Scott Kazmir to Yankees? Really?

An artilce on MLB.com hints about various trades that “should” be made before the All Star Break.

When it comes to the Yankees, they refer to the weak position of the Yankees’ rotation. With Chase Whitley out with an elbow injury and C.C. Sabathia’s injury riddled recent past, it may be wise to trade for Scott Kazmir, according to the website.
The trade chip that the Yankees should send is Rob Refsnyder, the second baseman who is playing at AAA level right now.

Of course his defense is questionable (seven errors at AAA level so far), but why trade him away already?

How about Kazmir’s injury past? He has experienced several shoulder, elbow and leg injuries. Even though his numbers at the start of his career were very impressive. his numbers from 2009 through 2013 were rather shitty. One exception was the part of the 2009 season, when he pitched six games for the Angels and went 2-2 with a 1.73 ERA.

In 2013 he signed a two year contract with the Oakland Athletics. I must admit that his numbers with the A’s are impressive again. 2014: 15-9 with a 3.55 ERA, 164 Ks and 50 walks. This season he has pitched in seven games. So far he has a 2-1 record with a 2.78 ERA, 43 Ks and 16 walks. And… he is keeping his opponents to .199 at bat.

So when I look to Kazmir’s numbers, I see that a trade might make sense. But…. Kazmir’s contract will end after this season, so why trading away your future for a pitcher who won’t be with you after the final pitch of the World Series?

I have read several rumours that the Yankees are losing their patience with Rob Refsnyder, so a deal with the Athletics may not be as weird as it sounds. But I don’t know if these rumours are based on any truth or not. Even though I like the fact that the Yankees are on top of the AL East, I still think that they are living beyond their means and that they will turn cold again. Is it worth to trade for a pitcher whose contract will expire after the season then? I don’t think so.