Like a tiger escaped from the Bronx Zoo, New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman is crouching in the shadows, waiting to pounce on Nolan Arenado.
Get the popcorn ready, New York Yankees fans. A new feature film called Crouching Tiger, Hidden Cashman, staring Nolan Arenado, is coming to a theater near you.
According to an anonymously sourced report by SNY’s Andy Martino, the Colorado Rockies are having trouble extending their third baseman. Martino indicated that if that extension falls through, the Bombers are ready to swoop in with a trade offer.
.@martinonyc reports that the Yankees are "still in play" for Manny Machado while they are also keeping an eye on extension talks between the Rockies and Nolan Arenado https://t.co/7b3SqrWqQ4 pic.twitter.com/toYJlh3zcg
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 12, 2019
Arenado, 27, just wrapped up his final year of arbitration with a one-year, $26 million contract. Consequently, if the Rockies can’t get a long-term deal with him done, they may maximize his remaining value via trade.
The four-time MLB All-Star is a career .291/.346/.539 hitter. In 2018 he hit 38 home runs and drove in 110 RBI while winning his sixth-straight Gold Glove award.
However, one thing the Yankees should consider before making a deal for Arenado is the Coors Field effect. Arenado is far from immune to this phenomenon.
For his career, Arenado has slashed .320/.374/.609 at home, while posting a pedestrian .263/.318/.469 line on the road.
With that in mind, Yankees fans can find comfort in knowing the Bombers still have a chance at signing Manny Machado for the left side of the infield.
Martino also reported that “some in (Machado’s) camp are encouraging him to consider taking a shorter-term deal with the Yankees.”
The alternative currently seems to be more years from the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, or San Diego Padres.
However, the best option for the Bombers could already be in the Bronx in the form of Miguel Andujar. If the youngster can progress defensively and add a few points to his OBP, Brian Cashman may no longer view Machado and Arenado as upgrades.
For now, though, just hang onto your seats. More twists and turns are sure to come in this overplayed drama.
[membership level="0"] [/membership]
