The Next Yankee Reclamation Project Is Here!

The Yankees like their projects, and the next one is here. As soon as I saw this, I knew it had Matt Blake feeling all happy and tingly. Michael Arias was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Sunday, and as of Wednesday he’s a Yankee all for low price of cash considerations.

This is EXACTLY the move that we expect from the Yankees (even if it isn’t met with enthusiasm), and it will be interesting to see how the Yankees mold him. The Yankees love relievers that throw hard, and that is exactly what they got with Arias. Maybe more so than what they bargained for because he has some control issues….and sometimes has no clue where the ball goes.

Okay, that might be a stretch but certainly sometimes the pitch he plans to throw is not what actually happens. Or, its location is not what was intended. There’s some work to be done there but, there’s also potential. The Yankees also have room on their 40-man roster so, this was an easy no-brainer in the minds of Yankee brain trust.

So, what are the Yankees working with? Raw talent. Arias was ranked as the 18th best prospect and the ability to throw a fastball near 100 mph. Last season, Arias struck out 72 and walked 48 in 60.1 innings while pitching to a 4.77 ERA. The power behind his fastball and sinking changeup are impressive to watch but the walks and control issues are a real concern. There is raw talent, especially for a 23-year-old who was converted from a shortstop four years ago…. but there is a lot of work to be done.

So, this is where Matt Blake comes in and hopefully polishes him up. Arias only cost the Yankees cash, so they have nothing to lose here. That being said, the walks need to be fixed and even if the Yankees can’t “fix” him they got this kid for nothing. What’s the downside? It also doesn’t mean they can’t still add a second or third baseman which they desperately need. Even if it doesn’t happen…. it’s not because of the Arias addition. 

So, is this Brian Cashman dumpster diving again….or a promising reclamation project? We’ll have to wait and see but considering how economical this move is, I don’t hate it. Hopefully in the future it works out and I will love it.