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Having two catchers capable of starting everyday is certainly a good problem to have. Now, it’s a problem that the Yankees used to have. With the emergence of Gary Sanchez, Brian McCann instantly became expendable. After saying that he was comfortable having McCann be the primary DH and catch once or twice a week, Brian Cashman saw an opportunity to add some prospects, and he took that chance. McCann saw an opportunity to continue catching on a good, young team and took that opportunity.
Random McCann aside: I'd heard Yankees tried to interest the Mets in him last season, but Mets didn’t bite. Mets, of course, wanted Lucroy.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) November 17, 2016
Apparently Cashman was willing to buy into Sanchez before even seeing him last year! Then Sanchez playing the way he did probably reaffirmed Cashman’s faith so he felt even more confident in making that trade.
Trading McCann also shows great faith not just in Sanchez, but in Romine who stuck as the backup C all year, hit well in spots too.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) November 18, 2016
Romine having a solid 2016 campaign also makes the trade easier. In a backup role, Romine did exactly what was asked of him and the Yankees will likely reward his good play.
The Yankees are kicking in $5.5 million of the $17 million McCann will make each of the next two seasons.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 17, 2016
Another big factor for the Yankees is being able to shed a decent amount of salary.
Another payroll aspect: After 2017 season Yanks will be clear of Sabathia and ARod and will pay less than 1/3 of McCann for 2018.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) November 18, 2016
Sounds like the makings of a spending spree!
Trade of McCann clears the Yankees to sign a FA DH-type, and they'd like Carlos Beltran to return.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 17, 2016
I thought McCann and LH power could help Yankees as DH, backup C/1B. But Yankees like the 2 young Ps and feel can get DH offense elsewhere
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) November 17, 2016
Now they have the money and a roster spot to put a real DH. McCann was great, but didn’t profile too well as a DH. Now the Yankees have a chance to get more of an impact bat.
Yankees cleared a 40-man spot and need to clear more by tomorrow to protect Miguel Andujar and Dietrich Enns from Rule 5.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) November 18, 2016
Sounds like this trade was multi-faceted. Allows them to go all-in on Sanchez, gives them money and room to sign a DH, and allows them to protect someone ahead of tonight’s deadline to protect any player who is Rule 5 eligible. Plus the prospects coming back seem pretty solid too.
Albert Abreu has 4 pitches, touches 99. Jorge Guzman is better when he gears down to 97-99, touches 102-103. Good pickups for Yanks.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) November 17, 2016
Jorge Guzman is raw, probably a bullpen arm, but he's one of the hardest throwers in the game. https://t.co/XhJ7Y0bTig
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) November 17, 2016
Abreu is viewed as a strong prospect with upside, Guzman has top arm strength, but is viewed as raw #Astros #Yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 17, 2016
#Astros view both right-handers headed to #Yankees as legit prospects, but a good bit away. Guzman "tremendous arm strength but raw."
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 17, 2016
Both righthanders acquired by #Yankees in Brian McCann deal tend to miss bats and keep ball on ground. League percentile ranks in red. pic.twitter.com/awGL3rTNet
— Matt Eddy (@MattEddyBA) November 18, 2016
Easy to see why the Yankees were okay with this trade. Pitching help, even if they end up as bullpen pieces, is always a good thing.
Video of new @Yankees righthander Albert Abreu that i shot back in the spring. pic.twitter.com/0g9SePMrov
— Vince Lara-Cinisomo (@vincelara) November 17, 2016
More Albert Abreu video here. @Yankees pic.twitter.com/3KBPTjovS6
— Vince Lara-Cinisomo (@vincelara) November 17, 2016
Pretty cool to get a video of Abreu to see what all the buzz is about. Helps understand why even if he’s a project he’s a player to get excited about.
Albert Abreu now No. 10 prospect on Yankees top 30 list, per https://t.co/vhNGF3Cmdd https://t.co/FzKwsUDULe
— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) November 18, 2016
Cashman keeps adding to the list! Abreu apparently slides in at #10 and pushes Dillon Tate to #11. Maybe we shouldn’t fire him just yet?
Headley: "As tough as it is to see (McCann) go, I think it probably is best for both him and the Yankees to move on" https://t.co/Ai1dYHOiaj
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) November 18, 2016
McCann was extremely solid for the Yankees while he was here, and did nothing to warrant his departure. The Yankees had no choice but to go forward with Sanchez though, and this allows McCann to keep catching, which is where his heart is. Even Chase Headley, who might be on his way out next, recognizes it.
It’s not the splashiest move for the Yankees, but overall it seems like a good one for both teams involved. The Astros get the catcher they need, while the Yankees get to shed some payroll and clear up some space to hopefully upgrade the lineup. Hopefully Abreu and Guzman can eventually find their way to the Bronx and help out the Yankees.
Most important:
more like bye-an mccann
— Matt Ferenchick (@MattF15) November 17, 2016
Nailed it.