Yanks Looking At Adam Dunn, Washburn Update

From Jayson Stark:

Even with the trading deadline less than a week away, the Reds have had very little action on Adam Dunn. But one club that spoke with the Reds says the Yankees have explored what it would take to plug Dunn into their revolving outfield/DH vacancies. The Reds, however, are continuing to ask teams for one top-of-the-line prospect and one second-tier prospect. And that’s probably more than the Yankees are inclined to give up for Dunn.

Another Yankees update: Despite all sorts of reports about the likes of Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner being included in a deal for Jarrod Washburn, indications are that the Yankees view acquiring Washburn strictly as a good-will mission to take Washburn’s money (over $14 million) off the Mariners’ books. So the Yankees aren’t even willing to offer low-level prospects unless Seattle A) agrees to eat some of the money and/or B) is willing to take Kei Igawa. So far, there’s no sign that the Mariners are interested in either option. The Yankees also have deflected all Scott Boras efforts to extract an extension or relocation bonus if Washburn waves his no-trade clause to the Bronx.

OK, so two things. I think Adam Dunn would be a nice fit for the Yankees at DH. He can’t hit for a high average, but he walks a ton and hits a lot of homers (.943 OPS!!). He’s like Jason Giambi except with more power and I’d take that for 2 months. I like the way the Yankees are holding onto their prospects too. I don’t think it’s a matter of overvaluing, I think it’s a matter of knowing what the market is. There’s not much interest in Dunn, so they can dictate a package. Also, he’d only be a rental since he’s heading for free agency. He’s no Mark Teixeira, so no top tier prospects should be given up for him.

Now, with Washburn, again, I have to commend the Yankees. This is a smart move and I haven’t heard much interest for Washburn outside of what the Yankees have shown. If the Mariners want to move his salary, and let’s be honest, that’s the only reason they’re trading him, then they should just move him without asking for prospects. The Yankees are one of the only teams out there that are not only willing but able to take on that salary, as well. If the Mariners are willing to eat some of J.W.’s money or take Kei Igawa off our hands, then maybe you deal some of your lower level prospects. But, I don’t think the Mariners will walk away with anything of value, other than dumping a contract onto the Yankees.