The New York Yankees continue to make moves in order to maximize the effectiveness of a roster decimated by injuries.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that New York has acquired infielder Reid Brignac from the Colorado Rockies. According to NBC Sports, Heyman reported the Rockies will receive $75,000 in the deal for Brignac.
No corresponding roster moves have been announced just yet, but Alberto Gonzalez will likely be the odd man out in this equation. There's no reason to have two versatile reserve infielders on the roster. Brignac also has much more upside than Gonzalez.
Yankees fans will remember Brignac from his days with the Tampa Bay Rays (2008 to 2012). During his time there, he hit .227/.268/.317 with 10 home runs and 67 RBI. He played 113 games in 2010 and hit eight home runs and drove in 45—his best season to date.
General manager Brian Cashman has been notorious for making these scrappy deals this season. He acquired infielder Chris Nelson from the Rockies just a few weeks ago, though he's already been designated for assignment as well.
The Yankees won't be looking to get much out of Brignac, but his experience in a bigger role (2010) likely prompted the move. He has the potential to at least hold his own at the plate, whereas Gonzalez often seems lost in the batter's box.
We'll have to wait to see how this move pans out, but it has all the makings of another Cashman steal. Maybe Brignac can end up challenging Jayson Nix for the reserve infielder's role when the injured stars return.
Even if he can't, the Yankees likely won't have given up much in the process. This is another smart move by the Yankees GM.
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