Trading Cano

From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):

Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson, who underwent season-ending surgery on his left wrist in August, is almost certain to be a hot free agent.

Hudson would fit for the Mets if they traded Luis Castillo or the Yankees if they traded Robinson Cano. The Rangers could sign Hudson and move Ian Kinsler off second. The White Sox could sign him and move Alexei Ramirez to shortstop.

The Indians would be another possibility; they could move Asdrubal Cabrera to short and Jhonny Peralta to third. The Rockies and Cardinals are two other clubs likely to seek upgrades at second.

The A’s Mark Ellis, coming off a disappointing offensive season, figures to be the only other quality second baseman on the free-agent market. The Orioles’ Brian Roberts and Marlins’ Dan Uggla are the leading trade candidates at the position.

I included the entire passage about Hudson so that we understand that there are multiple teams who could use O-Dog before the Yankees. Signing Hudson, as stated by Rosenthal, would require a Robinson Cano trade and while I don’t think that will happen (it would be very unlikely, unless it’s for a stud young pitcher like Matt Cain), I think the team might be willing to at least entertain a few trade ideas from other teams. Cano’s “untouchable factor” has taken a hit this year and Brian Cashman has actually thought of trading Cano for Hudson (straight up), in the past.

Again, I don’t think it’ll happen, but you never know.

The Prince Returns

Phil Hughes is back with the Yankees after going 5 innings and striking out 12 in last night’s International League clincher (Scranton reigns supreme). He could pitch on Wednesday. Dave Robertson has also been called up.

F*** That

That’s what Brian Cashman had to say in regards to Hank Steinbrenner’s notion of an advisory group for the Yankees (instead of a one, two, or three man power structure).

“At the end of the day, I definitely without a doubt believe that as owners, they need to set up a structure they’re comfortable with. Simple as that,” he said. “I’m certainly not going to make this about me. I do have an advisory board: It’s my manager; it’s my coaching staff; it’s our pro scouting director; it’s our farm director; it’s our amateur scouting director.”

Wow, this is great. This is Brian Cashman throwing his gloves to the side of the hockey rink and saying, let’s settle this like men. He has brought up a great point. Whether you like him or not, Cashman has earned the right to stay or go and this move seems like a bully tactic by Hank Steinbrenner (who is too infatuated with a former flame to actually show up at the games, this season). He has responded accordingly and it’ll be interesting to see where this goes from hereon in. Right now, I think Hank is just issuing public embarrassment in order to hold Cashman accountable. I still think that they’ll end up ironing out their issues and working together in the end.

Randomness

In his past 3 outings, Mike Mussina has thrown 19 innings.

During that time, Moose has struck out 21 batters.

14 of those K’s were against Boston and Tampa Bay.

Conclusion?

Absolutely amazing.