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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Michael Pineda

By Parker Hurley

May 10, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Yankees may be able to find a nice fit in a Michael Pineda trade

As we near the trade deadline, teams have to decide between being buyers or sellers. Closing in on the last week or so, most teams know where they stand in terms of competing this year. The Yankees currently are a team that is right on the border and could go in either direction.

They sit in fourth place in their division, but are only seven games out. They are chasing four other teams for the fifth wild card spot, but still only sit five games back. It is not the easiest choice.

Still, given that they do have a group of teams to jump, and with the way that their roster looks, this should be a team that is selling. Older veterans like C.C. Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Aroldis Chapman and Carlos Beltran all have two or less years remaining on their current contracts. It would be a surprise for them to want to bring any of them back.

This is a team that needs to be looking to send off some of these names in hopes for returning younger prospects back; not shipping off young prospects to add veterans to this already aging group.

The Yanks have started to realize that, and have leaked a few names that could be discussed on the trade market in the next few weeks. One of the names that may be talked in trade discussions is Michael Pineda.

Pineda is only 27, and therefore would not be considered an aging veteran to cast off. However, when looking at the Yankees moving forward, they understand they can live with or without Pineda.

This is a guy under team control through only next season. He has a career ERA of 4.02, and this season is posting a 5.56. He has dealt with injury throughout his career, and at this point should just be looked at as a back-end of the rotation guy who can eat some innings for you.

Still, his peripherals and strikeout rate show that he could have a better ERA than what is posted. He is a former prospect and many teams need a guy to fill the back-end of their rotation who will not just completely blow up.

That means Pineda will have some value. It should not come in a way similar to what the Padres go from Drew Pomeranz, but still, the Yankees should have a chance to find a decent return here.

With that said, here are the five best spots for Michael Pineda

Next: 5. Toronto Blue Jays

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