Wang Still Standing (Ha!)

Chien-Ming Wang finally threw off of a mound today (hooray), tossing 25 pitches in total (although he did throw 20 on a half-mound, prior to the 25). It was his first bullpen session since his multifaceted injury in June and he says that he “feels good,” so let’s hope those feelings will continue with each rehab outing.

Yanks Kick Tires On Peavy

According to Dan Graziano, the Yankees have actually discussed Jake Peavy with the San Diego Padres. Other teams like the Braves and possibly the Cardinals, Brewers and the Dodgers, have also reportedly discussed a trade, and some of those NL teams are thought to be in a better position to deal for him (deeper farm systems). Also, to clarify in a previous post where I spoke on a possible Peavy trade and what the Padres would want, I stated that the Yankees could interest the Padres with “Ian Kennedy, Brett Gardner and a few others”. Now, “a few others” here refers to top players outside of Phil Hughes. Whether we’re talking about Mark Melancon, or a healthy Alan Horne, these are the type of players the Yankees can use. And, although IPK had a rough year, he still has trade value, despite what some people think.

Some could say that the team would have to trade Cano or Austin Jackson, which I just don’t see as an actual possibility. The Yankees, outside of Austin Jackson, have no depth in their farm system when it comes to OF prospects. Brett Gardner is probably the closest thing to a secondary option. From what I’ve read and seen, they intend to keep Jackson, therefore, they’ll try to rid themselves of either Cabrera (who I don’t think will have much value, now) or Gardner. With regards to Cano, they didn’t even consider trading him for Johan Santana, so I doubt they would offer him up for an NL ace that had injury issues this year. I’m not downplaying Peavy’s talent, I’m just saying that it’s not worth it for them to trade him in this particular deal, so they probably won’t (it’s not like they have many relatively cheap, young players on the field). In the end, the Yankees will toss around the idea of trading both Hughes and IPK in order to combat the packages produced by other teams, but I also don’t think they’ll part with both of them.

Padres Pondering Peavy Trade

Just caught Buster Olney’s latest and he had some interesting info in there about Jake Peavy, who is seemingly on the trading block as the Padres attempt to retool and reload their struggling team. Here’s what Olney had to say about a possible Peavy trade:

Multiple sources consider it likely the Padres will deal Peavy in the weeks ahead, and that is a virtual certainty that he will be traded before the July 31 deadline next season. The Padres are seeking at least two young pitchers in return, along with someone who can become the team’s everyday center fielder sometime in the immediate to near future.

A young CF and some pitchers? The Yankees may have that. Right Buster?

If AL teams get involved, the Yankees might be a fit, although New York GM Brian Cashman has made it clear in the past that he wants to adhere to a path of player development. That stance could change if the Yankees have changed their internal evaluations of young p layers who struggled in 2008, such as Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Melky Cabrera.

I doubt the Padres would take Melky Cabrera as their future CF, but I’m sure they’d listen if the Yankees dangled Ian Kennedy, Brett Gardner and a few others. Phil Hughes should stay put, though. I wouldn’t move him, not when he has the potential to become an ace, himself. However, I’m sure the trade competition will force the Yankees into considering it (they won’t do it, but they’ll think about it). Olney also points out that a bevy of NL teams, including the Dodgers, Braves and Cardinals will also chase Peavy (which isn’t good for the Yankees, since he feels more comfortable pitching in the NL).