Miami has been the busiest team maybe this entire off-season around baseball. The Yankees, to everyone’s surprise, have played their cards and been very selective in what they’ve been doing. The two teams did business together when the Yankees shipped off utility specialist Martin Prado and pitcher David Phelps for 24 year-old SP Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones who is a first baseman/outfielder and pitching prospect Domingo German.
Miami has now landed the likes of Prado along with Mat Latos, Michael Morse, and Dee Gordon all this winter. Not to mention giving their franchise player a record setting contract. With Jose Fernandez set to return during the 2015 season, Miami has really put themselves in position to be immediate playoff contenders. Maybe not the division with the Washington Nationals still being there, but a wild card position is not out of the question. Prado can do it all. Play four or five different positions, hit for average, drive in runs and hit for some decent power. A guy who can do that will play everyday, wherever he’s needed in the field or in the lineup. Phelps can start or come out of the bullpen for the Marlins. He has solid stuff, his issue is trying to be cute sometimes. He tries painting corners instead of just throwing strikes and thus, gets himself in trouble.
On the flip side, I’m not sure what the Yankees are quiet doing. Nathan Eovaldi who seems to be the key ingredient in this dish hasn’t more than an average salad. The 24 year old gave up the most hits in all of baseball in 2014 so coming to a hitters park like New York doesn’t seem to fit his profile. One of the more alarming stats is versus lefties. Opposing batters hit .296 against him and allowed ten home-runs. That only seems like it will get worse coming to the Bronx. The Yankees like his velocity, which averaged 94 just last season. But that and his age seem like they’re the only positives. Garrett Jones, is 33 and will be nothing more than a fourth outfielder and a backup first-baseman on days Mark Teixeira needs off.
The Marlins are the winners of this trade in my opinion. Time will tell how Eovaldi will pan out due to the spotlight always shining in New York.
Punting With the Bases Loaded 