It's no secret that the New York Yankees weren't exactly thrilled with the way things played out in 2013. Losing key members of a 2012 team that advanced to the American League Championship Series, the Bronx Bombers were forced to endure new challenges while also battling a plethora of injuries. Starting catcher Russell Martin departed for Pittsburgh while right fielder and fan favorite Nick Swisher signed with the rising Cleveland Indians, creating problems at two positions the team was not immediately able to fill. Free agent departures were just the tip of the iceberg as the Yankees watched as multiple components were knocked out of the lineup with injury.
First baseman Mark Teixeira missed most of the season with a wrist injury, shortstop Derek Jeter was constantly bothered by a sore left ankle and strained right quad and centerfielder Curtis Granderson was knocked out for a period of time with a broken finger. Add into the equation that outfielder Brett Gardner, third baseman Alex Rodriguez, designated hitter Travis Hafner and utility infielder Kevin Youkilis were all on the injured list as well and it's easy to see why the Yankees missed the playoffs for just the second time in 19 seasons. The additions of Lyle Overbay, Vernon Wells and others certainly helped keep the Pinstripes in postseason contention but the overall level of injury proved too much to overcome.
Heading into the 2014 campaign, the Yankees are now set on improving a roster that undoubtedly possesses talent, but also holds its fair share of flaws. Though the main priority is resigning second baseman Robinson Cano, the Yankees addressed the catching position recently with the acquisition of former Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann. Now that they've addressed one half of the battery, New York will continue to focus on Cano while also monitoring the ongoing legal situation surrounding third baseman Alex Rodriguez. A franchise that will not shy away from spending money in order to improve - even though they're set on getting under the $189 million tax threshold - multiple reports suggested recently that New York is not closed to the idea of improving through the trade market.
According to ESPN, the Yankees and Dodgers could enter trade talks involving New York ace CC Sabathia and LA outfielder Matt Kemp. With both teams looking to improve heading into 2014, this deal could make sense for both sides if each front office is willing to listen.
"For the Dodgers, it would simply be a reallocation of assets, plus a small cost savings down the line," Dave Cameron of ESPN said. "Much like Kinsler in Texas' crowded infield, the Dodgers aren't likely going to get the full value due to overcrowding, so turning an above-average outfielder into an above-average pitcher makes the roster more efficient. And don't let Sabathia's ERA fool you - he's still a good pitcher, with a strong track record that suggests a big rebound is possible in 2014."
Kemp - the 2011 National League MVP runner-up to Ryan Braun - has six years and $128 million left on his contract and even though the Dodgers recently inked pitcher Dan Haren to a one-year deal, the club may be interested in shipping the outfielder to New York in exchange for Sabathia since the lefty ace only has four years and $96 million remaining on his current contract.
Always looking to add power and run support, the Yankees may be hesitant to enter this discussion given the fact that Kemp is coming off a season marred with injury and two offseason surgeries to his ankle and shoulder.
There is obviously no guarantee that a deal of this magnitude gets done but given the fact that the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers just pulled off a blockbuster trade involving Prince Fielder and Ian Kinsler, another major trade wouldn't shock baseball fans anywhere, especially if it involves two of biggest payrolls and most successful franchises in the game.
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