Yankees end of year mailbag: Questions and comments from readers

Clint Will Be Traded

About the only thing any of us have had to write or think about since then is whether the Yankees will make another trade. And if that trade will and should include RF Clint Frazier and RHP Chance Adams; I am for it. Here are some of the opinions on the topic, without needing to reference any one specific article.

"Micsaw • 15 days ago Agree, don’t trade anyone. Especially Clint Frazier who to me looks like the next Harper, let’s see what Adams can do. We can always trade at the deadline"

"Nelson Cobb  Micsaw • 14 days ago The next Harper, are you kidding me??? Harper doesn’t have plate discipline and patience issues. The guy had 7 walks in 39 games. He’s not anywhere near the level of Harper, and never will be. And the crazy thing, Harper isn’t even 2 years older than Frazier. Good chance Frazier is a low BA, low OBP Slugger. He’s gonna provide some nice extra base hit totals, but what is gonna help him do that is the same thing that’s probably gonna cause him to struggle with K’s and lack walks, his over aggressive nature. If the Yankees can add Cole with Frazier and some pitching lower than Adams, they shouldn’t hesitate. I’m not about giving up both Frazier and Adams for Cole cause Cole had struggles last year, especially with the HR, and has had injury issues in recent years too. So there is risk with him, enough I don’t think you give up both Frazier and Adams, but only 1 of em. There’s some other good pitching prospects in the Yankees system to choose from, and if they need somebody for the rotation immediately, they can take Cessa. Frazier, Cessa, Tate and 1 more lower level prospect."

"joel smith • 15 days ago I agree with a lot of what you proposed with the exception of Montgomery. He had a stellar rookie debut and I think he has the potential to be a cost controlled #3 for a number of years. Even a number #4 who eats 175 innings at 350 to 4 era is a great asset in today’s mlb. I honestly think the yanks are overreacting a bit with the rotation. It was the home grown youth that took them to the alcs game 7. I think they should resign c.c. , take a flyer on a veteran starter and adjust if necessary at the trade deadline. Give Adams and German a chance if someone goes down. And give 2nd and 3rd to Miguel and torreyes til gleybar is ready and his service time isn’t affected."

"jason(thehallospaceboy) • 15 days ago I really hope they dont trade fraizer these articles about having to do so are nonsense. A future outfield (sadly w gardner a fa next year) in 19 of judge fraizer and florial (w hicks holding cf untill hes ready) could be a monster and if one of the two doesn’t fully pan out trout will most likely be opting out in 19!"

"Derek Tibin • 15 days ago Don’t trade anyone! Unless you can get cy young caliber pitcher, I would keep bringing up the kids. Not sure why they don’t like Adams, but he the best pitcher to come through the system in many years numbers wise."

"Michael Bradbury • 14 days ago You are the first person to suggest that the Yanks don’t see Adams as a future starter. Where are you coming up with that?"

Michael, that is a great question.

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It is just another example of trying to read the tea leaves. There were times when the Yankees were desperate for starters. Still, they never called Adams up. 

There could be a lot of reasons for that, and one of those is that they don’t think he is good enough to start in MLB and don’t want to ruin his trade value by exposing him. I can’t say that it is the truth, but it is a theory that fits the facts, and the one I believe to be true.

That’s the best I can do, combined with my years watching the sport. That’s the same with my recent piece on Scott Boras, in which I said his machinations had pushed the off-season to its current stagnant state.

Now, I don’t know that for a fact. I would not swear to it in court. But it is a theory that fits the facts and is, in my opinion, the main reason. Sometimes you have to go out on a limb. If it works, it means you are feeling the pulse. If not, perhaps best to speculate less.

I hope that answers your question.

Next: The Yankee and Major League Baseball React to Scott Boras

The Same to All of You

But most importantly, thank you for asking it. And thanks to everyone who read and/or left a comment or question this year.

With a new year dawning, a new season will not be far behind. No matter what anyone thinks of the moves made in 2017, everyone can agree 2018 will be an exciting one. That means a lot more too-lengthy columns from me, and comments, debates and questions from you.

Now that is something to look forward to. Well, maybe not Jack’s comments, but still.