With the July 31st trade deadline racing toward us, the Yankees have already made some big moves acquiring starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy, third baseman Chase Headley and also picking up pitcher Chris Capuano from the Rockies. The Yankees continue to scout and pursue pitching. But doesn’t that plan seem a bit questionable? With the development of young pitchers like Shane Greene, and although Chase Whitley has been moved to the bullpen, he still could be a solid starter in the future.
Michael Pineda is also on the comeback trail, the Yankees need to be focusing more on offense instead of a pitching staff that has already gotten a lot of help and still has help on the way. Cliff Lee has repeatedly been mentioned as a trade target of the Yankees, but another Philly may in fact be a better fit, and a greater need than Lee.
Outfielder Marlon Byrd has always been a good offensive player, and is also available on the trade market. Byrd is hitting .270, with 19 homers and 59 runs driven in. He would be the team leader in both homers and RBI if he was a Yankee. The Yankees had struggled against the Rangers pitching staff that has been the worst in the majors. They averaged just 2.5 runs a game during the series, and still could use a boost with a solid bat.
The Yankees have been on a roll since the All-Star Break, but if they want to continue to make a run at the playoffs, Marlon Byrd would be a great offensive upgrade and would really give the team a shot in the arm offensively.