"It allows guys to get to know the player and watch the player more, " Eppler said.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

"It's almost like you have to pick a side, and I think that's preposterous, " Eppler said.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

"We're going to be wrong a good amount of times, too, " said Billy Eppler, the Yankees' assistant general manager for pro personnel.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

"All of our scouts trust him and he trusts them, " Eppler said.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

The second factor is what Eppler called "synchronicity, " and it helps explain the rejuvenating effect the Bronx seems to have on these old bags of bones.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

Contrary to the caricature of a gruff old scout arguing with a nerdy young analyst, Eppler and Fishman are both in their 30s and work in tandem.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

"A level of trust gets established, " Eppler said.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers

Eppler pointed to two factors.

WSJ: Yankees Become Savvy Shoppers