This isn’t exactly what the Yankees wanted. But they’ll take it.
After being in the market for a pitcher most of the month, injuries to Eric Chavez and Alex Rodriguez made the Yankees change their stance on what positions to fill, leading them to acquire corner infielder Casey McGehee from the Pirates in exchange for RHP Chad Qualls. McGehee is hitting .230 with 8 homers and 35 RBI, less than impressive numbers.
This is far from a big splash for the Yankees, who are just looking to find a right-handed bat of any kind that can play third while their injured players recuperate. McGehee can also play first, which helps due to Mark Teixeira’s wrist injury. So on nights when Swisher isn’t in the lineup, or when he is in the outfield, McGehee can play first. That is, until Teixeira returns.
Considering the moves the Yankees could have made, this is rather disappointing. McGehee is another able body, yes, but he is just a typical utility player that only has the role he has because of the injuries to ARod and Chavez. The Yankees still didn’t get pitching, and didn’t solidify their bullpen either. Losers of 9 of their last 12, I can understand looking for something to ignite the team, but McGehee is not that guy.
All in all, this is a rather disappointing move for the Yankees. They acquired peanuts for a relatively decent relief pitcher. Let’s hope the Yankees can hold it together down the stretch without any major acquisitions. But right now, I know I’m not feeling good about their chances. With Dempster on the Rangers, and with Greinke on the Angels, the Yankees needed an arm. They had their opportunities at getting one, but they let their chances slip away. Here’s to hoping the Yankees season doesn’t slip away as a result.
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