Next, Yanks turn attention to pen
LAS VEGAS — Having already addressed the holes in their rotation and having set up a meeting with top infielder free agent Manny Machado back in the Bronx, the Yankees’ “fully operational Death Star” is turning its focus to fixing the bullpen.
GM Brian Cashman has already met with representatives of top reliever (and native New Yorker) Adam Ottavino and left-handed reliever Andrew Miller. Cashman said he had already spoken to Scott Boras about lefty closer Zach Britton before coming to the Winter Meetings.
With Joe Kelly signing with the Dodgers and the Mets agreeing to a deal with Jeurys Familia, they expected the market to start moving a little quicker.
“We’ve had some discussions on various relievers, both on the free-agent market and the trade market,” Yankees assistant general manager Michael Fishman said. “You are starting to see on the free-agent side starting to move, have some players coming off the board. We’re having those discussions now and that’s an area we are looking to address.”
STILL SONNY IN THE BRONX
Cashman made it very clear after the season that he needed to find a new home for Sonny Gray. The righthander had a 6.98 ERA and a .318 batting average against this season in the Bronx.
The Yankees have had plenty of interest in the 29year-old, who went 7-5 with a 3.17 ERA on the road, but they are holding out for top prospects, according to a team that has discussed a possible trade with them.
METS PICK UP A PITCHER
The Mets grabbed righthanded pitcher Kyle Dowdy from the Indians in the Rule-5 draft Thursday. They consider Dowdy depth for both the bullpen and their rotation.
“We are looking for depth in our starting rotation, and we believe [Dowdy] can give us that depth,” Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said. “It gives us protection going into the season that, if we need him to start, he has the talent and ability to do that, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he has, and if our rotation stays healthy and intact we certainly think he can be a force for us in the bullpen as well.”
MANNY OPTIONS
While the Yankees are pursuing Manny Machado as their ideal fill-in for Didi Gregorius to start the season, they are comfortable with Gleyber Torres being there on Opening Day, Fishman said.
“He played there in the minors and we saw him play there in the majors for a portion of the season. It’s an option,” Fishman said.
Gregorius had Tommy John surgery in October and is not expected to return until at least July. Machado has stated his preference is to play shortstop, but he is obviously able to play third base at an All-Star level.