MLB Network analyst John Hart breaks down the Yankees’ and Mets’ options at the trade deadline with The Post’s Justin Terranova. The former Rangers and Indians general manager will be a part of the network’s all-day coverage on July 31.
Q: Do you think the extra wild-card team and the new draft-pick rules will seriously affect the trade deadline?
A: It’s definitely a seller’s market. There are more buyers this year, simply because of the second wild card. The second dynamic which is interesting to follow is the appetite for clubs to make impactful deals for rental players, now that the draft pick compensation is gone. A guy like (Cole) Hamels is a true rental, and if you are not going to get anything back, it’s World Series or bust.
Q: Do you expect the Mets to be buyers, even though they are a team that was not expected to win this year?
A: Looking at the Mets from my perspective, they have holes and I don’t think they are willing to unload the farm. They have to keep the big view in mind, especially if you look at the way (R.A.) Dickey and (Johan) Santana have struggled recently.
Q: How do you expect the Yankees to attack the trade deadline?
A: I think Brian (Cashman) is in a good position. What I think Brian is going to do is look at his club and say, “all right, I am looking for a specific.” And in the case of the Yankees they will target select guys, and if there’s a deal to be made they’ll do it.
Q: Is there less urgency because they are in such good position to make the playoffs?
A: What he is looking at is come October what club do I want to put out there. He’s looking at the postseason and how that particular player could come in and help. I don’t think he has to go out and get the big piece. It’s more a complimentary piece.
Q: The biggest weakness for the Yankees has been a lack of clutch hitting, how difficult is that to quantify on the trade market?
A: It is amazing, you’ll have scouts go out and say, “God that guy is Mr. Clutch” then you go make a deal for him and you wonder what happened: Did the wrong guy get off the airplane? Different environments can create different things. The Yankees are a little prone to strikeouts, but I don’t see that you are going to be able to address an issue like that. If (Brett) Gardner isn’t able to get back, it’d be nice to be able to find a Brett Gardner-lite. A guy that can run and you can put in late in games.