SEEING RED
Bombers keeping eyes on Cincy hurlers Cueto, Leake
BALTIMORE — While the Yankees have needs in other departments they aren’t ignoring what they perceive to be the lifeblood of any team: starting pitching. The Yankees sent scout Jeff Datz to Wrigley Field Friday and Saturday to watch Reds righthanders Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake. Each will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Reds are expected to seriously listen to offers before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline.
Like all clubs, the Yankees scout potential free agents throughout the season to be ready for trades or signings during the offseason.
Of the two, the 29yearold Cueto is the frontend starter so many teams are looking for as pennant races intensify. The 27yearold Leake is viewed as a third or fourth starter.
Cueto makes $ 15 million this year; Leake $ 9.78 million.
“In the National League he could be a three, in the AL, a four,’’ a scout said of Leake, who is 34 with a 4.35 ERA in 13 games this season. He has a career 5646 record with a 3.95 ERA.
Since Cueto and Leake will be free agents who won’t bring back a draft pick next year if traded during this season, what it will take to get themis debatable.
So too is the Reds’ timetable because some question whether they will make highprofile deals before hosting the All Star Game July 14.
Cueto is 44 with a 2.85ERA in 12 starts and is 8961 with a 3.24 ERA across his career.
On the surface the Yankees’ rotation appears set and, with Ivan Nova possibly on the way off the disabled list, could become overcrowded and force Adam Warren, Sunday’s starter, to the bullpen.
Yet, Nova had Tommy John surgery late last April and there are questions about howeffective he will be when activated.
Any team talking to the Yankees would have to ask for righthander Luis Severino and/ or outfielder Aaron Judge, but it’s not likely the Yankees would part with their two top prospects for a rental.
However, the Reds have scouted the Yankees’ system and players such as outfielders Ramon Flores and Mason Williams and pitcher Bryan Mitchell might be attractive as part of a package.
David Price, Jordan Zimmermann and Cueto are considered the top free agent pitchers entering the offseason.
The Phillies, who are listening on Cole Hamels, had two scouts at the Yankees Orioles game at Camden Yards Sunday. Some industry voices believe Hamels would be a great fit for the Orioles, who are showing signs of overtaking the Yankees in the AL East despite a suspect rotation.
With 3 ½ years and $ 84.75 million remaining on Hamels’ deal the Yankees might not want to invest the dollars or part with the highend talent the 31yearold Hamels is expected to bring back if dealt.