Yankees Deal for M’s Ackley

The New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners have reached a deal that will send Dustin Ackley to the Bronx in exchange for minor leaguers Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network.

httpss://twitter.com/JackCurryYES/status/626852460297089024

The deal is a low-cost move for the Yankees, as Flores has shown he is nothing more than a fourth outfielder in the majors while Ramirez has failed to live up to the expectations that once made him one of the organization’s more talented prospects.

Speaking of talented prospects, Ackley was once one himself, but has struggled mightily since leaving Chapel Hill for Seattle. A promising product out of UNC, the 27-year-old is a career .243 hitter, though he would probably kill to have numbers that good this year. With 85 games under his belt, he is hitting .215/.270/.366 with six homers and 19 RBI. By comparison, Stephen Drew –  the man he could replace/take time away from – has a .192/.265/.380 slash line, 13 dingers and 28 RBI this year.

While Drew’s lack of production is likely what is bringing Ackley to town, his numbers are not exactly better. On top of that, the former Mariner has played second base just once this year. He was Seattle’s second baseman before Robinson Cano showed up last year, but has not seen much time at the position since. Instead, he has spent an abundance of time in the outfield, which could mean bad news for Garrett Jones.

Clearly, Ackley is nothing special (and another reason to ask why the Yankees hate Rob Refsnyder so much). The organization’s thinking here is that a change of clothes and scenery could benefit Ackley and perhaps provide them with depth at a position they have struggled at all year. Life outside of Safeco Field could actually do wonders for the lefty hitter.

Luckily for Ackley, he should have an easy time fitting on his new roster, as 12 percent of the Yankees roster are now alumni of UNC – Ackley, Adam Warren and Andrew Miller.

Perhaps the latter two can show their new teammate the ropes while they talk about the Tar Heels.