MLB Trade Rumors: Truth and Rumors Regarding Yankees Trade Deadline Movements
July 15, 2011 · darcy fournier · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
It’s that time of year in baseball where there is more fact that fiction. It’s always fun to opine and speculate on all the possibilities of your favorite, or not so favorite team, in regards to whom they are, and whom they are not, scouting.
As usual, there is a lot of buzz surrounding the New York Yankees– with most of it unsubstantiated.
Here is what we know for fact…
The Yankees have signed J.C. Romero, another bargain basement, low risk high reward type player who was released by both the Phillies and the Nationals this season.
Romero has been assigned to the Yankees minor leagues and his promotion to the big club will depend heavily on how the high priced, over hyped, coming off the DL Rafael Soriano performs.
So, who are they scouting?
The Yankees, like many times, have scouts all over the place, but there are no hard targets, seriously, there are NO hard targets right now. They are scouting the Nationals lefty reliever Sean Burnett and the Cubs Lefty reliever John Grabow, but the signing of Romero has moved both to the back burner for now. There is room for one, but I cannot see them signing both.
What about Heath Bell?
There was passing interest, nothing serious, in Bell to the Yankees.The Yankees are not looking to add more big payroll dollars to the bullpen. They passed on K-Rod in part due to money and because of the temperamental impact he would have with Soriano in the pen. If Bell moves, and it is not as likely as some have reported, it will be, in my opinion, to another team within the National League.
What about Derek Lowe?
There are rumors out there that the Yankees are scouting Lowe, but no one I am talking to agrees. It’s just not there. This does not mean it won’t happen, it’s just not there right now. The Yankees are one of the few teams, every year, that are linked to signing everyone available. Lowe is not currently a target.
What about Ubaldo Jimenez?
Of course the Yankees, like every other team in the majors, would love to land such a stud but not at the cost of what it would take. There has been no “official” talk between in regards to Ubaldo, and no “official” asking price thus far.
In order to land him the Yankees would more likely have to part with two high-tier pitching prospects and a high-tier catcher at minimum. Jimenez is NOT going anywhere this season, in my opinion.
What about the rumor that the Yankees are battling the Red Sox for the Dodgers‘ 36-year old starter Hiroki Kuroda?
It’s a nice rumor but it’s just that, a rumor. Not one single reputable baseball insider has reported that either New York or Boston is even looking in that direction. Could it happen? Of course, anything is possible, it’s just not happening right now. (Update: Jon Heyman is reporting that Boston is looking but New York’s interest at this time is strictly automatic by association)
What about a Big Bat?
With A-Rod out and the DH spot not producing, the Yankees DO need a bat. Are they scouting anyone?
Prince Fielder?
No, nada, no discussion. Sabathia had words with his big friend from Beer Town, but those words were sowing seeds for a later date.
What about Carlos Beltran?
The Yankees have made it clear, so far, that they are not interested in Beltran’s services, or his contract. That is not likely to change, it’s just not going to happen. If Beltran stays on the market for an extended period of time and Cashman cannot make a deal by then, he becomes more attractive, but I don’t see it happening.
Alphonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez?
Several reliable baseball insiders have reported that while scouting the Cubs lefty Grabow, the Yankees made inquiries about Soriano and Ramirez. Sources indicate that while a mention was made of Soriano in passing, there was no such conversation regarding Ramirez. I can see Soriano, with the homer tunnel short porch at Yankee Stadium, making a return and filling in the much-needed role of DH.
Jose Reyes?
It makes perfect sense, but there has not been so much as a text message between the New York clubs in regards to this.
This is one thing that is fact, my friends…
Brian Cashman plays things very close to the vest and when the Yankees missed out on Cliff Lee earlier this year, Cashman stated that it was not the end of the world at this point and that when the time comes, at the trade deadline, if the Yankees need help, they would be buyers.
My personal belief is that, via his own decision, Cashman will NOT be returning to the Yankees next season and I cannot help but wonder if that is influencing his shopping.
They Yankees need help…and there is something about to go down out of New York…we just have to wait to see what it is, and as soon as I know, you will as well.
Stay Tuned.
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