Yanks Rebound After Big Deals

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

Last week, the New York Yankees limped out of Boston dropping 3 out of 4 games. The last game probably the most disheartening loss of the year as they blew a 4-0 lead and wasted a Domingo Herman 7 inning no-hit bid. The Bronx Bombers did rebound taking 2 of 3 from the Tampa Bay Rays who had been giving them fits all year. With the trading deadline staring them in the face and knowing they needed help, President and General Manager Brian Cashman made moves that bolstered the offense sending a message to the rest of baseball that his Yankees will be a force the rest of the regular season and will have something to say if they get to the playoffs.

 

 

 

It began last Thursday when Cashman traded for Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. Not only does Gallo add power to the line-up but he leads the league in walks. His defense is stellar. Not finishing dealing, later that night Cashman added first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs another lefthanded bat which the team sorely needed. Bolstering the starting pitching staff, Cashman went out and aquired Clay Holmes from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Andrew Heaney from the Los Angeles Angels. Cashman did not have to mortage the future or break the bank with these moves. In fact, no major prospects were involved in the trades. From a monetary standpoint, both the Rangers and Cubs will pay the full salaries of both Gallo and Rizzo. Said Cashman of the moves,“I know we’re better today than we were yesterday. But I also know everyone got better. It’s going to be fun to watch.”

 

 

 

 

The Yankees were in Miami for a three game series against the Marlins with both Gallo and Rizzo in the line-up. The Bronx Bombers swept Miami despite Gallo struggling (1-12) at the plate. Rizzo went 5-9 in the series including 2-home runs. “Do what you do, that’s all I’ve been saying to myself,” Rizzo after the series sweep. Aaron Judge, who all season has been the most consistent Yankee, was not surprised at the moves Cashman made. “I knew we were going to make some moves or do something. We’re the New York Yankees. We’re always in it, no matter what.’’

 

New York hosted the Baltimore Orioles Monday night with Andrew Heaney making his stadium debut. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the debut he was hoping for. The lefthander lasted only 4 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 earned runs, including 4 dingers. The offense was handcuffed by O’s starter Jorge Lopez who only allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run in 6 innings. The Orioles bullpen of Cesar Valdez, Paul Fry and Dillon Tate did not give up a hit in the final 3 innings. Said manager Aaron Boone, “Unfortunately we were kind of held down. The Orioles took it to us tonight in every way. It kind of spoils that homecoming a little bit. I know the guys were excited.”

 

The excitement of the Bronx Bomber fans has gone up with expectations of adding the teams 28th World Series title. Cashman made the moves. It’s now up to the players to perform. There are no more excuses.