Yankees Simulation: Transactions from FanSided Winter Meetings

What Daniel Murphy means for Manny Machado

Considered by many FanSided GM’s as the steal of the Fake Winter Meetings (go ahead, ask them), I signed Daniel Murphy to a one-year, $10 million deal (he made $12 million last season).

But what about Manny Machado, you ask?

I did what I could, within reason. Though there was no reward for being first in line for “Johnny Hustle,” I did get the opening bid in for the four-time All-Star: 10 years, $275 million. The Cardinals knocked my proposal off the board, so I came back with 10 years, $325 million.

That large a figure scared me, but I was still mostly confident. As it turns out, the Phillies offered $20 million more before the White Sox blew everyone else away with 10 years, $355 million. I can honestly say, a $35.5 million AAV wasn’t something I ever planned on offering Machado, not after his numerous postseason indiscretions.

With Didi Gregorius expected to be out of action until at least June, Gleyber Torres will shift to his natural position of shortstop, allowing Murphy to man second. However, Murphy is a below-average fielder, despite the fact he has played first, second, third and left field during his 10-year career.

However, I signed Murphy because of his consistent left-handed stick. Despite only playing in 91 games due to injury in 2018, the former Met hit .299/.336/.454 with 40 runs, 15 doubles, 12 homers and 42 RBIs with only 40 strikeouts in 328 at-bats between Washington and Chicago.

To protect the lineup until Sir Didi’s return, I also inked former Gold Glove winner and All-Star Brian Dozier to a one-year, $8 million deal. Though Dozier’s time with the Dodgers was less than stellar, he still managed to hit 21 homers and drive in 82 runs between LA and Minnesota while playing the majority of the campaign hurt.

Coming off a phenomenal 2017 season that saw Dozier slash .271/.359/.458 with 106 runs, 30 doubles, 34 home runs, 93 RBIs and 16 stolen bases, I expect much better results from the Dozier, who is happily back in the AL. Dozier’s playing time will depend on Luke Voit and if he can capitalize on his 2018 late-season surge.

Should Voit turn into Shane Spencer (as many suggest), Boone could move Murphy to first base and place Dozier at his customary second — making the infield defense that much stronger, without losing much power.