SU just read that long-time SU fave and ex-Yankee, Eduardo Nunez, was traded by the SF Giants to the Red Sox. Ugh. As opposed to Todd Frazier who is hovering at .204, Nunez is hitting .308 for the season and .348 since June 1st. OK, he is not the world’s best fielder but he can play several positions, steal bases and is an exciting player. SU says this was a missed opportunity by the Yankees for a rental player with speed.
Now, it’s possible that the Yankees were forced to take Todd Frazier in order to get the two relievers – not sure about that. Both Frazier and Nunez are free agents after the season. Frazier had an interesting first at bat at Yankee Stadium last night where he hit into a triple play with the bases loaded. SU had to laugh out loud at that one. Somewhere Chris Carter is watching and thinking, “Hey, I could have done that.” Frazier did get a ground ball single and walked so maybe he is starting to get grounded as a Yankee. Or not.
Meanwhile, Matt Holliday grounded out with the bases loaded to make him 0 for 11 on the season in that situation. He is close to a lifetime .400 hitter with the bases loaded in his career. SU still maintains he is not right and Ellsbury needs to be given a shot. If nothing else, it’s another left-handed bat in an overly right handed line up.
Yankees are 1 game out and actually one up in the all important loss column behind the Red Sox. Hard to believe that after playing so poorly for so long, they are right there. Lots of rumors about a trade with Oakland for Sonny Gray and the 1st baseman but SU does not want to give up any more prospects. On the other hand, if it means Frazier gets DFA’d maybe it’s a net improvement. Stay tuned…
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Compared to the Yankees of the 80s and early 90s, one thing that hasn’t happened much under Brian Cashman is players getting away and thriving in other situations. Nunez is the rare example of a player who went on to perform very well for other teams. It is a shame because he was exciting during limited playing time in NY and showed signs he could hit and plays 3B which has become a weak position for them. It was clear the Girardi didn’t have patience for his sub-par defense. I still liked Nunez and will have a hard time rooting against him these next few months. (For what it’s worth, the Yankees have a similar situation playing out right now with Torreyes who has been pigeonholed as a utility guy who can’t play for extended periods of time. I don’t know where this thinking comes from. He played every day while Did was out and played well. He plays well pretty much everywhere they play him. Why is he not given a chance to play 3B every day?)
The nice thing about the added depth in the Yankees bullpen is that Girardi doesn’t have to let Betances figure it out on the mound. Betances showed more control problems, got into trouble, and was removed from the game. Of course, I want him to get through his recent struggles but letting him walk the bases loaded (as had been happening recently) can’t work when you’re in a pennant race.
Agree about Torreyes. With Castro out, he should be the regular 2nd baseman. I like Tyler Wade but at this point, he is clearly over-matched against major league pitching. Why keep force feeding him? Let Torreyes play – a much better hitter. One thing about Girardi: he is about winning and you can check your ego at the door. Let Betances earn his role and the reality is that for this season, he is too scary to be in there in the 8th inning. Tyler Clippard is hard at work blowing games in Chicago. Need to take advantage of his absence now and use your pieces smartly.
Nunez is a DH and a butcher in the field so not sure solves Boston’s 3rd base problem and wouldn’t have solved ours. Todd Frazier looks old and overmatched so I agree give Ellsbury some DH time against righties.
Bob, a little harsh there about Nunez’s defense! I will also root for him in Boston but not to beat the Yankees. He’s still only 30. Like Melky, one of my favorite ex-Yankees.
In recent history, Melky and Nunez are really the only Yankees who played great after they left the team (although Melky’s performance was chemically enhanced). Maybe Cano as well but his performance is not to the level of his contract so it doesn’t really bother me the same way.
BTW, how good is Didi Gregorius? For all the excitement around last season’s trades, the acquisition of Didi may be Cashman’s finest moment.
I believe the Yankees will play Ellsbury in CF for 4-5 days in a row before the expected return of Hicks. Ellsbury will undoubtedly hurt himself and they can put him on the DL, freeing up roster space for Hicks.