Yanks Cover Their Shortstop Bases By Acquiring Brendan Ryan

(Courtesy of the AP)

In a move that doesn't speak positively to Derek Jeter's physical status or Eduardo Nunez's general status as a quality Major League shortstop, the Yankees traded a PTBNL to Seattle for utility infielder Brendan Ryan last night.  Jeter has been in a "holding pattern" since leaving Saturday's game with pain in his surgically-repaired ankle and Nunez still can't figure out how to be an even remotely serviceable backup shortstop defensively, so once again the Yankees found themselves without a replacement option for The Captain.  The decision was made to find a defensive upgrade over Nunez and that's exactly what they're getting in Ryan.


Ryan, 31, is an elite middle infielder who's done the bulk of his work at shortstop.  Despite being a .230/.300/.320 career hitter in over 2,500 PA (.278 wOBA), Ryan has been a 9.2 fWAR player since 2007 thanks to his tremendous defensive abilities.  He's got great range, great hands, a great arm, and has to be included in any discussion about the best defensive shortstop in baseball.  Whether it was Jeter or Nunez at short, the Yankees have been exposed at the position seemingly all year.  Jayson Nix is out of the picture with his broken hand and the team can no longer afford to give up runs at the most important infield position.  Between Jeter and Nunez's combined problems and A-Rod's limited range at third, the left side of the infield has become a hitter's BABIP paradise.

The beauty of this move is that it gives the Yankees exactly the type of insurance they need for Jeter.  If his ankle does start feeling better and he can get back on the field this month, great.  He becomes the starter again and Ryan assumes the backup role.  If Jeter stays hurt, comes back and gets hurt again, or needs more DH days, the Yankees can be confident that they aren't giving away any more defensively going to his backup like they currently are with Nunez.  The value of Ryan's defense in place of Jeter or Nunez almost makes up for what he takes away offensively, not that Nunez has been tearing the cover off the ball either.  The bolstering of the lineup in other place makes it easier to sacrifice a bat in this case, and the pitching staff will certainly appreciate the defensive help.

Because the trade took place after September 1st, Ryan will not be eligible for the postseason roster if the Yankees beat the odds and make it.  But they have to make it before they can consider that, and Ryan's presence at shortstop gives them a better chance to do it.  This was the marginal upgrade at short the Yankees should have made earlier in the year, but hey, better late than never.  He's going to cost next to nothing in terms of money and return trade piece and we'll all breathe a little easier when the ball gets hit to the 6 position now.