Heyman On CC, CF, Cano

Jon Heyman has an article out about next year’s Yankees and takes a look at a few of their rumored free agent/trade options. While we already know that the team will probably be very different come 2009, Heyman has a few specifics.

First, on CC Sabathia, Heyman notes that a Yankee insider believes it will be hard to get CC to play in pinstripes. Apparently, CC loves the NL and he has always wanted to play in California (his home state). At times, it has seemed as though signing CC was a foregone conclusion, however, it looks like the Yanks will have their work cut out for him. Heyman reminds us that money talks, and the Yankees can talk up a storm, so I obviously wouldn’t rule him out just yet.

Heyman also brings up our center field situation. Johnny Damon in center field, everyday, could hurt the Yankees a lot over the course of a season. With that in mind, Heyman states that the Yankees are looking to shore up center with a trade. Nate McLouth, David DeJesus and Matt Kemp are three names that have been “speculated on”, according to Heyman. All three names are very intriguing. If I had to speculate, I think the Yankees would make a run at David DeJesus. He’s a local boy (Brooklyn born, Rutgers graduate) that’s under 30 and he’d be a lot cheaper than McLouth or Kemp (he’s a solid player).

Now, in terms of McLouth and Kemp, both are very exciting talents with a combination of speed and power. McLouth may have overperformed in the power department, but his hitting talent is real. Kemp didn’t have the huge year that many expected him to have, but he still put up good numbers and should continue to blossom into a real star. I don’t know why the Dodgers would trade him since he’s supposed to be a future masher, but Heyman reminds us that the Dodgers, and specifically Joe Torre, have expressed some interest in Cano, so he could end up being a trading chip if such a deal were to occur (which would allow the Yankees to chase Orlando Hudson).

As I read Heyman’s piece, one thing is certainly clear—the Yankees are trying to get younger and are looking to ramp up their defense. If this is the case, I would expect Brian Cashman to stick around next year. This direction, pursuing younger, more athletic guys, would seem to have his fingerprints all over it.