Great piece on Mariano. Thanks.

Could you be a little less specific in your analysis in the future? Just kidding… offense is a major concern, but more specifically inept offense vs LHP is the biggest problem. That cries out for a quality RH bat that can play outfield, 1B or DH.

I think you are dead wrong about the lack of LH in the bullpen being a problem… I get the MLB cable TV package and every team the Yankees play their announcers talk about how their managers have an advantage in setting up their lineup/bench because the Yankees don’t have a lefty. That’s why dealing for Fuentes or Marte/Grabow or some other LH RP shjould be a high priority… just after the RH bat.

From the stats I’ve seen though, he is considerably more effective against righties, which seems like a big thing with a lot of lefty relievers these days.

But like you said, better fastball and younger and obviously cheaper.

As a lefty specialist in the AL East, I’d rather have a guy who can work both sides of the plate, and has more zip on the fastball.

A guy like Fuentes isn’t going to get Ortiz, Pena, Overbay and Drew off the plate. Those guys will sit on his changeup because his fastball doesn’t scare them.

Smith has more zip on the fastball and he has a better chance of succeeding in the AL East because of it, IMO.

Any special reason for Ryan Rowland Smith?

Try reading the post again.

I said to think of yourself as the Rockies GM INSTEAD of being a Yankee fan and ask yourself if you would do the deal. It will give you a clearer picture as to whether or not your proposed trade has value to the Rockies.

Instead of being quick to take shots at me, read the posts clearer and you will see I didn’t question your fandom.

V,

They crave young pitchers with big arms. For Fuentes? Guys like Veras, Horne, McCutchen, guys who are close or already at the major league level would probably interest them.

A guy like Gardner could interest them because of his speed. That depends on whether or not they decide to move Holliday.

Maybe even a guy like George Kontos, who has pitched better than his record so far this year.

They also have to see how many teams are in for Fuentes. If they can create a bidding war for them, it may drive up the level of prospects/players, they get in return.

The guy I take a run on is Ryan Rowland Smith of the Mariners. He’s a guy I think could fit into a nice role with the Yankees.

A lesser name but a better fit for the team, IMO.