Fansided

5 moves the Yankees should make at the MLB trade deadline

By Josh Criswell

Apr 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on in the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on in the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League second basemen DJ LeMahieu (9) of the Colorado Rockies at bat against the American League during the fifth inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League second basemen DJ LeMahieu (9) of the Colorado Rockies at bat against the American League during the fifth inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Colorado Rockies find themselves in an interesting position at the 2015 MLB trade deadline.

They have two of the most talented middle infielders in baseball in Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu. They also have little chance of competing for the National League West for the foreseeable future, given the Los Angeles Dodgers’ stronghold on the division.

Couple this with the fact that the Rockies have two very talented potential middle infielders in their minor league system in 2015 first round pick Brendan Rodgers and 20-year old Ryan McMahon, and their two veterans become much more expendable.

Tulowitzki is the more accomplished player, but considering his injury struggles in recent years, LeMahieu appears to be the more attractive option for a team like the Yankees that has struggled with inconsistency up the middle. LeMahieu is also three years younger than his teammate. Coming off of his first All-Star Game appearance and a Gold Glove last season, the talented second baseman is just now entering the prime of his career.

The Yankees do have Jorge Mateo and Rob Refsnyder in the minor leagues, but the organization is looking to win now. LeMahieu allows them to do that, while also providing them with a tremendous defensive infielder that they can build around.

Stephen Drew has been a solid power hitter at second base, but does not bring much else to the table. LeMahieu possesses the ability to play both middle infield positions, and has excellent speed to go along with his defensive prowess. He is also hitting a career-best .313 at the plate.

It would take some impressive negotiating to convince the Rockies to part ways with their All-Star second baseman, but considering their minor league depth in the middle of the infield, doing so may not be as difficult as it appears on the surface.

Next: Acquire Cole Hamels from the Phillies

Home/Cincinnati Reds