Should the New York Yankees Be Targeting Josh Hamilton and Mike Olt?
December 4, 2012 · Mitch Petanick · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
It’s day two of the MLB Winter Meetings, and the stove is heating up. The rumors are starting to get hot and heavy. After the news of Alex Rodriguez‘s hip surgery, the Yankees are now starting to get into the mix.
As most Yankees fans already know, the most significant news to come out of Yankees camp this week has been the loss of Alex Rodriguez for four to six months due to hip surgery. The Yankees now find themselves in the position of trying to replace the offensive output of not only Nick Swisher, who was lost to free agency, but also Alex Rodriguez.
Brian Cashman is going to have to get creative if he wants to stay competitive in the American League East in 2013. The Blue Jays have gotten considerably better, the Orioles were the surprise team in 2012, the Rays are competitive every year and now the Red Sox have been very active in trying to turn around a very disappointing 2012 season.
Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher combined for a .272 batting average, 42 home runs and 150 RBI in 2012. Josh Hamilton, on the other hand, hit .285 with 43 home runs and 128 RBI in 2012. Hamilton, if healthy, can solve the Yankees’ offensive woes single handedly. One can only imagine what Hamilton would be able to do in the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium. It would be scary.
The problem with going after Hamilton is that the Yankees have decided to be fiscally responsible. The words Yankees and fiscally responsible just don’t seem to go together well.
Needless to say, the Yankees did not seem to be in the race for Hamilton. Until maybe now.
With the news that the Yankees are shopping Curtis Granderson, it could mean they are clearing salary space to try to add Hamilton. The Yankees could also be trying to kill two birds with one stone and trade Granderson for third base help.
This is where it could get interesting.
One of the trade rumors coming out of Texas was that they are willing to deal Mike Olt. Mike Olt is considered a can’t-miss third base prospect. The problem is the Rangers already have Adrian Beltre at third base. Rather than have Olt waste away in the minor leagues, maybe it’s time for the Rangers to move him. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports tweeted earlier today that one rival club believes they will.
Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com has also tweeted that the Rangers are interested in bringing in outfield help, and Justin Upton is a name that has been tossed around in exchange for Olt.
Wouldn’t the Rangers be a perfect fit for Curtis Granderson right now? They definitely need the outfield help.
Of course the Rangers could just sign Hamilton and blow up this entire scenario. That’s why it’s important for the Yankees to sign Hamilton before bringing any potential trades to the Rangers involving Olt. If Hamilton is not on the market anymore, the Rangers will be more likely to entertain a trade for Granderson.
Regardless if the Yankees are able to trade Granderson, after the news that A-Rod will miss half the season, now is the time to throw their weight around and get into this Josh Hamilton race.
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