As someone who likes following prospects, it was a bit
sad to see a few good ones go over the past couple of weeks as a . I’m also a realist
and know that 1. You have to give something to get something and 2. These guys
don’t always pan out. But still, that doesn’t make it easier.
Many of us had visions of James Kaprielian taking the hill
in a big game for the Yankees, or Jorge Mateo swiping a crucial bag in a late
inning. However, with the depth the Yankees have built in their farm system,
and unexpectedly being in first place on July 31, the Yankees traded from areas
of strength to improve the current team. Maybe it’s not fair to ever say it’s a
surprise the Yankees are in first, but their “rebuild” is a little ahead of
schedule when most figured 2018 and 2019 were when it would come to fruition.
Plus, outside of Todd Frazier, each piece the Yankees have
acquired are under control to help those expected runs in 2018 and beyond.
However, there is no guarantee for the next season and beyond, and when your team is in
first place on July 31, you do what you can to improve. The Yankees have done
that, and only time will tell if it will work out or not.
Of the prospects the Yankees traded over the last week, six
of them were past TTM signers for me.
I’ll still cherish these autographs, and certainly wish each
player well in his new organization. I especially hope that Kaprielian and
Fowler each come back 100% from their injuries. They are A+ dudes, and deserve
successful careers.
