Yankees: Frazier, Torreyes, and the cost of having too much depth

It’s been a great first half for the Yankees, but it’s not all sunshine for the Bombers.

For most of this season, the Yankees have been one of the best teams in baseball. As of June 19th,   the team has the best winning percentage in baseball at 47-22. A lot of things have gone the Bombers’ way. But it’s not all smooth sailing.

In terms of their success right off the bat, rookies Miguel Andújar and Gleyber Torres have already surpassed the wildest dreams of fans. However, the superb play of these youngsters comes with a cost. Several big-league ready players are stuck in Scranton with the Yankees’ AAA affiliate.

In February, the Yankees traded for Brandon Drury because they weren’t confident that Torres and/or Andújar were ready to start in the middle infield. After suffering from some early season health issues, Drury’s’ injury rehab assignment turned into a prolonged stay in Scranton. The promising, flexible position player, who has been talked up by Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone, could be on his way out the door. There simply isn’t any room for him.

Related Story: Brandon Drury Could Be On His Way Out of NY

Then, there’s fan-favorite Ronald Torreyes. The Yankees sent the versatile infielder down to AAA to make room for Greg Bird when the first baseman returned from injury. Fans and teammates alike were shocked. Torreyes was playing well and he was/is incredibly popular in the clubhouse. But Boone wanted to carry an extra pitcher, which forced the tough decision to send Torreyes to Scranton. Boone had no choice but to jeopardize the cohesive nature of the team’s chemistry. That’s the cost of having too much depth.

Finally, that brings us to Tyler Austin and Clint Frazier, two of the most recent victims of NY’s depth “problem.” Austin filled in admirably while Bird recovered from injury. When the latter returned and hit the ground running, the writing was on the wall. Austin was sent down to Scranton, and he could be there for a while. Frazier’s case, though, might be the most troubling.

Recently, Frazier aired some of his dirty laundry by publicly voicing his frustration. According to Coley Harvey of ESPN, Frazier hinted that he’s been unhappy with his lack of playing time in the big leagues.

"“‘It’s hard not to be unhappy about the situation,’ Frazier said, ‘but I’m just happy now that I’ve got a change of scenery.'”"

Next: Why the Yankees can still win a championship without making a trade

Still, the Yankees are having a tremendous first half. Most of the other teams in baseball would love to have the problems currently facing them. It’s hard to please every player, and it’s up to Boone and Cashman to figure out the best way to handle this situation.