I thought we were getting a starting pitcher. We ended up with a home run leader, who has clobbered the Yankees in the past. I’m not unhappy – why not get a DH who can clobber – but the acquisition of Encarcion does complicate things.

Brett Gardner will be the odd man out in the outfield with Stanton and then Judge back and healthy. Fine with me to use Gardy as a late-innings defensive replacement in left field and as a pinch runner, but it may not be fine with him. Poor Clint Frazier was sent down to Scranton because he really was deemed unnecessary. But I’m for anything and anybody who makes the team stronger.

I’m just not sure that acquiring sluggers makes us stronger.

Well, of course it does in the offensive department. But what good is bashing 10 runs (as we did in Chicago during a split of the 4-game series) if the pitching staff will give those 10 runs right back to the opponent?

I keep reading that Cashman is out there searching for a starter or two. Is it really detective work? How long does it take to zero in on somebody and just PAY HIM? The Yankees can afford to shell out some money for a couple of starters. They need to do it soon. Paxton bounced back yesterday with a decent game against the White Sox, but I still think he’s wobbly, as is CC, as is Tanaka, as is Happ, and Chad Green as our “opener” just doesn’t thrill me.

Now is the time to act. We have a big series at the Stadium with the Rays starting tonight. It’s been a seesaw battle for first place in the division, but right now we’re a half a game ahead. I’d love to put them in the rearview mirror and end the series with more daylight between us. Fingers crossed.