The New York Yankees are playing their final season with captain Derek Jeter at shortstop, so it's no surprise they are intrigued by the Chicago Cubs' stockpile of prospects at the position. Incumbent shortstop Starlin Castro's having a bounce back season after a brutal 2013, but with Javier Baez and the recently acquired Addison Russell in tow, some of these players could be on the move.
Joel Sherman of The New York Post tweeted that while the Yankees have checked in on the shortstop situation, the Cubs appear content to sit on them for now.
Been told #Cubs plan is to hold SS stockpile for now. #Mets have nothing going with Chi, #Yankees checked in too and no go for Jeter heir
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 5, 2014
For the Yankees, however, Castro could be exactly the kind of jolt they need this season for their up-and-down lineup. He's batting .280 this year with some pop (11 home runs), 51 RBI, and 40 runs scored. Defensively he hasn't been spectacular, but he hasn't hurt the Cubs either. For the remainder of 2014 he could slot in at second base and then assume Jeter's role in 2015. This would allow Brian Roberts to play less frequently, keep him healthier, and create a deeper bench.
The other two names are future plays. Baez projects as a power hitter for a shortstop; he belted 20 home runs in Double-A last season and has socked 14 in Triple A this year despite a .242 batting average.
Russell is a power and speed combination who hit 17 home runs and stole 21 bases in High-A ball in 2013. In 57 appearances in Triple-A this year before the trade he hit .333 with a home run and three steals to go with eight runs scored.
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