Yes, Kyle Schwarber is Worth More than a Relief Pitcher

If you've been paying attention, you've probably seen Kyle Schwarber's name come up a lot recently.  It's that time of the year; the trade deadline is near.  The Cubs would like to strengthen their bullpen.  The Yankees are overflowing with excellent pitchers in their bullpen.  It seems like a logical fit as far as trade partners go.  We've also found out that Brian Cashman is infatuated with Schwarber.  He apparently thinks Schwarber can hit 50 home runs in Yankee Stadium.  He thinks it's only fair to have Schwarber included in any deal involving the two teams.  This might help explain why Brian Cashman is in a position where he is contemplating selling off some of his superfluous, elite relief pitching.  He believes the going rate for a relief pitcher with two more years of control is a player that can hit 50 home runs and has five more years of control.

You have to give Cashman credit for one thing.  He's built a hell of a bullpen.  But, in his haste to keep the Yankees competitive, he's been late to adjust to this era where teams covet young players and understand concepts like years of control and surplus value in pre-free agency years.  In this post-PED era, players are better at a young age and decline earlier.  As such, young players are becoming more valuable.  Cashman's team is filled with old and deteriorating players and Theo Epstein's team is filled with young, blossoming players.  I'm sure Cashman would love to skim one of those players off the Cubs' roster.