The July 31st non-waiver trade deadline is approaching quickly, and as usual Yankees GM Brian Cashman is working hard to nail down a deal which would improve the big ball cub.
New York Yankees Discussed in Trade Rumors
SP Kei Igawa- The Japanese left hander is garnering interest from clubs such as Baltimore and Seattle. Reportedly, when the Orioles asked New York if Igawa was available, they were turned down. Why the Yankees are stubborn on keep the twice demoted multi-million dollar man, is beyond me.
CF Brett Gardner- When the Bombers were told that it would require Gardner to land 1B Dan Johnson from Oakland, they backed off. Another move by Cash I don't understand. Sure, I like Gardner as well, but its not like he's the second coming of Bernie Williams. Besides, Johnson is only 28, the age many consider the time when players start to enter their primes. He also is a smooth fielder at 1B, with a career .994 fielding percentage. Looks like a missed opportunity to me.
CF Johnny Damon- Although moving Damon's hefty contract($13mm annually through 2009) won't be easy, Dan Graziano reports that the Yankees have been shopping around Johnny D. The only team remotely interested is Atlanta, although it looks like a deal is very far away from happening.
MR Kyle Farnsworth- The Detroit Tigers have reportedly shown interest in righthander Kyle Farnsworth. This would be a good move for both teams. The Yanks free up salary space and rid themselves of an ineffective pitcher. The Tigers, while not desperate for 'pen arms, would be interested in rolling the dice on Farnsy, hoping that all he needs is a change of scenery.
Players of Interest to the Yankees
1B Mark Teixeira- The Bombers have been interested in Teixeira for a long time, but with Brian Cashman reluctant to deal Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, you probably will not be seeing Teixera in Yankees pinstripes anytime soon.
1B Wilson Betemit- The Dodgers are said to be looking for late inning relief help. The Bombers continue to offer Scott Proctor, while the Dodgers keep rejecting. Unless New York upps the offer, don't expect Betemit to be wearing pinstripes this season.
2B Mark Loretta- Would be used as a backup infielder by NY. Very cheap.
CL Eric Gagne- Although Gagne has said he only wants to close, he can be traded to NY without his consent, where he would likely set up to Mariano Rivera. The rangers have shown interest in Melky Cabrera, and minor league pitchers Jeffrey Marquez and Ian Kennedy. The Yankees are refusing to send away Melky, so don't be surprised if Gagne is sent packing in a one-for-one deal in return for Marquez or Kennedy.
MR Chad Qualls & Dan Wheeler- The Astros control Wheeler through 2009 and Qualls through 2010, so the asking price will be significant. Jayson Stark says Houston is looking for a young MLB-ready position player; Cabrera seems to fit the bill.
MR Octavio Dotel- It seems like the whole league is in on the Dotel sweepstakes these days. Expect trade talk to become more heated next week.
Well, that is it for now. The trade deadline is one of everyone's favorite times of the year, yet it is very hard to keep up with what your team is doing. Now, all of you lucky Yankee fans have a little outline to keep you up to date with all of the Bombers happenings. Have fun, and keep your ears open!
