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When Brian Cashman traded Justin Wilson to the Yankees for Luis Cessa and Chad Green, he made one comment that left people wondering exactly what he had up his sleeve and why he was okay with breaking up a pretty good bullpen. "I'm also not done" were his exact words. Today, we learned exactly what he had up his sleeve. He traded Wilson for minor league starting pitching depth, then came from nowhere and traded some decent prospects for not just any elite reliever, but one of the best in the game. Rookie Davis is probably the player being sent to the Reds that has the most potential, but seeing as he's still a long way away from pitching in the majors, his future is far from certain.
On a pure baseball level, this is a very good trade for the Yankees; however, it comes with a lot of baggage because of Chapman's domestic violence history and it makes the trade very hard to be happy about. As much as one can drool at the thought of a Betances-Miller-Chapman bullpen, one has to wonder exactly what Cashman and company were thinking when they traded for a player with his history. One of the biggest reasons Cashman had for pulling the trigger was that Chapman's price probably went down significantly. The question remains as to whether this move will be one the Yankees end up regretting. Here's how Twitter is reacting to the trade:
Cashman: Yankees are acquiring Chapman, understanding there are still unresolved issues w/ domestic violence situation.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 28, 2015
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said the Yankees have done as much diligence as possible on Aroldis Chapman's domestic... https://t.co/eMnEb5bKbN
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) December 28, 2015
Even though there's a lot of baggage that comes with Chapman now, Cashman says the team has done its due diligence on Chapman. I'm sure there's more to the whole story than what's come out so far, and it seems like the Yankees have looked into this deeply and are very aware of the move they're making. All we can hope for is that the team knows what its doing. Nonetheless, he's likely to be suspended for this--it's just a matter for how long.
According to @jonmorosi, Chapman would need to be suspended 46 or more days in 2016 to NOT be eligible for FA after the season. Stay tuned.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 28, 2015
Well if he doesn't complete a "full season" Chapman could end up being more than just a rental, so that could help keep this now super bullpen together even longer. I guess the way they look at it is, if he's suspended for 46+ games, they'll get him for another year and if he's suspended for less, then they just have a three-headed monster for a decent amount of the season.
Cashman said his "intent" is to keep Chapman-Miller-Betances together as a 3-headed monster in the bullpen.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 28, 2015
Cashman called Miller to inform him of Chapman deal. Intends to keep Miller and Betances... But added he's sure he'll get a lot of calls
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) December 28, 2015
Honestly, even though he "intends" on keeping Miller, I'm sure he's still available in the right trade. As long as Cashman gets his asking price. Betances could even be moved (not in addition to Miller) as long as Cashman gets blown away by an offer. I wouldn't say anything is out of the realm of possibility, but it's probably unlikely the Cashman gets the price he wants.
Convo w/ Miller went as expected. He said he'd do whatever is asked of him to help team win. Same as his approach all of last yr #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) December 28, 2015
For his part, at least Miller is being a good sport about this and saying the right things.
.@AChapman_105, @DBetances50 and @a_miller48 combined for a 1.70 ERA with 347 Ks in 212 2/3 innings in 2015. pic.twitter.com/Ce3mLz5ooY
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) December 28, 2015
Chapman trade gives NYY 3 highest K rates for 487 pitchers (50 IP) in 2014-15. #MNTwins have 1 of top 155 Perkins (118th/24.1%). Abad 156th.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 28, 2015
A song of NICE and FIRE! pic.twitter.com/iqwjYAUvcU
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) December 28, 2015
Regarding Girardi pen usage, could use Betances for more than 3 outs. Might be days where he "saves" Miller or Chapman to close the next day
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 28, 2015
On a day where all 3 are available, my guess is it's Betances in 7th, Miller in 8th and Chapman in 9th. Girardi can also mix and match
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 28, 2015
Again, if one were to being drooling about just the pure baseball part of this trade and the possibilities for this Yankees bullpen, I would not blame them. This trio could be straight filthy.
Welp
— Caleb Cotham (@ceetwo35) December 28, 2015
So... Hello @Reds
— Rookie Davis (@rookdavis24) December 28, 2015
Thank you @Yankees organization for the opportunity. Looking forward to being a part of the @Reds ! Can't wait for Spring Training!
— Tony Renda (@TRenda28) December 28, 2015
@JakeCave8 first skyline chili on you?
— Eric Jagielo (@E_Jagielo) December 28, 2015
Some of the players involved in the trade have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts. While Cotham and Davis seem like they're not exactly sure what to think, former Yankee Jake Cave (taken by the Reds in the Rule 5 draft earlier this month) is excited about reuniting with old teammates. Jagielo and Renda seem to at least be making the best of this trade. Then again, who wouldn't get excited for chili?