Skip to main content
Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Yankees: Grading The Offseason

ByMichael Papandrea|
3of 11

Jul 23, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Justin Wilson (37) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. TradedFrancisco Cervellifor LHPJustin Wilson

Grade: B+

Francisco Cervelli was a fan favorite for his on-field celebrations, but his inability to stay on the field factored into him being traded. The move also gives prospect catcher, John Ryan Murphy, the best chance to win the backup catching duties out of Spring Training.

Wilson will joinAndrew Milleras a strong lefty option in the bullpen. And like Miller, Wilson is not just a lefty specialist. Right-handers are hitting just .204 against him through 89.2 innings dating back to 2012. Lefties are hitting .232 in 48.2 innings over that time span. His fastball averages at 95 MPH, and he was able to strikeout 61 batters through 60 innings last season. If he can bring his ERA from 4.20 to where it was in 2013 (2.08), then this trade could look like a steal.

Next: Bullpen Depth

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle
Follow

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations