Sox Are Keeping Eye on the Future and Say Goodbye to Frazier
19 Jul, 2017
The New York Yankees obtained third baseman Todd Frazier and right-handed relievers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.
Blake Rutherford, the Yankees’ top outfield prospect, is heading to Chicago along with two more minor-leaguers — left-hander Ian Clarkin and outfielder Tito Polo — and veteran right-hander Tyler Clippard.
Frazier, a former Little League World Series standout from Toms River, N.J., is hitting only .206 this season but has 16 home runs and 44 RBIs. The 31-year-old veteran belted a career-high 40 homers last season and has 164 in his seven-year career. He is eligible to become a free agent after the season.
The Yankees will have a decision to make regarding third baseman Chase Headley (.257, four home runs, 37 RBIs), who could be moved to first base.
“That’s something we have to sort through,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said after his team won 6-3 at Minnesota on Wednesday night. “(Headley’s) played both, and he’s played a lot at first, and he’s played a lot at third, so it’s something that we need to sort through.”
“I’m sure we will shortly, and we’ll see if that’s the case if I’ll be getting some more work over there. But yeah, I don’t think I’d have any problem going over there if that’s what they decide to do.”
Robertson, 32, pitched for the Yankees in his first seven seasons, specializing in the eighth inning. After Mariano Rivera retired in 2013, Robertson saved 39 games in 2014 before signing a four-year, $46 million contract with the White Sox.
Kahnle, 27, is 1-3 with seven holds and a 2.50 ERA in 37 relief appearances for Chicago this year. Kahnle, like Robertson, began his career in the Yankees organization.
“That could be really, really good,” Girardi said of having a deeper bullpen. “You’re talking about a lot of hard throwers. Guys with strikeouts. A guy needs a day off, really, anyone can move into a spot. There’s a lot of flexibility.”
Reuters
Image White Sox twitter
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