OF depth a myth or reality?

Chad Jennings wrote up a solid piece on the Yankees perceived OF depth, which has allowed them to “shop” Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. After reading what Chad had to say, you really question whether the Yankees have the same type of depth that they had last year.

In 2008, we thought Melky and Brett Gardner could be legitimate big-league players and that perception made our depth seem more substantial. This year, we’re not so sure. Melky and Gardner are essentially question marks, although decent bench players (Melky doesn’t have great bench tools), and, as Chad notes, there isn’t much in Triple-A outside of A-Jax. If we traded X or Swisher now and if we are bitten by the injury bug later, such a trade could seriously deplete the OF depth. I understand the team may be trying to cut payroll, but is a couple million worth the risk (Gardner/Melky in the OF)?

Bit: Brackman, Melancon

Check out the following read by Lisa Winston (MLB.com). Good stuff.

Not likely

From Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe):

Xavier Nady, Yankees outfielder: The most attractive trade bait the Yankees have. He could land them an end-of-the-rotation starter. The Angels and possibly the Giants and Mets could be suitors. A return to the Pirates has been shot down.

The Angels? Eh, I doubt it. The Mets are another unlikely trading partner (and it’ll probably remain that way). Basically, that leaves the Giants and we know that they’re still wondering about Manny Ramirez…

Jocketty looking at Nady and Swisher

From the Cincy Enquirer:

The Reds haven’t given up hope on getting a righty run-producer, but general manager Walt Jocketty said the club might go to spring training without one.

“I’m not turning my back on it,” Jocketty said. “But we may end up going into spring without one. I’m going to try to strengthen the bench a bit and add an outfielder.”

Jocketty said he’s talked to the New York Yankees, who reportedly are willing to move Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady. Swisher is a switch-hitter; Nady hits right-handed. Both can play the outfield.

“I’ve talked to (Yankees GM) Brian Cashman a lot,” Jocketty said.

Cincinnati has pitching depth (starting pitching depth, in particular), which would help the Yankees. The Reds stand as the only sensible trading partner that I can see (Nady makes sense for the Mets, too, but it won’t happen), actually. The Giants have shown some interest, as well (they too have pitching depth).

Rickey being Rickey

Jack Curry (NY Times) has a nice read out on former Yankee and future Hall of Famer, Rickey Henderson. As Don Mattingly articulates in Curry’s text, Henderson was an extremely smart and talented player. It’s amazing how some have failed to vote for him (for the HOF) and have tried to cover up this failure with lame excuses.

Quick Bits: Trading Nady/Swish, Tex

Real quick:

1. The Nationals have had discussions with the Yankees about both players. Honestly, they don’t have much to offer.

2. The Yankees considered swapping Nick Swisher for Mike Cameron, but it looks like they’ve backed off on that one. If you ask me, that would be a terrible trade.

3. Don Mattingly seems to like Mark Teixeira.