Yankees need a plan of attack with Manny Machado off the board

With Manny Machado likely headed to the Dodgers, Yankees GM Brian Cashman needs to pull another rabbit out of his hat, this time in the form of a frontline pitcher — perhaps a name no one is expecting.

Less than 24 hours after the American League topped the National League 8-6 in 10 innings, which included a second-inning solo blast off the bat of Yankees star Aaron Judge, there are mixed emotions throughout the Evil Empire.

With reports surfacing that the Orioles have indeed traded four-time All-Star Manny Machado to the Dodgers for three top-20 prospects, two types of Yankee fans emerged.

There are those that are happy general manager Brian Cashman didn’t trade any of his top farmhands for a potential rental piece that can test free agency at seasons end. And there are those that are downright upset the Yanks missed out.

Drawing similarities to last season when Cashman refused to trade for Justin Verlander, who just so happened to dominate the Yankees in the ALCS — I believe these fans are genuinely concerned, where do we go now?

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It’s a fair question. While it’s unjust to doubt Cashman due to his track record of ninja-like dealings, sometimes out of the blue, Machado was a sure-thing; albeit as a benefit to an already stellar offense.

The idea of adding veteran pitchers like J.A. Happ, Cole Hamels and Nathan Eovaldi doesn’t scream World Series or bust — which is what the Dodgers just did with Machado.

Even trading for pitchers that are struggling this season but have upsides such as Michael Fulmer, Chris Archer and Dylan Bundy will be weighed and measured against the quality and number of talented prospects the Yanks are forced to part with.

The closest acquisitions the Yankees could make that resemble a slam dunk would include the likes of Jacob deGrom, Madison Bumgarner, Noah Syndergaard and Blake Snell; however, none of these names are currently being considered as bait.

But the Yanks have the farm system to make a blockbuster deal happen. It’s merely a matter of will — and if the powers that be honestly believe this club can win it all this season. Standing pat or trading for another mid-rotation arm might be all the indication we need.

Not that I’m saying that will or should happen. With two weeks to go until the non-waiver trade deadline, I fully expect Cashman to better his club. The magnitude of which, though, is in question.

Left-handers Tyler Skaggs and Andrew Heaney of the Angels are just two of the more recent names linked to the Bombers. From Matt Harvey to Zack Wheeler, Tyson Ross and Jake Odorizzi in between, the rumor mill is maddening, but it’s part of the game when there’s still a need to fill in the Bronx.

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We’re all anxious to see how Brian Cashman fills the pitching void. Is it starter or reliever? Top of the rotation guy or veteran innings eater? These next two weeks are going to be brutal!

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