Brian Cashman Should Call the Colorado Rockies About Dexter Fowler
October 29, 2012 · Kenny DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Several bigger names have presented themselves as options to Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees for this offseason, but I’ve focused on bringing the people a few out-of-the-box options over the past few days.
First, I highlighted Joakim Soria as an option at closer if Mariano Rivera and Rafael Soriano decide to leave the organization.
Then, I took a look at Brian McCann as a potential upgrade over Russell Martin.
I’m here now to do more of the same. This time, I’d like to take a closer look at a potential outfield target that no one has been talking about.
Colorado Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler had a career year last season. He’s always been a solid player, but last season was far and away his best.
In 143 games (454 at-bats), Fowler compiled a line of .300/.389/.474 with 11 triples, 13 home runs, 53 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
He’ll be just 27 years old by the beginning of the 2013 season, so he would most definitely fit Cashman‘s goal of getting “younger and better.”
The Yankees already have a center fielder on the team—some guy named Curtis Granderson—but his defense in center field has been scrutinized heavily over the past few seasons.
While Fowler isn’t the best fielder himself, he represents an upgrade over Granderson.
With Fowler in the fold, Granderson could shift to left field. In left, Granderson would have much less of a chance to show off his declining skills as an outfielder.
There have been rumors that Ichiro Suzuki would like to return to the Yankees. A potential outfield of Suzuki, Fowler and Granderson would easily represent one of the fastest in the league—not to mention one of the most productive at the plate.
This would make Brett Gardner a quality fourth outfielder and pinch-runner extraordinaire.
Now, Fowler would not come cheaply.
The Rockies hold all the power in any negotiations. They have no real need to trade one of their best young players and will likely ask for some quality young pitching in return.
Manny Banuelos‘ Tommy John surgery likely makes him an unattractive option at this point. A package centered around Dellin Betances and David Phelps could get talks moving in the right direction.
If the Rockies ask for any more than that, the Yankees will look to throw in a low-level minor league position player or two.
It may be a lot to give up for a center fielder coming off of his first strong season in the bigs, but the sky’s the limit for Fowler.
He has a rare combination of power and speed, making him a great option to slide into the bottom third of the lineup. By season’s end, he could end up hitting second behind Derek Jeter.
This is all just speculation on my part, but it may not be such a bad idea to look into acquiring him.
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