NEW YORK – In describing the behind-the-scenes conversations leading up to the July 31 Trade Deadline, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said some players were “more touchable than others,” making clear they shut down multiple inquiries involving the top of the farm system.

The Yankees’ push to revamp the big league roster was built around an untouchables list headlined by top prospect George Lombard Jr., and he wasn’t alone. Multiple clubs checked in on slugger Spencer Jones and hard-throwing right-hander Cam Schlittler; Cashman and his staff listened but ultimately held firm.

COMPLETE YANKEES PROSPECT COVERAGE

“Like with anybody, you try to protect and stay away to the degree you can,” Cashman said. “There’s a lot of guys that we like, and unfortunately we parted with guys we like

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