MLB Trade Deadline 2012: Yankees Should Be Patient with Alex Rodriguez’s Injury
July 25, 2012 · Devin Noonan · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Every time the New York Yankees fill a void in their lineup, another injury comes along and casts a shadow of doubt elsewhere.
Alex Rodriguez became the most recent Yankee to fall to injury Tuesday evening when Mariners ace Felix Hernandez plunked him on the hand in the eighth inning.
According to The New York Times, Rodriguez received the results of his X-rays late Tuesday night and was not pleased with the results. He is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.
With time still left before the MLB trade deadline, Yankees fans all over are waiting to see whether the front office makes a move for a replacement or looks to their bench to fill in the hole at third.
The recent signing of Ichiro Suzuki helped solidify the Yankee outfield, while the solid performance of Eric Chavez should warrant the opportunity to fill in for Rodriguez until his return.
Prior to the injury, A-Rod was hitting .276, with 15 HRs and and 44 RBI on the season. Chavez, who has seen relatively limited playing time compared to Rodriguez, is hitting .266, with eight HRs and 20 RBI.
Keep in mind that’s in nearly 200 fewer at-bats.
Chavez was a dominant hitter for nearly 13 years as the everyday starter for the Oakland Athletics.
He earned a Silver Slugger Award in 2002 and won six consecutive Gold Gloves from 2001-2006. According to NBC Sports, he ranks among the 10 best hitters to never make an All-Star appearance.
Let’s be honest, Chavez is not the same caliber of player he was five years ago with the A’s, but the man can still play. Knowing the Yankees’ desire to win and willingness to spend, however, SportingNews has reported rumors that the Yankees may be interested in bringing the Padres‘ Chase Headley to the Bronx.
The 28-year-old third baseman is hitting .269, with 12 HRs and 51 RBI on the season—not much of an upgrade over Rodriguez or Chavez.
It would be unwise for Brian Cashman to waste any more money or prospects on a player who is more or less equivalent in skill to their present option.
Since Ichiro, Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones are all more than capable of handling the DH duties, Chavez deserves the chance to turn his focus to the day-to-day responsibilities at third base.
Jayson Nix is an adequate alternate for Chavez as well, while Eduardo Nunez should return soon to continue his role as the go-to utility infielder.
The Yankees also called up Ramiro Pena from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre to add a bit more depth to the infield reserves for the time being.
A-Rod signed his 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees back in December of 2007. That means he’ll be wearing pinstripes for the next five years. Before the Yankees front office goes ahead and hits the panic button, they need to take a deep breath and have a little faith in the roster that they currently have.
Eric Chavez will get the job done, and the Yankees will remain in first.
Mark my words.
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