The Los Angeles Angels are in obvious need of pitching, whether it's in the starting rotation or the bullpen. It was reported that they could trade second baseman Howie Kendrick or third baseman David Freese to improve their staff and the New York Yankees look like a possible suitor for Kendrick.
New York has a number of questions to answer in their infield. We won't get into the details, but second base is certainly one of them. They have Martin Prado who can play the position, but depending on the situation at third base, he might be needed there if Alex Rodriguez can't be an everyday fielder or if the team fails to re-sign Chase Headley. Since Los Angeles has Gordon Beckham, it looks like they're willing to part ways with Kendrick if they can get what they want in a trade.
Kendrick is owed $9.5 million in 2015 and if the Angels can get him off the books they can avoid pushing their luck with the luxury tax. Los Angeles wants a pitcher in exchange for Kendrick, and if they can't get who they desire then they're more than likely to keep him, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The second baseman batted .293 last season with 85 runs scored, seven home runs and 75 RBIs. He's regarded as one of the game's top hitters at the second base position with a career stat line of .292/.332/.424 to go along with 78 home runs and 501 RBIs in nine MLB seasons.
Kendrick would be a good fit for the Yankees, but based on the personnel on their pitching staff it's not very likely a trade will go through. New York's starting rotation consists of pitchers with a number of injuries, as well as others much too talented and valuable to trade for a second baseman with an expiring contract. Their bullpen remains a different story.
The Yankees may have yet another void to fill on their roster if closer David Roberston departs via free agency. The 30-year-old rejected the team's qualifying offer and reportedly wants a contract in the four-year, $50 million range. Now that he has draft pick compensation tied to him after turning down the qualifying offer, it could be more difficult for him to land his desired contract. However, the Houston Astros are looking to sign one of the top closers on the market, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
Robertson is one of those closers, in addition to Andrew Miller and Sergio Romo. The bad news for the Yankees is that Houston has two draft picks in the top five coming up in the 2015 draft, which means they would surrender their next highest pick if they sign Robertson since top-10 picks are protected. This would mean New York would receive (as of right now) the first pick in the second round (32nd overall).
The Astros had a closer by committee system last season and that helped them maintain the worst bullpen ERA in the league (4.80) and the most blown saves (26). Now that they're rebuilding and seem to be on the right track, they're going to need someone to shut out games for them, and Robertson could be their best option.
