Yankees At The Winter Meetings

The Yanks have done some surprising things during the hot stove season, but after the dust has settled from the first flurry of moves, the Meetings will see them trying to find a 2B, a starter and probably one more reliever.   At least that's what the pundits have agreed they'll do.   I'd rather see them sign Omar Infante to play second and somehow find out from Tanaka's agent if he's coming or not.   That's how they can clear up 2B and the rotation.  If Tanaka's not coming, they should trade for a starter, because no one on the free agent market is all that reliable. If he is coming and they think they'll get him, then they should think about using their trade chips to get either younger major leaguers or advanced prospects. Especially if they are moving Brett Gardner.

Ichiro probably won't bring much back, either a major league role player or maybe a lottery ticket prospect. But they could also be interested in moving Nunez and maybe some other stuff, too.  It's clear that they are hell bent on making a playoff push in 2014, but at the same time, they could use these market conditions to add young talent, and they should.

As for the bullpen, I think Betances will be ready, or someone else will from the system.  I really, really, really don't like signing FA relievers.   Especially ones that you won't be able to qualify next year without the major threat of having to keep them.

So, my plan is to sign Infante, and that could happen tonight or tomorrow, anyway, tamper with Tanaka, and then either trade for a pitcher, or, if Tanaka has says he'll come, trade to get younger.   Don't hire bullpen.  Let the kids compete for the pen and the number 5 spot in the rotation.  Who knows? Maybe Michael Pineda will finally be ready this Spring.