What Should The Yankees Do For 1B Depth Now + Beyond 2016 With Bird Hurt?

Justin Morneau would definitely be a flier for some team based on his recent concussion history. Although he did recently win a Batting Title for the Colorado Rockies in 2014 by Batting .319. The former AL MVP has a swing a lot like former Yankees player – Tino Martinez and would be perfect depth for the Yankees.  Morneau, 34, could also take some Designated Hitter reps against tough Right Handed Pitchers.  The Canadian posted a .316/.364/.487 3 Slash Line with 20 HRs and 42 Doubles in his 670 AB spanning the last 2 seasons for the Rockies.  I believe he could put up at a .275/.333/.425 line for the Yankees if they brought him in.

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It is unfair for a player like Gregory Bird, that he tore his labrum and will miss the entire 2016 season. 

With Mark Teixeira spending a pile of time on the meat wagon for various injuries in the last few years, the young 23 year old slugger could have solidified a long-standing place on the team if he could have had the opportunity forthcoming.

Instead this little injury is really putting the ‘Pinstripers’ depth to question before pitchers and catchers even report at First Base.

Brian Cashman has to play this thing right – as any injury ‘Tex’ could cripple the club.  The organization should dole out some decent cabbage for a guy to backup at 1st now with this news.

At first glance you have to look at the potential Free Agents out there left on the table.  Both Pedro Alvarez and Justin Morneau are still on the open market.

There has been a lot of chatter on the Yankees to shore up their depth at 1B/3B and DH by bringing in the Free Agent Alvarez. The former Pirate has clubbed 131 HRs in 6 full seasons. but is also a Strikeout factory. His defense is also brutal at 1B – where he committed 23 Errors last year. No doubt the 28 year old would be a perfect DH in the American League, however with A – Rod still on the books for 2 more years, bringing in his services may be a mistake for just one year. If Cashman could work out a multi – year deal for the guy, with a lower AAV (or an incentive laden deal), than he would be a nice backup plan in case the club doesn’t want to spend in the 2016 winter for a First Baseman.

Pedro Alvarez.

This could be a decent pickup as he could also provide depth at the hot corner for Chase Headley in an emergency, plus also be used versus tough right handers when Alex Rodriguez needs a rest at DH.

I would see that if a multi year offer can be arranged with the former Pirates player, this would be the type of move going forward that may pan out.  Alvarez could potentially crack 30+ HRs with Yankees Stadium being his home park.

Justin Morneau

If it is just for one year to begin with, why not ink Justin Morneau?  Yes he has a history of concussions, however he led the NL in Batting Average in 2014, and he is perfectly situated to hit at Yankee Stadium.  He is also an adequate fielder at the same time.

I mean his swing already kind of reminds me of Tino Martinez.  It is tough to believe that Morneau is just 34 years of age currently.  But he is a former MVP Caliber style of player.

Perhaps limiting his AB, at least to start the year.  Lets all be realistic too, A-Rod was great in 2016, but would it surprise anyone if “Father Time” catches all up to him at once, or he suffers a year ending injury or something?

Bringing in Morneau for a 1 year deal for a decent salary would be a good move.  Maybe Gregory Bird comes back in one year.  The club has several options it can pursue beyond 2016 – even re-signing Teixeira.

I hope that Cashman doesn’t go on the cheap and bring a guy like Ike Davis here.  Without a contract for a 2017 First Baseman in place (if they are not going to go with Bird or Teixeira), the players are about the same quality as Morneau.

Mike Napoli, Mitch Moreland, Adam Lind, Michael Morse, James Loney, Brandon Moss, Justin Smoak and Logan Morrison all hit the open market next winter.

Perhaps a couple of them would be available via trade this season if their respective clubs fall out of contention. But I am thinking you don’t want to wait until Opening Day this campaign even.

Trade Deadline moves (If Tex or A-Rod is hurt, or maybe an upgrade maneuver)

If the Seattle Mariners fall on their face like they did in 2015, a guy like Adam Lind would be ideal for the Mariners to capitalize on in his final year.

Ultimate Wild Card thought For 1B future With New York.

What if the Yankees were to orchestrate a deal for Joey Votto?  A player insertion of the Canadian player would automatically tip the scales back in the favor of the AL east.  After a few seasons at First Base, they could move Votto to DH.

The Yankees are starting to see some big contracts come off the board in the next 2 years, and past 2017, only Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann will have contracts that will earn world class dollars.  Brett Gardner will also be in the last year of his contract in 2018.

I mean how long can the Bronx Bombers show self restraint without spending cash?  Perhaps they are arming for a 2017 run at Stephen Strasburg and RF of Yoenis Cespedes.  Guaranteed thy are positioning themselves for the 2019 bidding war of 26 year old Free to be – Bryce Harper.

But for now, they could at least shore up their 1st Base Options beyond 2016.

Joey Votto had his best year since 2010 at the plate in 2015. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Canadian Slugger will make $199 MIL min over the next 8 years. With so many years left on his deal it is unlikely a team will want to trade anything huge for his services and owe him that kind of cash – except for a club like the Yankees.  Maybe a deal could be worked out for the two clubs this year.  Votto could take over at 1B to start 2017 – and switch to Designated Hitter later on in the deal.

*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of bbba.work and their other members***

A big thanks goes out to our featured writer Hunter Stokes for preparing today’s post.

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