The New York Yankees made a substantial trade recently, for starting Pitcher Brandon McCarthy, but that doesn't mean they are done and the World Series is in the bag.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told nj.com's Brendan Kuty the team plans to remain aggressive in the trade market after telling reporters ace Masahiro Tanaka has a partially torn elbow ligament and will miss at least six weeks.
Tanaka was one of the league's best arms, and he will be missed by the hobbled Yankees.
Cashman promises to continue to try and win, though.
"We've been aggressive because - now we've got four starters that we were planning to have in our rotation this year out," Cashman said in a conference call at Progressive Field as the Yankees played the Indians. "And because of that we have been aggressive and we will continue to be aggressive unless I'm told otherwise."
The Yankees are currently 46-45, 4 games behind the Orioles, and a game behind the Blue Jays in the American League East. It was this time last year that division rival Boston added Jake Peavy to their staff and went on to win the World Series. Luckily for the Yanks, they don't have much to worry about from the Red Sox this year, but if they want to follow the current World Champ's example, they better look around for that key pitching add.
David Price is probably the most sure thing out there right now, but Tampa Bay is going to want a lot to trade their star lefty to a division rival.
If they can't get Price, then Cliff Lee from the Phillies would be the next safest bet, although one that has not garnered a lot of attention so far is Ian Kennedy from the San Diego Padres.
He has come on strong after a shaky start, and may be just what the team needs.
He allowed one run over seven innings and struck out nine to beat the Rockies in Coors Field on Monday night, and he has put together a good season at 7-9, with a 3.71 ERA. His win-loss record would be much better, if he didn't play for the 40-52 Padres.
He also has played for the Yankees before, so that could help him settle into the swing of things in New York.
The Yankees don't have time to mess around, if they want to remain relevant this year. Kennedy could be the key to a successful season.
