Yankees Deadline Filled With Low Risk Upgrades

Known as a team that is never satisfied, the Yankees once again upgraded their team as the Major League Baseball trade deadline passed Saturday.

GM Brian Cashman pulled off three deals that upgrade the team while also not giving up much.

By acquiring outfielder Austin Kearns, the Yankees add an outfield bat on the bench. Kearns will basically take on the same role that Marcus Thames had been doing, playing against left handed pitchers.

Kearns does however provide a solid glove in the outfield as well, something Thames was not known for. Kearns was batting .272 with 18 doubles, eight home runs and 42 RBI’s for the Indians before the trade.

The Yankees will send a player to be named later to Cleveland in return for Kearns.

Cashman was also able to upgrade the regular DH role. Nick Johnson was expected to man that spot in the lineup when the season started but after being injured plans changed.

The Yankees had been using a rotation at designated hitter, mainly giving players a half day off here and there. On Saturday, the Yankees acquired Lance Berkman from the Houston Astros.

Berkman was hitting just .245 for Houston, but did have 16 doubles, 13 home runs, and 49 RBI’s in 85 games this season. He ranks fifth in baseball with 60 walks.

The Yankees received Berkman and $4 million in cash from Houston in return for reliever Mark Melancon and infield prospect Jimmy Paredes.

For most Yankees fans, the third deal was likely more about who was released rather than who was acquired. The Yankees were able to make another deal with the Cleveland Indians, this time getting veteran reliever Kerry Wood and cash in return of a player to be named later.

To make room on the roster for Wood, the Yankees released Chan Ho Park.

Wood had been a closer for the Indians but will take a different role with the Yankees. With Joba Chamberlain struggling, the Yankees are looking for a reliable eighth inning guy. Wood provides them with another option.

Manger Joe Girardi will likely go with the hot pitcher between Joba, Kerry Wood, and David Robertson.

These moves may not be huge impacts, but they do provide upgrades in three areas. The roster is deeper now and all three new players provide a veteran presence.