Blue Jays Quiet: AL East Trade Deadline Recap

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees

– 2B Kelly Johnson traded to Boston Red Sox for SS Stephen Drew and cash

– C Peter O’Brien and a Player to be Named Later traded to Arizona for 3B Martin Prado

– Claimed RP Esmil Rogers off waivers from Toronto Blue Jays

Impact:  Despite their rotation woes, the Yankees can not be forgotten.  While Blue Jays fans have their sights fixed firmly on the Baltimore Orioles, New York made some mid-level moves on Thursday to re-organize their infield for the home stretch.

Stephen Drew is expected to see time at 2B in place of the recently DFA’d Brian Roberts.  Martin Prado‘s versatility could see him platoon at 2B, 3B, or even a corner outfield spot as the Yankees will look to use his bat against left-handed pitching.  The Yankees improved while losing little on deadline day, with O’Brien, often rated in the 8-12 range of Yankee prospects, the most noticeable departure.

These are not moves that will propel New York past Baltimore and the Blue Jays immediately, but this is a team that is serious about contention and their improving lineup should not be taken lightly.