Yankee Talk: Cashman pulls a heist

A couple of weeks ago, I gave GM Brian Cashman some free advice on what he should do in terms of making any additions to spark what then a unresponsive, lackluster team that was injury racked and giving the appearance that this season would end weakly without a playoff appearance.

I told him: "Do nothing".

But now, with the Yankees just minuscule percentage points behind both the Red Sox and Rays as they continue this torrid roll, maybe I should have altered the message.

What I should have said was the following:

"If another team is going to give you valuable players that will help your team at the virtual cost of nothing, then sure, go right ahead."

Certainly now, after winning eight games in a row to begin the second half and looking like a team that may have a promising future after all despite looking a dead raccoon on the road just a few weeks ago.

As word began to leak of the Yankees trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates during Friday night’s game with the Red Sox, a sense of curiosity perked up. When the announcement came down that the Yankees acquired both outfielder Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte, it was looked at as a stunner.

The talent Cashman sent back to Pittsburgh in return looks, on the surface, like one his biggest heists.

Getting those two players for no one on the current roster, in addition to any prospects the team has deemed "untouchable" has made the trade an absolute win-win all around.

When you examined the needs of the team prior to the All Star break, you would have a checklist of these three areas:

1. Corner outfielder that can hit.
2. Left handed reliever.
3. Starting pitcher

In one trade, they were able to address two of the three. Nady is having a career year this season with a .330 average and power numbers that as of right now are better than Manny Ramirez. While it is doubtful Nady will replicate that performance, he provides a steady bat with good patience and a great ability to hit left-handed pitchers that has been a bugaboo this season for the Yankees

In Marte, the team has its best left-handed reliever since Mike Stanton in the championship days.

Over the last few years, he has been one of baseball's premier setup and situational men. In 2007, lefties were six for 64 against Marte. While not duplicating that same success this season (he has been better against righties -.200), he provides more than capable competency at a position that has deficient to an extreme the last seven years.

Marte got his first indoctrination to The Rivalry on Saturday as he was brought into the game with runners on first and second with one out to face David Ortiz. In the past, this was where bad relief pitchers have gone to die. Not this time. With his mid 90's fastball, he had Ortiz uncomfortable. Marte struck him out on a slider for the second out and he was lifted. His mission had been accomplished impeccably.

Adding him to a core that features Veras, Farnsworth, Ramirez and Robertson, gives the team ample flexibility and inventory to work with late in games.

Here is the other good part of this trade is the financial aspect. Both players are cost controlled through next season. Nady is being paid less than 6 million next year and is insurance in the event the Yankees choose not to re-up Bobby Abreu's contract (standing at 16 million). Marte has an option also for 6 million for the 2009 season. The team can simply choose to exercise it, while losing Farnsworth’s salary, which expires.

Of the prospects the team gave up, the only real player of note that was given up was outfielder Jose Tabata. Two years ago, he was looked as having "Manny Ramirez-type" potential even though he was only 17 years old. This season however, his power has yet to develop and he has been seen to have several character issues. He was made expendable because of the development of rising prospect Austin Jackson.

Daniel McCutchen was having a good season in AA-Trenton, but was projected at best to be fourth or fifth starter. Jeff Karstens never had any real success on the Major League level to keep on the roster. Ross Ohlendorf pitched for most of the first half of the season. While he had good stuff, it was hittable and teams had very comfortable at bats against him. He was sent down to the minors to be re-converted into a starting pitcher. Perhaps the Pirates see a future in him with that role, but the currently the Yankees have no spot for him.

In all, it is a trade that fis great for the present. It also provides a good base for the future as well, at the cost of relatively nothing.

Great job.