When I shot this picture at Citi Field last September 16th, I had no idea that both pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and 1st baseman Garrett Jones would become Yankees three months later. The deal, announced Friday, sent Eovaldi, Jones and prospect Domingo German to New York for Martin Prado, David Phelps and cash. Just 24, the Yankees clearly see Eovaldi -- who grew up in the same Texas town as Nolan Ryan, Alvin, as having tremendous untapped potential. We'll see how much of an impact Yankee pitching coach Larry Rothschild can have on Eovaldi -- who sported a good 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio last year, but also led the National League in hits allowed.
Heading to Miami,
Prado (below), a .290 career hitter adept at several positions, has long been known as a great teammate, a good clubhouse influence and clutch player. Numbers don't lie, he played better after leaving an awful Arizona club and joining a Yankee team fighting for a playoff spot.
Frankly, I prefer what he had to offer the Yankees as an everyday 3rd baseman, compared to Chase Headley, whom they just re-signed for a four-year deal. While
Phelps, a Notre Dame product, shuffled between the rotation and bullpen, but never found a stready role in the Bronx.
Every trade is a gamble -- it will be interesting to see if it moves either the Yankees or Marlins closer to contention or frustration in '15.
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