With the Yankees on the brink of elimination from playoffs for the second consecutive season, it appears as if Brian Cashman will receive some extra time in prepping for this upcoming offseason. Having said that, the top priority for the New York Yankees this offseason is clear; replace Derek Jeter and fill the hole at shortstop.
Starting in 1996, the six slot has been last on the list of Yankees offseason concerns. From his rookie season- when he was named the American League Rookie of the Year and the Yankees wen't on to win their first of five World Series Titles during his tenure, the Captain has manned the position for the Pinstripes.
But, as much as we all want to turn the clock back, at age 40, Derek Jeter is calling it quits, creating an unfamiliar void for Brian Cashman - finding a new shortstop.
So who will be the opening day shortstop for the New York Yankees on April 6, 2015 when they open up next season against the Toronto Blue Jays? Well - that seems to be the 'million' dollar question... million.
With the current state of the New York Yankees farm system, it looks as if Cashman may need to sign a free-agent to a long-term concert or trade for a player who has significant time left on their current contract and/or someone who will do a sign-and-trade of sorts. The Yankees 2013 fourth-round draft pick Tyler Wade is projected to have the highest ceiling of any Yankees shortstop prospect, but he played at Single-A Charleston for the 2014 season and needs to improve his power drastically before coming into the equation and being considered major league ready.
This leads us all to believe that Brian Cashman will look at the Major League level for a new shortstop and two names have been swirling in rumors with the Yankees since mid-July.
The first, is Hanley Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who wouldn't require a trade at all. Ramierz is playing out the final year of his $70 million dollar contract with the Dodgers and will hit free-agency this summer at the prime age of 31. It's no secret he'll be looking for a big pay day on the free-agent market. But, with offensive numbers similar to that of Robinson Cano's, who we saw sign a humongous 10 year/ $240 million dollar contract with the Seattle Mariners last winter - Ramirez is expected to hold out for a Cano-sized contract as well. Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees were unwilling to break the bank for Cano, but will they do it for Hanley Ramirez? I'm not so sure.
On the other hand, the $118 million remaining on Troy Tulowitzki's contract with the Colorado Rockies and team control through the 2020 season is a bit more intriguing, assuming the Yankees are willing to give into Colorado's trade demands and deal their only prime prospects in an already weak farm system.
The other remaining name, and the biggest surprise trade rumor candidate in my opinion is Elvis Andrus of the Texas Rangers.
Younger than both Ramirez and Tulowitzki at age 26, Andrus is a lighter hitter than either, but probably more of a threat on the base path than both and a better fielder than at least one of the two. Elvis Andrus is also under contract through 2022 and at a relatively low cost - by Yankees standards, at $14.75 million per year.
That's a contract the Texas Rangers would likely be willing to unload without receiving a trade package of prime prospects in return, just to clear payroll space after a night-mare last-place 2014 season.
Obviously the off-season hasn't even begun, but I wonder if Yankee fans will be content if Andrus, who once looked up to Derek Jeter, is standing in his spot in the infield come April 2015.
I'd like it.
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