A Case for Cabrera

Today, in baseball news, everyone (and I mean, everyone) is talking about Miguel Cabrera and his (possible) future in the Bronx.  The Yankees have been inquiring about him, yet are reluctant buyers, as the price is extremely high.

Brian Cashman met with the Marlins at about 6 p.m. last night at the GM meetings. No offers were made, but a source with knowledge of the situation said the Marlins made it clear that the Yankees would have to include either Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain or Ian Kennedy in any trade for Cabrera, something the Yankees are not willing to do.

The Yankees would likely offer a deal involving their next tier of prospects, which includes Alan Horne, Humberto Sanchez, Ross Ohlendorf and Jose Tabata.

Cashman seems really adamant about giving up his young 3.  If Cashman can get Cabrera for Horne, Sanchez, Ohlendorf and Tabata, expect him to go for it.  These guys are great pickups in their own right (especially Tabata).  And, although they would be losing a lot, the Yankees could very well replenish their system by losing A-Rod and picking up Miggy.

How would this happen?  Through arbitration, of course.  If the Yankees offer A-Rod arbitration and he rejects their offer, the Yankees will have a chance to essentially gain from their loss (the glass is 1/2 full type of deal).

“It is about the two draft picks,” Cashman said. “By offering arbitration, we get the first-round pick of the team that signs him and a sandwich pick.”

Of course, this response is contingent upon A-Rod’s rejection of arbitration.  Well, what if he doesn’t reject it and he works out a one-year deal with the Yankees?  That’s a big if, but Joel Sherman of the NY Post, offers his own take on the unlikely, yet possible scenario.