YANKS’ SEVERINO ROCKS REDS:
Severino looks like Yank ace, but Sonny is worth risk
Sonny Gray may be a risk, but for these Yankees, the 27-yearold righty seems like a risk worth taking — as long as the price is right. The Bombers and A’s have continued to have talks about Gray with less than a week remaining until the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Gray is attractive because he cannot become a free agent until 2020. And over his last six starts, he has a 1.37 ERA — dating back to June 25. In the process, he’s lowered his overall ERA from 4.84 to 3.43 — which is right in line with his career mark of 3.42. Granted, Gray does have an injury history, missing time over the last two seasons due to a strained lat, trap and forearm.
Still, the Yankees have an obvious need in the starting rotation — both in the short-term and the long-term — where Gray would be a significant up- grade over Caleb Smith, Luis Cessa or any other fringe arm currently in the organization.
Meanwhile, CC Sabathia, 37, is going to be a free agent at season’s end. Michael Pineda (also a free agent to be) just had Tommy John surgery. And Masahiro Tanaka’s future is also uncertain (although at this point it would be surprising if he opts out of the final three years and $67 million remaining on his contract). “You always think about — because of health issues — the importance of it,” Joe Girardi said when asked about the rotation. “When you talk about streaks or how well you’re playing, so much of it depends on your starting pitcher the next day. I think there’s always concern about depth if someone goes down. That’s the one area that’s probably hardest to relax in.” The A’s have been scouting various levels of the Yankees’ farm system in recent days, and are reportedly interested in Class-A Charleston outfielder Estevan Florial, who the organization is very high on, and Double-A Trenton shortstop/center fielder Jorge Mateo, among others. Mateo has had his share of disciplinary issues, but is still just 22 and hitting .323/.404/.556 since his promotion to the Thunder. Florial, 19, is hitting .299/.376/.491. Both possess talent and potential, but neither is among the highest-rated prospects in the organization, and Brian Cashman appears steadfast in wanting to keep those guys.
It would be rather impressive if “careful buyer” Cashman manages to secure all three items on his team’s shopping list — bullpen help, corner infield help and starting rotation help — without surrendering Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier, Chance Adams or Justus Sheffield. And so far, the Yankee GM is on his way, having already acquired David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle and Todd Frazier from the White Sox in exchange for Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, Tito Polo and Tyler Clippard.
The Bombers are currently on the rise again, having won three in a row and five of six. They beat the Reds, 9-5, on Wednesday afternoon behind another dominant performance from Luis Severino, who has emerged as the team’s ace.
“That’s a difference-maker. That’s certainly a guy you want to build your rotation around,” Cincinnati manager Bryan Price said after Severino (8-6, 3.03 ERA)
struck out nine and gave up two unearned runs on three hits in seven innings.
“I’m taking the mound every time and thinking of going six or seven (innings). That’s my mindset,” Severino said. “Every time they give me the ball, I’m trying to pitch a good game.”
Somehow, the Yankees managed to get through their 10-22 skid and stay within striking distance of the Red Sox, who have begun to falter themselves. Boston added Eduardo Nunez, but still lacks a big bopper in the middle of its lineup.
The retooling Yankees certainly have their flaws, but so too do the underachieving BoSox. So why not improve yourself, go for an AL East division crown and see what happens from there? Plus, in the American League it’s basically the Astros and then everyone else.
Over the last two seasons, Cashman has been able to strengthen the organization’s talent and depth.
The promotion of Frazier has relegated Jacoby Ellsbury into the role of $153 million pinch-runner/fourth outfielder. The additions of Robertson and Kahnle provide insurance should $86 million closer Aroldis Chapman and four-time All-Star Dellin Betances continue to struggle in the bullpen. And the emergence of Severino and Jordan Montgomery has enabled the Yankees to overcome Masahiro Tanaka’s disappointing 2017 campaign (5.37 ERA, career-high 26 homers allowed). Gray would help in that area as well.
That’s assuming he can stay healthy, a big if. And that’s also assuming the Yankees can add him without subtracting Torres, Frazier, Adams
or Sheffield.
It’s a risk, getting Gray. But for these Yankees — with their Aaron Judge-led offense and bullpen full of power arms — it seems like a risk worth taking, for the right price.