Breaking News: New York Yankees Acquire Brendan Ryan

Just because it’s September doesn’t mean you can’t make a trade. It’s just that the player that you acquire won’t be eligible for the post-season if you are fortunate enough to get there. The Yankees have made a move that they hope will sure up their defense down the stretch, as they have acquired shortstop Brendan Ryan from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later. Ryan will be ineligible for the post-season.

Jul 10, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder

(29) slides into Seattle Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan (26) at second base to break up the double play during the 6th inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan is an excellent defensive shortstop, one who probably should’ve won a gold glove years ago and hasn’t yet. Last year, he saved 27 runs. His numbers tailed off this year, but the Mariners are looking at younger players like Brad Miller. Ryan is not a great hitter. He is a career .238 hitter and is hitting just .192 with three home runs and 21 RBI this season. He also has a .254 OBP with a .520 OPS. Not exactly all-star numbers.

Why make this move? Well, I think it may be for two reasons. One, no one knows when or if Derek Jeter will be returning this season. He can’t really be trusted on to come back and be productive if he does come back.

Secondly, Eduardo Nunez hasn’t developed defensively at the position as much as they would like, plus Jayson Nix won’t be coming back this season. Just look at the play tonight in which his errant throw allowed the runner to advance and eventually score.

The Yankees clearly wanted a defensive upgrade at short and now they have one in Ryan. Let’s see if his defense can help the Yankees over the next couple of weeks.