Yanks make the right move with Joba

The New York Yankees made a smart and bold decision with their stud young pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, when they announced that they were going to limit his innings. The Yankees are making the right call in ensuring that their star won't be overworked and healthy in the future. The Yankees will start Joba on 7 days rest to help limit his work load. More teams should take notice of this strategy, as plenty of young pitchers have been over used and then sent to Dr. James Andrews for some various arm surgery. Right now Chamberlain is at 121 innings, after pitching 124 last season. Traditionally adding any more than 30-40 innings could have serious long term implications for a young pitcher. Given that the Yankees could be playing deep into October, resting Chamberlain now not only saves him for this postseason, but for future ones as well. The Yankees should look to limit Joba to no more than 5 starts for the rest of the regular season, at around 6 innings per start. This would allow Chamberlain to still make a significant contribution in the postseason, without putting him at further risk.

My only issue with the Yankees' strategy here is that they don't have a great option to take the mound in the games Joba is skipped. That's 4-6 starts that will go to the likes of Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin. Not exactly the guys you want on the hill as you try to clinch the division and home field advantage. The Yankees should look to add a better starting option off the waiver wire. Regardless, New York is making the right decision here even if it means not putting there best player on the mound every 5 days.

Yankees Sweep the Red Sox

When Boston's 4 game series with the New York Yankees started, the Red Sox were 2.5 games out of first place in the A.L. East and had a 3 game lead in the Wild Card standings. Now four days (and four embarrassing losses) later Boston is now 6.5 games back in the East, and tied for Wild Card with the Texas Rangers. In the 4 game series the Red Sox were out scored 25-8, which included being shutout both Friday and Saturday night.

The Red Sox came in to this series as a team that was on the rise. They have won two of the last five World Series, and were one game away from returning last season. They were a team that had a balanced offense, a solid defense, and the deepest pitching staff in baseball. And they had just added two more bats at the trade deadline, in 1B Casey Kotchman and All-star C/1B Victor Martinez. They left New York with an inept offense and a pitching staff that couldn't shut down the Yankees bats. The Red Sox's pitching performances were so bad, that Boston was forced to cut ties with future Hall of Famer John Smoltz. Now they are on a 6 game losing streak and are in danger of missing the playoffs completely.

Boston shouldn't be counted out of the playoff hunt yet, but they do have their work cut out for them. They begin a 7 game stretch against the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers. And have only 13 more games against teams with a below .500 record (not counting the Blue Jays who are a playoff caliber team stuck in the best division in baseball). Boston will need to make some roster changes down the stretch if they want to return to the postseason. They may be able to bring up a couple guys from their system, but don't be surprised to see the Red Sox make a couple waiver wire deals to add major league talent. The Red Sox will have 6 more games this season to redeem themselves against the Yankees. But the roster and attitude in Beantown will need to change to take down the surging Bronx Bombers.

Trade Market: Buyers A.L.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are in a tight race for the A.L. Central with the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox. Since the wild card will likely come out of the East or West, the division title is the only playoff chance for the Tigers. Detroit's pitching has been a big surprise for them and gives them a good shot in any playoff series. The Tigers may look to add a starter to ease the workload on rookie Rick Porcello down the stretch. They are also in the market for a solid bullpen arm to add to their staff as well. Detriot's biggest need is on offense, where the Tigers are tied for 10th in the A.L. for team OPS, and they are dead last in SB's. The Tigers could use an influx of both speed and power.

Top trade targets: Danny Baez (RP), Josh Willingham (OF), Luke Scott (OF), John Grabow (RP), Freddy Sanchez (2B), Willie Harris (UTL), Matt Holliday (OF)

Analysis: Given the weakness of the Tigers' farm system I think they will have a hard time going after some of the top trade targets. I don't think they have what it takes to pull off a Halladay offer. Baez or Grabow would be good fits to strengthen their bullpen. Neither would cost a top prospect, which will allow the Tigers to get the bat they need. If I'm Detroit, I'd try to put a package together to acquire Willingham and Harris from the Nats. It would fill the Tigers biggest needs as well as give them two players under control for next season. The Tigers have so much money tied up in bad contracts that they won't be able to afford free agents next off season. Getting two players who could start next year for around $7 million dollars would be key for Detroit.

Minnesota Twins: The Twins are in the same boat as the Tigers. They need to win the Central to have any shot at the playoffs, and will need to make some moves to get there. Minnesota could use some production from their middle infield. In addition, with Joe Crede's (3B) status up in the air the Twins could use someone who can fill in there as well. Their pitching staff has been really good, with the only concern being when Kevin Slowery (10-3 record) will be back. They could use another arm or two in front of Nathan in the bullpen, but its not a pressing issue.

Top Trade Targets: Freddy Sanchez (2B), Jack Wilson (SS), Matt Capps (RP), Danny Baez (RP), Chad Qualls (RP), John Grabow (RP), Ty Wiggington (2B/3B), Willie Harris (UTL)

Analysis: Freddy Sanchez makes too much sense for it not to happen. While the Twins are likely leery of his price tag, they need a boost at 2B and at the top of their lineup. A bold move would be to try and grab both Sanchez and Wilson from the Pirates, significantly upgrading their middle infield. It would give the Twins the best middle infield defense (an major improvement considering they currently have one of the worst). Also Minnesota is one of the few places that Wilson would be an offensive upgrade. The biggest issue would be the salary obligations for next season. But the Pirates might be willing to eat some salary to increase their prospect return. Outside of that deal I see Twins looking for a reliever like Baez or Qualls (maybe Grabow or Capps with Sanchez). A guy who is solid but not spectacular, and one who wouldn't cost a major prospect.

Other teams looking to buy:

New York Yankees: The Yankees are finally in first place, but will likely need to make a few moves to stay there. I don't see a Halladay or Cliff Lee trade on the horizon for them. Likely, they will make moves for a couple relievers and possibly a back end starter. I think New York should target someone like Qualls and/or Grabow for their pen. They are relying on too many untested arms to bridge the gap to Rivera.

Boston Red Sox: The Sox already got one player they needed in Adam LaRoche. I'd look for them to try and add another reliable starter to go along with Beckett and Lester. I still don't see them making a blockbuster move for Halladay or Lee. Though it wouldn't shock me to see them pull the trigger on a Victor Martinez deal. A shortstop like Jack Wilson is a possibility as well.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays have been linked with some big names recently, but I'm not sure how much truth is in those rumors. The Rays could use a catching upgrade and a starter, but the big name guys don't make too much sense. I do think they will add a bullpen arm like Capps or Sherrill. Someone who is under team control and could close for Tampa.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Though the Angels could use a starter or another big bat I don't think their payroll situation will allow them to acquire one. I think they will focus on adding a couple relievers to bolster their bullpen.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers weren't supposed to be this good, but they are in the playoff hunt with August approaching. They don't have the money to go after some of the top names (Halladay, Lee etc.), but should make a few moves to improve their team. Their lineup is set so the focus will be on the rotation and bullpen. An arm like Zach Duke from the Pirates makes sense since he is under team control for another two years. As for the bullpen, any of the multi-year guys (Qualls, Sherrill, Capps) make sense for a Rangers team that's on a budget.

Trade Center: MLB

A couple of modest trades have been made over the last few days. Here is a quick look at them.

The Deal: The St. Louis Cardinals acquire UTL Mark DeRosa from the Cleveland Indians for RP Chris Perez and a Player To Be Named Later (PTBNL).

Indians: In the off season the Indians acquired DeRosa from the Chicago Cubs for three minor leaguers, in the hopes that he could help propel the Indians to the playoffs. They didn't give up any top prospects so it was a good deal for Cleveland. Unfortunately the Indians have the worst record in the A.L., and are 12 games out of the Central division. Now was a good time for the Indians to start selling, and rebuilding for next year. By trading DeRosa, Cleveland frees up over $2.75 million from their payroll, and acquires a top reliever prospect in Perez. Though PTBNL's are usually marginal prospects, it seems like there are a few quality guys that could end up coming back to the Indians.

Cardinals: St. Louis is battling for the N.L. Central division, that is truly up for grabs. Only 6 games separate the top and bottom of the six team division. The Cardinals need another hitter in the line-up to go along with Albert Pujols. DeRosa, who can play all over the diamond, will slide in at third base for the injured Troy Glaus. DeRosa isn't an impact bat, but he does everything well in addition to being a good club house guy.

Winner: Its hard to declare a winner until we know who the PTBNL is. Until then this looks like a good deal for both sides. The Cards add a good player, who isn't a drag on the payroll. The Indians receive one good prospect, likely another solid one, and financial relief.

The Deal: The New York Yankees acquire UTL Eric Hinske from the Pittsburgh Pirates for OF/C Eric Fryer (High-A) and RP Casey Erickson (Low-A).

Pirates: For Pittsburgh they traded away a bench player, for some salary relief, a couple of fringe prospects, and a roster spot. Overall that is not a bad deal. The Pirates had to kick in part of Hinske's salary, but it sounds like they were able to save over $400K in the deal. That money can be used to sign draft picks or international players. Neither Fryer or Erickson are top prospects, but both offer organizational depth and a little upside. The Pirates also free up a roster spot to promote 1B/OF Garret Jones. Though Jones isn't a top prospect, he has some big time power, and should be given a chance to stick with the big league club.

Yankees: New York has needed a UTL player all season. Hinske can back up first, third and both corner outfield spots. Given Alex Rodriguez's injury concerns having a quality back-up is a must for the Yankees. The Yankees didn't give up any major prospects in the deal, and got a solid big leaguer in return. Hinske won't be the answer if A-Rod is out for a significant time, but he should fill in nicely for spot duty.

Winner: Both teams won here as they satisfied their biggest goals. The Yankees filled a glaring hole on their bench, without selling the farm or adding a bloated contract. And the Pirates moved a redundant player for some financial relief and a little upside.

AL East: New York Yankees

Prediction: New York Yankees: 3rd place finish

Strengths: The Yankees have a strong veteran lineup that will produce a ton of runs. When healthy Alex Rodriguez and newly signed first baseman Mark Tiexera will form probably the best 3-4 combination in baseball. Shortstop Derek Jeter and left fielder Johnny Damon offer a little speed and great on-base ability at the top of the order. With the free agent additions of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to go along with holdovers Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettite the Yankees have one of the top rotations in the league. Mariano Rivera is the best closer in baseball and gives New York a huge luxury when the 9th inning comes along.

Weaknesses: Injuries and age are the two biggest problems facing the Yankees this season. Rodriguez will miss the first 4-6 weeks due to a hip injury. Two other big bats catcher Jorge Posada and designated hitter Hideki Matsui are coming off major injuries and will need to stay healthy for this lineup to be productive. Matsui, Posada, Pettite, Damon and Jeter are all going to be 35 years or older this season and will likely see their numbers decline to some degree. The Yankees defense is another problem area. Other than Tiexera the Yankees defensive alignment is made up of mostly average fielders.

Farm Aid: The Yankees farm system isn't as talented as their AL East counterparts but is still fairly solid. Pitching is the area that their farm system will bolster the most this season. Lefthander Phil Coke will be a long reliever in the Yankees bullpen this season and will likely be joined at some point by Alfredo Aceves and David Robertson. Starter Phil Hughes will be the first pitcher called upon if any of the Yankees top five go down with an injury. Given that the Yankees will be in the playoff hunt all season the Yankees may turn to their farm system to help them make a trade.

Outlook: The Yankees reloaded this off season but they are still in the toughest division in baseball. I think the Rodriguez injury will cost them some wins in April that could leave New York out of the playoff picture.