Analyzing Why Yankees Need Extra Insurance for A-Rod/Jeter After Recent Injuries
July 22, 2013 · Chris Stephens · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
It just keeps getting better and better for the New York Yankees.
Just two days after shortstop Derek Jeter was placed on the disabled list with a Grade 1 quad strain, Alex Rodriguez is now suffering the same injury.
According to ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand, Rodriguez is returning to the disabled list on the day he was supposed to make his season debut.
This isn’t good news for New York fans as they anticipated getting both back to help them make a run in the AL East. Now, with injuries to both and a seven-game deficit, it’s beginning to be crunch time.
The Yankees need extra insurance for Rodriguez and Jeter if they want to make the playoffs.
Why You Can’t Depend on Either
The hardest thing you can do as a team is depend on one-half of your infield that is over 37.
As the body ages, it breaks down and can’t perform at such a high level. Jeter and A-Rod are getting up there in age and won’t be depended on much longer to contribute.
As far as Jeter, he can still swing a decent bat, but his range at shortstop is fading fast.
Then there’s A-Rod, who is the butt of most PED jokes.
Ever since his benching during last year’s playoffs, it’s been a rocky relationship between the third baseman and the Yankees.
However, like Jeter, his body is falling apart fast. He isn’t able to perform up to a high level either.
Time to Make a Trade
The Yankees are at a crossroads, and it’s time to decide if they are going to be buyers or sellers. Rodriguez and Jeter won’t give them the production they need. So if they still believe they can contend, it’s time to make a move.
There have always been rumors of the Yankees’ interest in Chase Headley, but according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, it’s a waste of time.
Michael Young could possibly be available, and according to the latest update by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the demand for Young is rising.
But even with Young, that still doesn’t solve the problems the Yankees are having.
General manager Brian Cashman has some serious work to do if the Yankees are going to contend this year.
They still have to leap over at least two teams if they want to make the playoffs, as the AL West is looking to take one wild-card spot.
At their current state, the Yankees won’t even be in the race come September. They still have 26 games against the Orioles, Red Sox and Rays, three teams they have a combined record of 13-18 against.
Or Sell Off
There are also holes at first base and at designated hitter, not to mention a little extra pitching would be nice. With so many holes to fill this year, it might be wise for the Yankees to sell this year.
By doing so, they can build the farm system a little better; one that will be better equipped to handle injury issues in the future.
Players rumored to be available are Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, among others.
While they likely wouldn’t get much for either, they could at least get something to work with in the future.
New York’s farms system is depleted outside of a few good prospects.
The time to make the decision is now. Fans can no longer wait on Jeter and A-Rod in hopes that they will be able to revitalize the team.
They’re not dependable at their age to stay healthy. If they were, then we wouldn’t be talking about this right now.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
.…
thanks for information!!…