The Yankees Deal

Just a quick note on the Pirates/Yankees trade that brought the Bronx Bombers Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte. While I think it's an excellent trade for the Yankees in the short term, and makes them a more legitimate contender than they were before the deal, I'm amongst those who think they gave up an awful lot.

While Ross Ohlendorf is getting the bulk of the attention in the media because he has the most big league experience, the fact is he's probably the least exciting player of the bunch. Dan McCutchen and Jeff Karstens are both AAA level pitchers in their mid-20's who have excellent track records in the minors and seem about ready to contribute at the big league level. Jose Tabata has been considered to be a top outfield prospect since joining the organization, although he's not having a great 2008 and is the least developed of the bunch (although he's playing in AA at 19, so that ain't bad).

Since Nady isn't a free agent at the end of the year, the Yankees got some multi-year value. They filled two big needs in a right-handed outfield bat and a lefty for the bullpen. I just think the price was awfully steep. My question is whether this signals that the Yankees are about ready to start trading away prospects in exchange for veterans again. I don't necessarily think that's a sign of panic -- the recent winning streak suggests that panic isn't necessary. It might, however, be a sign of impatience. Since the impatient version of the Yankees hasn't won anything at all since 2000, I'd be just fine if they went that route again. We'll see what they give up for Jarrod Washburn if that deal gets done, as sounds likely.