Many Yankees fans seem to be up in arms over this five-player deal. The Yankees got Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan, while the Braves got Melky Cabrera, Mike Dunn, and Arodys Vizcaino in the deal, which was announced last night.
Basically, the Yankees received a quality 3rd-4th starter for a 2nd Outfielder at best (probably 3rd), a lefty-reliever that throws hard but has little control, and a prospect that was last seen in Staten Island.
So, I ask, why the scrutiny?
The Yankees got the 3rd starter that they were looking for this entire offseason, while giving away replaceable parts. How exactly do you replace these players? Here is how:
Melky Cabrera: Currently, the man replacing Cabrera is Brett Gardner. In the future we may see the Yankees sign either Mark DeRosa or Johnny Damon. If the Yankees stick with Gardner it is a slight deduction in overall play. Melky has a better arm, while Gardner is faster. Melky has an OK amount of power, while Gardner can get the little hits that help win games. If the Yankees sign DeRosa or Damon, it is an immediate improvement in left.
Mike Dunn: Currently the man replacing Dunn is Logan. Logan was the other pitcher acquired in the deal with the Braves. Dunn looks like he will have a bright career as a lefty-reliever, while the Yankees are left with only two real lefty relievers of their own. Damaso Marte is a lock, while Logan looks like an up in the air candidate to make the team. Do the Yankees go into the season with one lefty? Is Zach Kroenke returned by the Diamondbacks? We will see. Overall, Dunn might be the worst piece lost in the trade.
Arodys Vizcaino: Since he pitched last year in Staten Island, the Yankees really do not lose anything from their current team. He might have a great career, but it will certainly not start in 2010.
One More Note: Seems like many fans are only upset because, well, he is Melky!
Look at it this way:
If the Yankees acquired Melky Vazquez and Boone Logan for Javier Cabrera, Mike Dunn, and Arodys Vizcaino wouldn't that be amazing news? Just saying.
TRADE GRADE: I give it a B+ because the Yankees can replace the players traded and the Yankees get a top-notch starter in Vazquez. The only way this can go wrong is if the Yankees cannot replace Dunn, OR Vazquez struggles in the Bronx. Now, if the Yankees traded Cervelli....it is obviously an F. Francisco Cervelli can not and will not be traded! (Shoutout to the Cervelli Fan Club!)
Quick Update: ESPNEWS' bottom line says "Yankees swap Melky Cabrera for Braves' Javier Vazquez" So...Mike Dunn and the #2 prospect in the Yankees farm systemaccording to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, Arodys Vizcaino don't matter? Just pointing that out....