Written by Greg Fertel
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03 August 2008
Well, I've finally returned from my three week hiatus and boy am I amazed on how many trades Cashman and the Yankees made in the month of July. All of the trades were impressive, and I truly commend Cashman's ability to get the Yankees players the pieces to make yet another stretch run. This team is definitely going to be exciting to watch.
The one trade that still hasn't sunk in yet for me personally is the Tabata, Ohlendorf, Karstens, McCutchen trade for Nady and Marte. Nady definitely helps on the offensive side of things as he proved today with his 6 RBI, 4 hit game today and Marte happens to be one of the better left handed relief pitchers in the game today. Everyone knows that you have to give some to get some and the Yankees did just that. I have no problem parting ways with Ohlendorf, Karstens, and McCutchen, but I was sad and surprised to see Jose Tabata included in the deal. As you guys probably know, I ranked Jose #1 overall in terms of Yankees prospects just before the season started. Jose was a guy who's found success at every level he's played at, and this year he was coming into the year off hamate bone surgery. We all expected Jose to blossom into the crown jewel of the Yankees farm system this year, but unfortunately, it didn't happen that way. Injury mixed with immaturity got his mind off the game, and that's probably the reason why the majority of Yankees fans are sour on him.
This trade looks good now, but how about 2,3 years down the road? Is Nady the .330 hitter that he is right now? Does Tabata come back strong next year and reclaim his prospect status? Should Tabata have been an untouchable in the system? These questions all remain yet to be answered. One thing is for sure, I'll be rooting for Tabata to get everything straightened out, and have success in the future.
