ALCS: 3 decisions that cost the Yankees in Game 3 vs. Astros
1. Failing to trade for Gerrit Cole in 2017
Brian Cashman has enjoyed a brilliant run as the General Manager of the Yankees. The biggest mistake of his tenure may well be his decision not to deal for Gerrit Cole during the 2017 season. If he had, Cole might have started this game in pinstripes as opposed to suiting up for the visiting Astros.
At the time, Cashman was adamant that he wouldn’t give up Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier for the potential No. 1 starter. In retrospect, it’s absolutely a deal the Yankees should have made. Andujar is a talented hitter but might be tragically flawed as a defender. The same can be said for Frazier who also has some makeup issues that might derail his career as a Yankee. Giving them both up for a bona fide ace seems like a no-brainer in retrospect.
Of course, the Yankees will try again to acquire Cole once the season is over. He grew up as a fan of the team and Cashman will hope that emotional pull plays a role in his free agency. It’s believed that New York will have to spend big to keep Cole from returning to Southern California for the Angels.
Next. Cole, Altuve swing ALCS in Astros' favor. dark
That’s an issue for a different day though. On Tuesday it was Cole who spun pitch after pitch that allowed him to wriggle out of trouble against the Yankees. It had to be a bitter pill for Cashman and his front office to swallow as they watched from the stands. New York’s lack of a genuine ace may be the thing that costs them this series. They would’ve had one if they had just said yes on a deal for Cole two seasons ago.