Yankees Brian Cashman might trade away a blue-chip prospect today

Should the Yankees Get into an Arms Race?

It is possible that the two teams are discussing a larger trade involving Sonny Gray; that would make Tyler very happy. But he might be the only one. Because to get Sonny Gray, the Yankees would have to give up a real, serious prospect. That probably means Blake Rutherford.

I hope that is not true. But, why else scout the Riverdogs? There are only two players worth a top pitcher: Estevan Florial and Blake Rutherford. But Florial has been slumping lately and is not ranked nearly as high as Blake.

Rutherford, meanwhile, has been showcasing his talent. He has batted .350 in his last ten games and belted a game-winning home run just the other night. If the Yankees are interested in getting Sonny, the Athletics are interested in getting Blake.

The trade makes a lot of sense, although the Yankees would have to throw in a couple of mid-range pieces, including a pitcher. But Gray (3.72 ERA) is a proven pitcher, not just in the majors, but in the American League. He is young and under team control until 2019. Okay, fair enough.

But I hope Cashman chooses not to make any such trade, for any of the best players including Florial. If this team cannot win with only the addition of bullpen help and promising Triple-A players, then it does not deserve to win. Not this year. Soon, yes, when the time is right; but not now.