the leather? Can the outfielders be counted on for consistent run production — and staying off the disabled list?
That said, pitching and defense wins championships 9 times out of 10 — and in a relatively quiet off-season — until now — the Yankees have upgraded both, although the job may not be yet complete. The question of moving Ivan Nova and Brett Gardner has not been put to bed to yet, so who knows. One thing GM Brian Cashman has proven the master at is shocking us with deals no one in the media seems to have a clue about until after it happens.
Does the Chapman deal mean Miller is on the move?
Ca$hMoney says no. Talking heads on MLB Network and more say ‘yes’. But it makes no sense to flip Miller unless the club can land a solid Number 2 starter at minimum. With the shaky starting rotation — and hopefully potent offense — a lockdown, lights-out bullpen will be critical to competing in the AL East.
Have a feeling there is one more significant move coming. Sit tight, my brothers and sisters.
UPDATE : As the impact of this deal began to sink in around the league, more specifically within the press, reactions have been all over the map. From some talking heads calling it “the most dominant bullpen in MLB history” to a local politician vowing to boycott the team. And everything in-between.
When Cincinnati’s deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers collapsed after Chapman’s domestic violence allegations became public, few Yankee fans even considering the possibility of acquiring him. With a criminal investigation still underway, and a likely suspension regardless of the outcome, the fireballer’s stock apparently dropped enough for the Yankees to pounce. To make things even more interesting, Mike Oz of Yahoo! Sports writes: Why Yankees should hope Aroldis Chapman gets a lengthy suspension.
MEMORY LANE : On today’s date in 2002, the Yankees signed Roger Clemens to a one-year, $10.1M contract. Hitting age 40 during the 2003 season, ‘The Rocket’ delivered with a 17-9 (3.19) mark over 33 starts. On June 13th at Yankee Stadium, in a inter-league game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Clemens notched his 300th career victory — and 4,000th career strikeout, the first time that’s ever been done in the same game. After a disappointing finish to the season, with the Yankees losing the World Series to the Florida Marlins, Clemens signed on to pitch the next three seasons for his hometown Houston Astros. He would make a return to New York in 2007 at age 44, agreeing to a pro-rated contract in early May, making 17 starts for the club with a 6-6 (4.18) record …
On this date in 1995, the Yankees inked left-hander Kenny Rogers as a free agent. Rogers would spent the 1996-97 seasons in The Bronx before becoming a free agent again…
(h/t: Baseball-Reference.com, Today in Baseball History)
(Roger Clemens Photo Credit: Keith Allison)
