At the end of the 2015 regular season, I took a stab at what I thought the Yankees needed to do to fix their 2016 roster.In summary, I thought the following:
1. Right handed power outfield bat
2. Upgrade at second base
3. Improve the rotation
4. Add a lefty to shore up the bullpen
Right Handed Power Bat:
Cashman didn't seem to echo my thoughts on adding a right handed power bat to the lineup. My advice was to trade away one of Ellsbury, Gardner, or Beltran and make a run at Justin Upton.
Upton would eventually wind up signing with the Tigers, while the Yankees traded away backup catcher John Ryan Murphy for outfielder Aaron Hicks. The Hicks deal was a solid move, in my opinion. The Bombers traded from an area of depth to acquire a once promising prospect from the Twins organization.
CJL Prediction Grade: F
Upgrade at Second Base
After suffering through the Stephen Drew reign of batter's box terror, I suggested that the Yanks do something to fix the keystone position.My suggestions included signing Ben Zobrist (signed with the Cubs) or trade for Brandon Phillips (no deal). Cashman did swing a trade with the Cubbies, acquiring Starlin Castro. Castro represents a huge upgrade over Drew, Refsnyder, and Ackley.
CJL Prediction Grade: B-
Improve the Rotation
Cashman did zilch to upgrade a rotation that includes a declining star (Sabathia), an injury concern (Tanaka), and a head scratcher (Pineda).
CJL Prediction Grade: F
Add a Lefty to the Bullpen
As they say, even a blind squirrel can find a nut. This was the one prediction I nailed right on the head. I just didn't expect the deal to be this huge.
Cashman swung his third trade of the offseason by acquiring Reds All-Star closer, Aroldis Chapman. Chapman's stock fell dramatically after a report of domestic violence surfaced during the offseason. Cashman was able to swoop in and acquire the flame throwing closer for way less than market value.
CJL Prediction Grade: A+
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