It has been reported by ESPN Deportes that ARod will need surgery on his hip and will miss at least 10 weeks. ARod’s brother Joe let the cat out of the bag.
Let’s first touch upon what and how it happened before we get into what are the possible solutions moving forward. ARod had a small cyst on his hip that apparently had given him some discomfort. This discomfort (not known if it was painful) was first noticed last year and now the Yankees have just discovered this cyst. After ARod’s examination in Colorado yesterday, it was recommended that he would need surgery to remove the cyst and whatever else that needs to be done. There has been a lot of speculation on whether this is a direct result from using steroids in the past. There is a possibility of that and that can’t be ruled out until we officially hear a doctor’s report. From what I have heard, 10 weeks is a quick recovery, so whatever it is can’t be too much of a health concern for ARod and his family. My first thought was…cancer. Once again I have not heard any doctor’s report so I can’t speculate but we do know that he needs surgery, miss time, and the Yankees will be effected dramatically. What can be done?
The first option is to put Ransom a third. He is a bonafide utility man with less than 200 plate appearances in his career. Not an offensive solution but a solution none the less. Neither is old-man Berroa and I don’t believe this is a solution at all.
Teixeira has played third base before, way back in 2003. I think he can play and play pretty well at that. The Yanks can then put Nady or Swisher at first base. This is a more realistic solution, but then the Yanks cannot afford to trade an outfielder. Do they want to mess with their shiny new toy in Tex? Why not, he’s a team player anyway.
Call up Eric Duncan would be another possible solution that also seems unlikely especially for the Yankees. The ex-can’t miss prospect hasn’t shown anything of late in AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre and hence was taken off the 40 man roster and left for the Rule 5 Draft, but went unclaimed. His stock right now cannot be lower but he is relatively young at 23. If he is the guy that gets a chance, everyone will be pulling for him, only to increase his value. And off he goes. If he chokes like expected, he gets banished to AAA again, but did keep the seat warm for ARod. A trade will be inevitable if Duncan actually helps the Yankees somehow. I can’t imagine that would be the case, but the options are decreasing by each day.
Jeter is not an option so don’t even go there.
We just hope ARod is able to comeback because this will effect what the Yankees do before Opening Day. If he is going to miss the entire season, the Yankees have no choice but to trade for a third baseman. Essentially the Yankees and their fans do not want another Molina type production at a premium offensive position. Who the Yankees can trade for I have no idea. I am sure Cashman is working the phones as you read this. Let’s just hope he doesn’t panic and gets rid of our premium prospects for essentially a rental (even if it is a year).
I don’t know yet what I would prefer. But moving Tex considering his character is an intriguing solution.
