Two Roster Moves That Need To Happen For The Yankees

Aug 2, 2013; Trenton, NJ, USA; Trenton Thunder second baseman Jose Pirela (28) tags out Reading Fightin Phils shortstop Matt Tolbert (10) during their game at Arm and Hammer Park. Trenton won the game 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

There are a couple of things that have to happen by the trade deadline. One of them is a trade and the other is a call-up.

It is well documented that the Yankees need another starting pitcher and some infield help. The question becomes how far they are willing to go to acquire a difference maker.

When it comes to the rotation, the Bombers have very little choice but to make a trade and Chicago Cubs starter Jason Hammel is the perfect fit. He may not have the best stuff in the league, but nobody can argue with his results so far this season.

Hammel is 6-3 with an ERA of 2.53 and a 0.88 WHIP. He is truly pitching like an ace, as opposing teams are only hitting .189 against him. Make these numbers even more impressive is the fact that he’s doing this in a hitter’s ballpark (Wrigley Field). This shows that he can likely pitch at Yankee Stadium.

Also, he has had success in the American League East with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He went 8-6 in twenty starts with a 3.43 ERA and held opposing hitters to a .232 batting average against.

Now let’s be realistic, he won’t be as dominant if he returns to the American League East, but he will be a consistent starter who can usually be relied on for a solid six or seven innings.

Another necessary roster move is promoting second baseman Jose Pirela to the big leagues as soon as possible.

Brian Roberts has been a huge disappointment both at the plate and in the field. The second baseman is hitting just .237/.313/.345 with only 12 extra base hits and 13 RBI.

He hasn’t been much better at second base as his fielding percentage of .970 is well below league average (.987). His range at second base is even worse. According to baseball references, Roberts’ RF/G (Range Factor/Game) is 3.65 and the average at second base is 4.61.

Roberts isn’t the same player that was the Orioles’ superstar for so many years.

The 24-year-old Pirela has been outstanding for the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, hitting .333/.370/.470 with 73 hits, 27 RBI, and 40 runs scored. In the field, he’s shown some solid play at second base, with an above average 4.71 RF/G. He is also quite versatile having played some first base and outfield this year.

There is no need to make a trade for an infielder, as Pirela seems like a fine solution.