New York Yankees notes: Trade winds are a-blowin'

by Ed Valentine on Dec 22, 2009 5:56 AM EST in News Comment 19 comments

The Twitterverse, as those who love it affectionately call it, was on fire Monday night with reports that our New York Yankees were closing in on a deal for a starting pitcher.

Thing is, no one seemed to have any real idea who the target of the Yankees' affection is. Whoever it is, the Yankees and their potential trading partner seem to be playing this one awfully close to the vest.

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News breaks down the possibilities -- the most intriguing being the Florida Marlins apparently disgruntled ace, Josh Johnson. Feinsand also mentions Carlos Zambrano (Cubs) and Aaron Harang (Reds), but those two have apparently already been ruled out, per the info Travis found for you last night.

Over at the LoHud Yankees Blog, Sam Borden also has some insights on which pitcher might be heading to the Bronx in time for Christmas.

Here are some other stories of interest regarding the Yankees this morning.

One pitcher we know won't be coming to the Bronx is Jason Marquis. The veteran right-hander is heading to the Washington Nationals.
FanGraphs has posted an excellent review of the Yankees' drafts since 2006. If you enjoy following the farm system, or even you don't pay much attention and just want to catch up a little, it's a good read.
The Yankees plan to have Jesus Montero, the prized possession of their farm system, start the upcoming season as the AAA catcher.
Rob Neyer of ESPN is out with a position-by-position look at the best -- and worst -- defensive players of the deade. And no, Derek Jeter is not on either list.
You might think it is a given right now that Ramiro Pena will be the utility infielder if the Yankees don't bring in a veteran like Jerry Hairston Jr. Well, Mark Newman, who oversees the farm system, says Pena will get plenty of competition from other young infielders.
The Yankees have signed veteran backup cather Mike Rivera.
Bless You Boys, SBN's Detroit Tigers blog, pens an overdue goodbye to Curtis Granderson.

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Comments

Montero at AAA is a surprise. The Yanks must feel the bat is ready to play, and it’s time to split up Montero and Romine so they can both be full-time catchers.

Or they want to raise Montero’s stock to its absolute pinnacle before dealing for Josh Johnson.

I’m not sure which I’d like better.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 22, 2009 8:05 AM EST reply actions

Montero and Romine

They were split up for the majority of last season too. (Even before Montero’s injury) Since he did a little more than a half season at AA with good numbers and success, it might just be a natural advancement instead of a ruse.

by metric on Dec 22, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

Also, didn’t realize this right away- Mike Rivera is arbitration eligible and under team control for a couple seasons.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 22, 2009 8:11 AM EST reply actions

the twitters are saying the mystery pitcher is vazquez and boone logan for melky,mike dunn,and another minor leaguer

" You F@#$ed Up, You Trusted Us!"

by GTWYankee on Dec 22, 2009 9:45 AM EST reply actions

looks like a done deal

" You F@#$ed Up, You Trusted Us!"

by GTWYankee on Dec 22, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

What Javier Vazquez didn't suck enough the first time he was in NY!!!!

This move just confirms for me how bad the Yankees are doing the postseason. They gave up too much in the Granderson deal, could get anything done with Damon and re-signed Mr. Injury Nick Johnson.

by upstateNYYFan1984 on Dec 22, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions

Vasquez was decent his first season, a very good first half and a mediocre second half. My only knock on the move (if it happens) is that he’s only signed for 2010.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Dec 22, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

Will be a Type A free agent, keeps door open free Lee, Webb, etc.

by Monotonousblob on Dec 22, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

the other minor leaguer is supposed to be Arodys Vizcaino

" You F@#$ed Up, You Trusted Us!"

by GTWYankee on Dec 22, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

What next are the Yankees going to talk Kevin Brown out of retirement.

Lets just bring back all the pitchers who choked in the 2004 ALCS. Vazquez is a National League pitcher who will get lit up again in Yankee Stadium. And if you trade Melky, who is playing left field, unless this somehow means Damon will be back.

by upstateNYYFan1984 on Dec 22, 2009 10:05 AM EST reply actions

Javier Vazquez it is

for Melky and Dunn

by MSP Giant on Dec 22, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions

The trade is confirmed by the NY Post's Joel Sherman.

" You F@#$ed Up, You Trusted Us!"

by GTWYankee on Dec 22, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions

the trade is vazquez and boone logan for melky cabrera, mike dunn and arodys vizcaino.

hmmm. i need to let this trade sink in before i comment on this.

" You F@#$ed Up, You Trusted Us!"

by GTWYankee on Dec 22, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

Vazquez

is a decent pick-up. He’s an innings-eater, and he’s not going to be expected to be a front-end starter. Plus, moving Melky clears room in the OF for another move — Damon or Holliday.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 22, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions

Be an interesting competition this

spring between Hughes and Chamberlain.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 22, 2009 10:08 AM EST reply actions

for the 5th spot.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Dec 22, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

Damon? Now?

Just say he lowers his price given market realities – say $18 m over two years.

Do we REALLY want him playing LF?

My vote is no. Younger and cheaper. Find another LF solution and it is not Holliday if his price stays where it is.

Or play Gardner. I would like to see what he does with a lot of playing time.

by MSP Giant on Dec 22, 2009 10:10 AM EST reply actions

Damon would be the best option

look at the guys left. Gardner is not a MLB starting outfielder. He’s a fourth OF at best. Bay and Holliday both cost too much, and the Yankees would have to move their payroll over 200 million to get one of them. DeRosa is nice, but not playoff proven, or NY proven. I think Damon is the best option available. His swing is tailor made for Yankee Stadium. He’ll come at a decent price. He only has to play LF for one year, because Johnson would be gone next year and he could move to full time DH in 2011. And Damon is playoff proven and NY proven. And a fan favorite. I don’t know how you wouldn’t want Damon back.

by nyyrocks29 on Dec 22, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions