GIO, GARZA, DANKS ARE NYY’S BEST OPTIONS

Lets face it, the Yankees need a number two starter and there aren’t that many available on the free agent market. CJ Wilson is widely considered the best free agent pitcher, but there may be other pitchers who are on the trading block who are better options for the Yankees.

Here are the three best trade options for the Bombers:

Gio Gonzalez: It might not be easy, but if the Yankees could pry Gonzalez from Oakland, it would not only give them a solid number two starter, but also a second lefty, which would be a valuable asset against the Red Sox. Gonzalez, who went 16-12 in 2011 with an ERA of 3.12, is one of the best available starting pitchers. My offer would be Eduardo Nunez and Dellin Betances. The only two players I wouldn’t offer are Jesus Montero, who will probably be the Yankees designated hitter in 2012, and highly touted pitching prospect Manny Banuelos. 

Matt Garza: The Cubs righty may be the best option of them all. Though he didn’t get off to a great start, he went 6-3 in the second half with a 2.45 ERA. The fact that he was able to recover in a place like Wrigley Field, which is well known as a hitter’s ballpark, is pretty rare. My offer to the Cubs would be Austine Romine, Betances, Nunez, and David Phelps.

John Danks: Danks would be my plan C, as he doesn’t throw as hard as Gonzalez or Garza, and he gives up a lot of runs. The only reason I would pursue Danks if I were Brian Cashman is the fact that he’s only 25 years old and can still develop. My offer to the White Sox would be Eduardo Nunez and a second round draft pick.

My Rankings:

Matt Garza

Gio Gonzalez

John Danks