Chad Green Traded To New York Yankees

By PETE CALDERA
STAFF WRITER
The Record

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Brian Cashman borrowed again from the Yankees’ best strength, trading an effective reliever in Justin Wilson to the Detroit Tigers for two minor-league starters.

The left-handed Wilson follows Adam Warren out the door, leaving Winter Meetings attendees to wonder if the Yankees general manager might move closer Andrew Miller for a colossal return.

“I’ve always felt it would be hard to trade Miller. I don’t think that’s changed at all,” Cashman said Wednesday night. “But I’m still out there having conversations and listening and being very aggressive to determine what real opportunities would exist.”

Cashman bit on the chance to improve “an area of weakness” by acquiring Luis Cessa and Chad Green, right-handers who are expected to open 2016 in Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s rotation.

“I think they’re both close [to the majors],” Cashman said. “I think they both have upsides and will get better.”

A converted infielder, Cessa was traded in last summer’s Yoenis Cespedes deal. The Tigers retained starter Michael Fullmer, the far more heralded of the two pitchers sent by the Mets for the slugging Cespedes.

Cessa, 23, went 8-10 with a 4.52 ERA at Class AA and AAA last season, with 119 strikeouts and 36 walks in 139¤ innings.

Green, 24, went 5-14 with a 3.93 ERA at Class AA Erie, but went 3-0 in his last eight starts with a 1.70 ERA. He posted 137 strikeouts and 43 walks in 148 2/3 innings.

Along with a diverse arsenal, “They have big arms, strong fastballs,” said Cashman, allowing the possibility that both might compete for a starter’s spot or a relief role out of spring training.