Trade Options

The Yankees are always rumored to be involved in trades, whether they’re blockbusters or minor deals, the team is always linked to a variety of pitchers and hitters. All that means is that Brian Cashman is doing his job and is exploring his options (while driving the prices up for competing ball clubs like the Red Sox or the Rays). For fun, here’s a list of players that the Yankees have been linked to as the trade deadline approaches, along with a quick description.

1. Xavier Nady: Could happen, but the price will have to drop
2. Jason Bay: Probably won’t happen, but he’d be a great addition
3. Damaso Marte: Currently closing for the Bucs; doubtful but possible
4. John Grabow: A decent lefty that could be had on the cheap from the Pirates
5. Matt Holliday: No chance here; the Phillies were close, but unless the Yankees are willing to part with Joba or Phil Hughes, this is a pretty unrealistic option
6. Brian Fuentes: The Rockies have reportedly been scouting Humberto Sanchez; could happen but he’s not necessary and therefore the Yankees won’t be willing to part with too much, making Grabow and Marte more attractive options
7. A.J. Burnett: I don’t think it will happen; his contract is scary and his performance is erratic; let’s not forget about his health and that he plays for the Jays
8. Bronson Arroyo: K rate is up, but his performance has been poor; if the Reds are looking to dump his salary then he could be an option that won’t cost much talent in return
9. Adam Dunn: Jon Heyman thinks he’d be a good fit since he won’t cost much outside of money (like fellow teammate, Bronson Arroyo); however, a lot of people are weary about his love for the game and there hasn’t been much on the Dunn front beyond Heyman’s mention
10. Jarrod Washburn: J-Dub looks like the guy the Yankees are shooting for, but there have been conflicting reports about the actual interest as well as Washburn’s desire to play for NY; If the Mariners try to pass Vidro in a Washburn deal to the Yanks, I think the team would pass
11. Derek Lowe: No chance; The Dodgers want a bat and the Yankees don’t have any to spare; plus, the Dodgers are right at the top of the standings and they won’t part with solid pitching for nothing
12. Paul Byrd: There have been brief mentions about Byrd since he is available, but right now, I doubt the Yankees are seriously looking at him since he doesn’t offer all that much
13. Freddy Garcia: Ozzie Guillen, one of Freddy’s better friends in the game, doesn’t even think Garcia will be ready to contribute to a team, so why should the Yankees?
14. Casey Blake: Heyman also noted that the Yankees may pursue Cleveland’s versatile player, although there hasn’t been much beyond his rumor; he would offer some much needed versatility though, which would provide Damon, Giambi, A-Rod and others ample opportunities to DH (and rest)
15. Gerald Laird: He’s a solid catcher but the Rangers aren’t ready to let Salty take over, especially when you consider how he is behind the plate (is he a catcher or a 1B?)
16. Miguel Olivo: Why bother?
17. Paul Lo Duca: See Miguel Olivo’s description x2

These are some of the names we’ve heard. I tried to get all of them, but if I missed any, please feel free to discuss them in the comments section. I’ve also suggested Raul Ibanez on this blog, but I haven’t seen much interest expressed in any mainstream media outlets. The team’s top officials will convene tomorrow in order to discuss possible trade scenarios along with their internal options (Alfredo Aceves?). In a few days, one or more of these guys could be on the team.