This could end up being a thing
The Yankees need pretty much more of everything, pitching, hitting, even defense, but it's hard to figure out what they're actually targeting anymore. Brian Cashman came out and said that the Yankees needed pitching, he grabbed Brandon McCarthy and said they still needed more. Then, as we reported yesterday, he stated that they actually need more offense. today, Jon Morosi is saying that they're still focusing on pitching.
Yankees are trying to trade for a starting pitcher. They scouted Ian Kennedy in Chicago last night, source says.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2014While a reunion with Ian Kennedy sounds unlikely, given the alternatives the Yankees have to choose from, IPK doesn't sound all that bad. With the Padres currently leaderless, it seems that they're content with selling off their pieces for very little in return, and if Cashman can get Kennedy with a favorable deal then it makes perfect sense. This year the 29-year-old right-hander is pitching to a 3.66 ERA and 3.10 FIP with a good peripherals at 9.5 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9, something the Yankees would happily take.
What's even better for the Yankees is that it helps them now and in the future. Kennedy has one more year of arbitration for the 2015 season and he should be able to help them, given the question marks surrounding next year's rotation. Right now nothing is set in stone for them next season with Ivan Nova coming off Tommy John surgery, Masahiro Tanaka possibly needing it, CC Sabathia coming off knee surgery and another terrible season, and Hiroki Kuroda possibly retiring. Right now they have nothing to really hang their hat on, unless you like a rotation of David Phelps, Shane Greene, Chase Whitley, and...yeah. The Yankees could use Kennedy now and later.
That all being said, the Padres apparently want to be "overwhelmed" by an offer to move him now. Who exactly knows what that means, but if they're looking for some legit big-time prospects I don't think they're going to get them, and if they are, the Yankees should probably back away.