Wristful Thinking
by
Tony Aubry,
BaseballEvolution.com
May 12, 2006
The Yankees are without a doubt in some serious trouble. Both their corner outfielders are suffering from wrist injuries. Matsui broke his wrist yesterday and will probably miss 3 months, but I wouldn't be surprised if it will be more. Sheffield's wrist is probably worse than most people think it is. He suffered a wrist contusion a few weeks back in that collision with Shea Hillenbrand down the first base line. Sheffield is supposed to return by May 21st, but it looks like it could be a bit longer.
I know many people have been saying guys like Crosby and Melky will have to step it up. It's true, but many people have forgotten to mention others. Since they lost their 2 corner outfielders, you can probably throw the 1,000 runs out the window, since Sheff's wrist might also need surgery. Johnson and Rodriguez are going to have to pick it up. They're not going to be able to afford Johnson giving up 4 or 5 runs every fifth day w/o Sheff and Matsui in the lineup. Also, they're going to desperately need A-Rod to go on an absolute tear. I know it's easier said than done, but they really need his bat to catch fire.
Rodriguez is only hitting .269 with 7 HR and 28 RBI. The Yankees will play Oakland this weekend, a team they usually smack around, if the weather holds up. So maybe Rodriguez can get something going.
On top of all this, they lost the game. Boston feels confident, and they also feel that they can beat the Yankees, taking 3 out of the first 4. Two of which have come in the stadium.
The Yankees right now are very vulnerable, more vulnerable than they have been in recent years this early in the season, excluding last year. They're going to need good starting pitching, especially out their 42-year old ace.
Trade Rumors?
You're going to hear a lot of trade rumors this summer, or maybe even earlier than that. If Sheffield's wrist is actually worse than a contusion, the Yankees are going to go out shopping like a tourist on 42nd street. The first name that comes to mind is Soriano. I myself wouldn't do that trade. He's making 10 million dollars and he is in his last year of his contract. Bobby Abreu could be next on this list. The Phillies are down on him, and down on paying him 30 million. Phillies are supposedly willing to give him up for only two prospects. If that's true I'd go out and make that trade tonight. He has had a down year so far, but his career resume is very impressive.
Disagree with something? Got something to add? Wanna bring up something totally new? Tony Aubry lives in New York, New York, and can be reached by emailing him at Baseball Evolution.
