When the Yankees trade for a pitcher, they’re not expecting a stopgap. They’re anticipating uncovering greatness.
That’s why, despite the grumbles from the fanbase at large on July 28, 2005, the team wasn’t worried — they had faith that their acquisition of the tantalizingly talented Shawn Chacon, added to the roster at his absolute low point, would help stabilize the rotation. Odds are they didn’t understand exactly how much, though.
Buoyed by Chacon and the unheard-of Aaron Small, the 2005 Yankees won 95 games after sitting at 30-32 on June 12, still stuck in the doldrums of their defeat at the end of ’04.