McCutchen rumor spreads
Joe Girardi spoke highly of Andrew McCutchen Wednesday — but that doesn’t mean the Yankees are close to adding the 2013 NL MVP. Rumors surfaced recently about talks of a potential three-way trade between the Bombers, Pirates and White Sox that would put McCutchen in pinstripes.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweeted that the three teams had discussions, but didn’t mention any specifics. One internet report suggested Jose Quintana would go to the Pirates, with the White Sox landing a package of young players in the rumored proposal.
“Well, there’s always a lot of talk and suggestions of what could happen,” Girardi said. “Obviously Andrew McCutchen is a very, very talented player, so I’m sure there’s 30 clubs that would love to have the services of an Andrew McCutchen.”
McCutchen went to five straight All-Star games from 2011-15, posting a .302/.396/.509 batting line over that span. But last season, the 30-year-old centerfielder hit just .256/.336/.430.
McCutchen is due $14 million next season and has a $14.5 million club option for 2018.
THE HARD WAY
There’s going to be plenty of competition for the Yankees during spring training — especially for the final two spots in the rotation. Luis Severino would appear to have the inside track on one of them. But coming off a season in which he went 0-8 with an 8.50 ERA in 11 starts, the nearly 23-year-old Severino is going to have to earn it.
“Obviously, we’ve always envisioned him as a starter,” Girardi said. “But in doing that you have to get through lineups three times, and the importance of his other pitches becomes vital when doing that, and the location of his fastball becomes vital when doing that. Do I see him fitting in our staff somewhere? Probably, I do. But you have to come to spring training and prove yourself, and we have a lot of kids fighting for spots.”
Girardi also said that despite being healthy, Greg Bird is going to have to earn the starting first baseman job over Tyler Austin.
THE RISING
Top prospect Gleyber Torres was named MVP of the Arizona Fall League after hitting a staggering .403. Yes, he’s only 19. And yes, Girardi noticed.
“I heard everything that you did, and we’ve been very excited about this young kid ever since we’ve had him,” Girardi said. “He went out and played at a very, very high level.”