Interesting That the Yanks Couldn’t Land Betancourt
By Mike Silva ~ July 23rd, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Earlier today the Cleveland Indians traded Rafeal Betancourt to Colorado for Single A pitcher Connor Graham.
We have reported here at NYBD that the Yanks were interested in Betancourt. From what we have been told, Cleveland was asking for quite a bit for the 34 right hander. I am sure the Yankees could have offered someone just as good, if not better, than Connor Graham. It may be a sign that teams will only deal with the Yanks when they receive a rich return.
Acquiring a veteran reliever may become a neccessity with Brian Bruney struggling (I think his health will come into play). However, Brian Cashman seems intent on giving young arms a chance. This is another example that he will fill pitching roles with internal options such as Ivan Nova, Zach Kroenke, and Anthony Claggett.
I personally prefer experience in the bullpen, and with Phil Hughes being handled cautiously, an arm like Betancourt would have been most helpful. Will be interesting to see if the Yanks could get an arm like this at a reasonble price. If Colorado could, why not the Yankees?
