MLB New York Yankees

New York Yankees Really Focusing On Making Bullpen Stronger

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By @ogab_3

david carpenter

Jason Getz – USA Today Sports

The New York Yankees continued their recent trend of small trades the other day by trading left-handed pitcher Manny Banuelos to the Atlanta Braves for two relief pitchers, right-hander David Carpenter and left-hander Chasen Shreve. This shows the Yankees’ commitment for this year is to make pitching, both in their rotation and their bullpen, the strength of this team.

Carpenter is considered the more ready of the two pitchers. He will contribute immediately to the Yankees’ bullpen, essentially filling the spot of recently traded pitcher Shawn Kelley. He pitched in 65 games for the Braves last year, and finished with a 3.54 ERA, making him a slight upgrade over Kelley. He also has great control, with 67 strikeouts and only 16 walks. Shreve is considered a little further away, and will probably compete to make the roster in the spring. He pitched well in the minors, and was given an opportunity to finish the year in Atlanta, which he did well.

Perhaps the biggest news out of this trade was the fact the Yankees got rid of Banuelos. He is 24 years old, and was for a few years considered to be one of their best prospects, along with standout reliever Dellin Betances and former prospect Andrew Brackman. They were supposed to be the new “Killer B’s,” and guide the new Yankees bullpen. However, Banuelos had Tommy John last year, and apparently the Yankees felt as if it was time to move on. At least in return, they got two relievers who have a decent shot at adding something significant to a bullpen that they are hoping can be a big weapon for them.

Owen Gabbey is a baseball writer who also contributes for the NFL for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ogab_3, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google. 

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