Report: Yankees Unlikely To Upgrade At Second Base, Still Covet Pitching
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees' late-season platoon at second base may very well be the plan for the start of the 2016 season.
According to a report in the Daily News, the Bombers don't appear inclined to significantly upgrade the position, so don't expect them to make a play for Seattle's Robinson Cano, should he become available, or spend big money on free agents Ben Zobrist or Howie Kendrick.
The Yankees like the offensive upside and can live with the perceived defensive shortcomings of both Dustin Ackley and Rob Refsnyder, the report stated. General manager Brian Cashman is instead expected to set his sights on improving the starting rotation and bullpen.
Ackley hit .288 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 23 games for the Yankees after coming over from the Mariners at the trade deadline. He made just one error in 21 games out in the field.
Ackley, 27, also adds versatility to a club that is stuck with albatross contracts at a handful of positions. He played nine games at second, eight in the outfield, four at first base and was twice a designated hitter after arriving in New York.
Refsnyder made his major league debut during a four-game run with the Yankees in July, but then was demoted and didn't return until the expansion of rosters on Sept. 1. He was given just one at-bat in the team's next 16 games before becoming a regular contributor down the stretch as the Yankees secured the AL wild card.
The 24-year-old infielder finished with a .302 average, two homers and five RBI, and made just one error in 52 total chances.
Reports circulated earlier this month that the Yankees are willing to trade both closer Andrew Miller and outfielder Brett Gardner in the right deals to address needs.
