Trade Talk

Would you trade Ian Kennedy for Brian Fuentes? Well, apparently, according to Joel Sherman, the Rockies like Ian Kennedy and could possibly deal their lefty closer for IPK. As I see it, this really makes no sense for either team. Fuentes is a solid reliever with nice stuff (and, of course, he’s a lefty), but to give up IPK for a reliever doesn’t make sense for the Yanks. We’ve got a pretty solid bullpen right now (it seems like we need offense), and I doubt that Cashman would even offer him up. In fact, if they were going to deal Kennedy, I would assume they would only do so for a proven starter (like a Joe Blanton type, although I’m not advocating for that at all). Also, why would the Rockies want IPK? They’re not really having any success with “soft tossers” or finesse pitchers (Colorado), so why not pursue a young fireballer, instead?

Along with Brian Fuentes, the Yankees have been searching for some reliable arms (Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson, despite some strong performances aren’t going to do the trick forever). Jayson Stark notes that the club checked on Aaron Harang’s status (Reds), however, he just hit the DL with a forearm strain, so he’ll be out for a few weeks. Harang is a great “buy-low” candidate right now though, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Yankees take a shot on him, even if he is on the DL (he’s like the NL version of Javier Vasquez, except with a better ERA). Stark also reports that the Yankees have been dangling Melky Cabrera. It seems like his days with the ballclub are limited and he could be sent packing for a starting pitcher.

Offense, Anyone?

The Yankees couldn’t muster much against AJ Burnett and a 4 run-lead (off of Andy Pettitte) was all the Jays needed to shut down the club. You have to wonder how big of an impact a Richie Sexson type of player would have on the current team. These guys just aren’t hitting much and with RISP, you know the story (we watch it unfold every game). Also, remember Robbie Cano’s hot hitting a few days ago? Well, where exactly did that go? He’s currently got 1 hit in his last 17 AB’s (let’s get it together buddy).

Missed Bits: Milton, Bonds, Sexson, Giambi

Here’s a quick list of some interesting news items from Yankeeland that I missed after a weekend of traveling and debauchery (more traveling than debauchery):

• The Yankees have expressed some interest in Richie Sexson. As a Yankee fan who has been to many Mariner games (I live in Seattle), I must say that Richie Sexson absolutely terrifies me. Even Mariner fans boo him (all the time). I mean, he’s just that miserable. However, his splits may justify a look, simply because a change in scenery might do him some justice (.875 OPS on the road) and he’s been hitting lefties well this year.
• Eric Milton has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees (remember him?), and is now back with the team that originally chose him in the first round of the 1996 draft. He was shipped off for Chuck Knoblauch (nice deal) and is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. You can never have too much pitching and Milton could be a candidate for some starts next year (if healthy and effective).
• Speaking of undesirables (Richie Sexson and Eric Milton, wow), Barry Bonds does not seem to be an option for the Yankees. To me, it seems like a smart move, but I understand why teams don’t want him, obviously. Cashman is still working the phones for a possible trade, but he also seems content with scraping up whatever he can from the bottom of the barrel right now.
• Finally, Jason Giambi has declined an invitation to participate in the HR Derby. Jason has outwardly stated that he would only participate if voted into the AS Game. Alas, that did not happen, but a competition that features Josh Hamilton, Grady Sizemore, Lance Berkman, Evan Longoria, Justin Morneau, Chase Utley, Dan Uggla and Ryan Braun is certainly fine with me.

Back with more, later.

Murcer Passes Away

By now, I’m sure you’ve all heard the news. You can read the Yankees’ press release about Bobby, here.

Also, on the blog front, I want to apologize for my lack of posts lately. I’ve been travelling a lot this weekend and haven’t had much luck finding a computer. Anyways, I’m back and I’ll be posting regularly again. I’ll assume that most of you read about Joba’s last start (against Halladay), our current position in the standings (how ’bout them Rays, huh?), and an assortment of Yankee news, elsewhere, but I’ll be back with a quick list of newsworthy items in my next post.