Pinstripe Alley Looks At The Yankee Moves

PA summarizes the reaction -- both good and bad -- to the arrivals of Lance Berkman, Austin Kearns and Kerry Wood.

http://www.pinstripealley.com/2010/8/1/1599461/new-york-yankee-notes-wrapping-up

Sherman On Yankees' Additions

Via Twitter, Joel Sherman of the New York Post summarizes what the New York Yankees have accomplished in the past 24 hours.

Over past 2 days #Yankees add Berkman, Wood, Kearns and roughly $5.3M to payroll for 2 prospects not in their top 10 … and 2 players to be named or maybe cash in one instance.

The Yankees have strengthened their lineup, their bench and their bullpen. They surrendered only one quality prospect (Mark Melancon) and did not add signficantly to the payroll to do it. Pretty good job by Brian Cashman, I’d say.

Wood will join Yankee Bullpen

The New York Yankees are adding veteran right-hander Kerry Wood to their bullpen, according to a variety of reports.

MLB Trade Rumors summarizes the available information.

Berkman, Kearns Could Play Tonight

The Yankees have made the acquisitions of Lance Berkman and Austin Kearns official.

• Here is the Berkman press release.
• Here is the Kearns press release.

Both players are eligible to play tonight when the Yankees face the Tampa Bay Rays.

Rosenthal: Yankees Doing What Only They Can

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports echoes Joel Sherman’s earlier sentiments that the New York Yankees are flashing their wallet at the trade deadline and seeing what their deep pockets can bring back.

The Yankees entered Friday thinking, “OK, we’ve got money. Few other clubs do. Let’s flex our muscles.”

They didn’t do anything too obnoxious, at least not by classic Steinbrenner standards. But at a time when most teams are counting every dollar, a time when teams such as the Dodgers and Rangers require financial assistance in virtually every trade, the Yankees are uniquely positioned to prey on the market.

Looking to purge your first baseman? Ready to dump your right fielder? Step right up, the Yankees are here to help!

“We’re like a clearinghouse,” one Yankees official said. “We’ve got a lot of applicants. We’re going through it, looking at the ones we’re interested in.”

I am certain there will be whining about this around baseball. The Yankees, though, are acting within the rules and doing everything they can to try and win. There is nothing wrong with that.

Lilly Still On Yankees' Radar

Chicago Cubs Online tweets that the Yankees might still be in the mix for left-handed starting pitcher Ted Lilly.

Why not? Can’t count on Dustin Moseley to be lights-out every five days.

Yankees Might Not Be Done

Buster Olney tweets that he is hearing the Yankees are in pursuit of a corner infielder. No names in the report.

Quick Analysis: Berkman and Kearns

Pinstripe Alley analyzes the additions of Lance Berkman and Austin Kearns to the New York Yankees' roster.

http://www.pinstripealley.com/2010/7/30/1597735/quick-analysis-berkman-and-kearns

Melancon heading to Houston

The news that the New York Yankees are sending AAA reliever Mark Melancon to Houston as part of the Lance Berkman trade is a stunner for me.

Just a year ago the Yankees were touting Melancon, 25, as a possible heir apparent to Mariano Rivera as the team’s closer.

Melancon struggled in a handful of chances with the Yankees the past two seasons, however, and has had a rocky 2010 at Scranton-Wilkes Barre with a 3.67 ERA and a poor 1.67 WHIP. The Yankees apparently soured on his future.

Yankees Acquire Austin Kearns From Cleveland

The Yankees had been targeting a right-handed hitting outfielder who was a defensive upgrade over Marcus Thames. They found one Friday night, acquiring Austin Kearns from Cleveland for a player to be named later.

Trentonian: Russo, Paredes Could Be Houston-Bound

The Trentonian is reporting that infielders Kevin Russo and Jimmy Paredes have been scratched from lineups in Scranton and Charleston this evening.

That’s a pretty good sign that those two could be the package heading to Houston for Lance Berkman.

Rosenthal Has More On Berkman

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a series of tweets regarding the seemingly likely deal of Lance Berkman to the Yankees.

Here is what he says.

Yankees indeed moving quickly on Berkman, as others report. Team will NOT pick up 15M option as condition of deal; strictly a rental. …

A twist on Berkman: Due to his 10-5 rts, trade to #Yankees would not be official until after expiration of 24-hr window …

He can rescind at any point during 24-hour window, but source doubts that will happen. Announcement likely tmrrow aft.

Looks like this is getting done. I actually kind of like it for the Yankees. They are only tying themselves to the veteran for the rest of the season, and perhaps playing in a pennant race will motivate him and help him turn around a so-far sub-par season. After all, I’m sure he wants a big-money deal from somewhere in the off-season.

Berkman Deal Called "Imminent"

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News says the Yankees will get Lance Berkman from the Houston Astros without giving up any major prospects.

Top Five Best and Worst Moves of Brian Cashman's GM Career

New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has made some great moves -- and some awful ones -- during his tenure with the team. Pinstripe Alley takes a stab at naming the best, and the worst, of Cashman's maneuvers.

http://www.pinstripealley.com/2010/7/30/1596617/top-five-best-and-worst-moves-of

Sherman: Yankees Trying To Flex Financial Muscles

Joel Sherman tweeted earlier that he is expecting the New York Yankees to make one or two moves before the trade deadline. He wrote in his blog that he thinks the Yankees will use their financial advantage to do it.

The Yankees philosophy right now is this: They have some money to spend. Almost every other team in the majors doesn’t. So they are telling organizations hungry to move high-priced players to call and make their best offer. Translation: We can take some of your money headaches, but if we do we are not going to give up much in prospects.

By no later than 4 p.m. tomorrow, the Yankees will see what most appeals to them from his overpriced buffet and pick an item or two.

This is why they dropped out of the Adam Dunn sweepstakes: Because the Nationals were not willing to take marginal prospects just to get rid of the money. The same might go for Toronto and Scott Downs.

So for now the Yanks are seeing if they could use their financial might to act as vultures. So while they claim they are feeling no pressure to address the rotation, the Yanks are at least looking at Ted Lilly to see if the Cubs would essentially give him away in exchange for the Yanks taking the $4 million or so left on his contract. That, though, is not as much of a frontburner item as Berkman.

When it comes to position players, the Yanks actually would prefer either a supplemental type who either plays the corner infield (to rest Alex Rodriguez on occasion) or bats righty and plays the corner outfield (to put Curtis Granderson on the bench against most lefties).

This is what the Yankees can do that no one else can — simply offer to bail out under-achieving teams by taking high-priced veteran players off their hands.

Report: Yankees 'Definitely' In The Hunt For Houston's Lance Berkman

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports, via Twitter, that the Yankees might be closing in on Astros slugger Lance Berkman, though nothing appears to be imminent yet:

Berkman, 34, is slugging .436 with 13 homers and 49 RBI for Houston this season.

No word yet on the particulars of the deal, such as whom the Astros want in return.

As always, keep checking back on this StoryStream for more Yankees trade-deadline news.

Yankees Call Padres About Jerry Hairston, Are Rebuffed

Jerry Hairston Jr. helped the Yankees last season as a right-handed-batting utility infielder picked up at the trading deadline, and Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees have looked into acquiring him from the Padres. “But Hairston is now an important everyday cog on a first-place team,” Sherman writes, which means the Padres have deemed him off-limits.

Sherman’s post outlines potential alternatives to Hairston, including Cody Ross, but each has his drawbacks.

Rays, Yankees Would Both Like To Add Slugger

There is really nothing new brewing on the Adam Dunn trade front this morning. Buster Olney of ESPN has some thoughts on Dunn’s potential AL East impact, since both the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays would seemingly like to have him.

The Washington slugger may or may not be dealt by the Nationals, and the worst nightmare for the Yankees or the Rays is that he winds up sitting in the middle of the lineup of their rival — because for all of his perceived flaws in his defense and in the way he accumulates strikeouts, Dunn is a big-time run producer who is capable of being a difference-maker.

If the Rays get him, he could bat behind Evan Longoria, so the Rays’ lineup could be Carl Crawford-Longoria-Dunn in the 2-3-4 spots. If the Yankees were to gain any momentum in their talks with Washington — and as of Thursday evening, all conversations had only been of a cursory nature — they could drop Dunn into the No. 2 spot in their lineup.

The Rays are going to get a hitter, in any event, and certainly Dunn would be the best who is actually within their reach. But at the very least, the Rays and the Yankees both would hope that their division rival does not find a way to land the big slugger.

Memo to the Nationals: Please, send Dunn anywhere but Tampa Bay. Pretty please, even!

Yankees Have Concerns About Price, Position With Slugger

A high asking price by the Washington Nationals and concerns about Adam Dunn’s willigness to DH are leading the New York Yankees away from pursuing the slugger.

From the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, who has been a go-to information source for trade deadline information.

The Yankees consider the current asking price steep and would only deliver that kind of package for a game-changing necessity, such as Cliff Lee, not for someone they consider a luxury, such as Dunn.

Plus, the Yankees were worried about giving up significant prospects and not being sure about Dunn as a DH. Dunn has spent his entire career in the NL, so he has never DH’ed regularly and has said repeatedly he does not want to be exclusively a DH. That combination made the Yankees wonder if he would adapt to the job, especially when you add on a new league, a new city, and a level of expectation Dunn has never experienced with the Reds, Diamondbacks or Nationals.

Yankee Rumors Right Now

Here is a quick Thursday afternoon rundown of New York Yankee trade rumors as the non-waiver deadline approaches.

— River Avenue Blues says the Yankees won’t pursue a catcher even with Jorge Posada’s knee a concern.

— RAB also proposes making a move for lefty swinging Baltimore outfielder Luke Scott rather than Washington’s Adam Dunn.

— The Yankees have reportedly checked into the availability of Kansas City infielder Willie Bloomquist.

Yankees In Market For Adam Dunn, Says Former Nats GM Bowden

The Yankees, looking for another big bat for their lineup, are among the teams who are registering their interest in Washington Nationals slugger Adam Dunn, according to Jim Bowden, the former Nats and Reds GM turned Fox analyst. Bowden drafted Dunn when he was with the Reds and traded him to the Nationals in the first place.

But the Bombers aren’t the only AL East contender to ask about Dunn; Bowden also reports that the Tampa Bay Rays are interested. As SBNation.com’s Jon Bois points out, Dunn could really help the Rays, as he “would be an especially substantial improvement over current Rays DH Willy Aybar and his .715 OPS.”

The Chicago White Sox round out the list of AL clubs calling about Dunn “at this hour,” says Bowden.

Report: Jays Asked For Joba In Exchange For Downs

George King of the New York Post is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have asked for Joba Chamberlain in return for left-handed reliever Scott Downs. The Yankees have said no.

If the price on Downs falls, the Yankees may meet it because, with Damaso Marte on the disabled list with shoulder woes, Boone Logan is Joe Girardi’s lone lefty in the pen. And while Logan’s control has been better lately, it’s been an issue throughout his career.

Downs, who has roughly $1.33 million remaining on this year’s deal, has limited left-handed hitters to a .185 average (10-for-54). However, he has been more than a lefty specialist; overall hitters are batting .240 (23-for-96).

“He is the best out there and the Yankees need help in the pen,” an executive said. “They would be helping themselves.”

I have said before that I would love to see the Yankees acquire Downs. He would upgrade their bullpen immensely. Trading Joba for him would be just plain silly, though.

Yankees On Soria's No-Trade List

ESPN reports that Kansas City reliever Joakim Soria has the Yankees on his no-trade list.

This does not mean the Yankees could not pull off a trade for the 26-year-old closer. It just makes things a little more difficult. For me, though, Soria is worth pursuing. He’s a terrific young closer, and would be an upgrade over Joba Chamberlain — even if it costs the Yankees Chamberlain to get him.

Bye, Bye Chan Ho Park?

Jayson Stark tweets that the Yankees would like to trade Chan Ho Park.

No big surprise there as Park has done virtually nothing for the Yankees. The surprise will be in GM Brian Cashman finds any takers.

Heyman: Yankees Are 'Big-Game Hunting'

Jon Heyman of SI.com says the New York Yankees might not need to acquire a big name at the trade deadline, but can’t seem to stop themselves from trying.

Here is how Heyman summarized the Yankees’ current activity on the trade market.

They say they want a bat for the bench and bullpen help, and that is true. But they can’t resist big-game hunting. They tried hard for Lee and Haren, and made a big proposal for Royals closer Joakim Soria, as well. They also have been in touch with the Nationals about big-time power hitter Adam Dunn but so far found the price prohibitive. With Andy Pettitte on the shelf with a groin issue, the Yankees wouldn’t mind upgrading their rotation, but they aren’t pursuing lifetime National Leaguer Oswalt, who’s always been an Astro. As for the offense, the Yankees are pondering hitters like Baltimore’s Ty Wigginton, Cleveland’s Jhonny Peralta and Florida’s Cody Ross.

I would love to know what ‘big proposal’ actually means in terms of Soria. He is a guy I would love to see in a Yankee uniform.

Reports: Yankees, Red Sox Both Bidding For Downs

Toronto left-hander Scott Downs is one of the top relief pitchers on the trade market, and apparently the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox both want him.

John Morosi of Fox Sports commented on his Twitter page Sunday saying that the competition to land the lefty remains “fierce” while adding that the Red Sox and Yankees are leading the sweepstakes, but also noted that the Mets, Reds and Twins have all shown interest as well.

Both the Red Sox and the Yankees would love to add a reliever like Downs (who wouldn’t, really?), but early indications are making it look like acquiring Downs won’t be easy.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported on his Twitter that so far the Blue Jays have "… asked for high-end return for Downs because they think they should be compensated for the fact that he could be a Type A free agent.

After the fruitless Cliff Lee and Dan Haren speculation, I am a little tired of hearing the Yankees called ‘front-runners’ or ‘leaders’ in the discussion to acquire players. There is really no such thing as a leader — there is the team that gets the player, then there is everyone else.

That said, I would love to see the Yankees acquire Downs. He is having an exceptional season, holding lefty hitters to a .189 batting average. Beyond that, he has been a quality pitcher for several seasons, and the Yankees unquestionably could use some late-inning bullpen help.

Just, please, no more ‘front-runner’ talk.

Saunders, Three Others Acquired By Diamondbacks

Another top-flight starting pitcher has switched teams, and once again the New York Yankees were not the team bringing home the prize.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have acquired Dan Haren from Arizona for pitcher Joe Saunders and three other players.

A three-time All-Star, Haren, was one of the most prized pitchers available as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, has averaged 15 wins over the past five seasons and was tied for the National League lead with 141 strikeouts. He also had allowed more hits (161) than any other pitcher in the NL.

The Yankees were linked to Haren for several days. How much truth there was to those reports we will never know for sure.

Stark: Deal Was 'Never Close'

ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported early this morning that the Yankees have refused Arizona’s request for Joba Chamberlain in a proposed trade for Dan Haren.

The two teams did swap names Friday, the source said. But the Yankees rejected a Diamondbacks proposal that would have sent Joba Chamberlain, highly regarded pitching prospect Ivan Nova and two other prospects to Arizona for Haren.

The Yankees, instead, have proposed an entirely prospect-based deal, which Arizona rejected. Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall told reporters in Phoenix that other teams had made offers of “at least equal value” to what the Yankees proposed.

Chamberlain for Haren straight-up might a deal worth thinking about for the Yankees. Chamberlain PLUS all those prospects, including the highly-regarded Ivan Nova for a starting pitcher who probably is not a priority, would be a mistake.

Report: Cashman Could Have Haren 'If He Felt Like It'

Oh, boy! Where have we heard this before. Bob Klapisch of The Bergen Record is reporting that the New York Yankees are front-runners in the race to acquire Arizona starting pitcher Dan Haren.

The Yankees have emerged as the front-runners in talks for Dan Haren, a major league source told The Record on Friday. GM Brian Cashman is said to be mulling such a deal and could acquire the Diamondbacks’ right-hander, “if he felt like it” at any time.

At least two other teams were heavily involved in negotiations with Arizona, but at least one of them – believed to be the Cardinals – dropped out Friday afternoon. That left the Yankees and Tigers, with the Bombers said to be at the front of the line.

Klapisch speculates that the price for Haren is Joba Chamberlain. Is that a deal you would make, Yankee fans?

Stark: Yanks In On Haren, Oswalt, Westbrook

Like I said the other day, never trust Yankee GM Brian Cashman when he says he has no interest in something.

ESPN’s Jayson Stark is reporting that the Yankees are in on conversations about most of the hotly-sought-after starting pitchers on the market. Those include Dan Haren of Arizona, Roy Oswalt of Houston and Jake Westbrook of Cleveland.

If I’m Cashman, Haren is No. 1 on that list. I wouldn’t touch Oswalt simply because his contract is so exhorbitant — $16 million options for each of the next two seasons.

Diamondbacks Set Price Tag for Haren

The Arizona Diamondbacks are willing to trade right-hander Dan Haren, but they want major-league ready talent in return.

“It would need to be in our opinion an A-plus deal,”[CEO Derrick] Hall said. “I think ideally what we would ask for is Major League ready pitching be it starters and or bullpen and prospects. Volume doesn’t matter, it doesn’t need to be four, five or six guys, it’s really about the quality.”

Just speculating here, but I wonder if a Zach McCallister-Mark Melancon offer from the Yankees would be enough to entice the D-Backs.

FOX: Yankees Among Suitors For Dan Haren

Never believe New York Yankee GM Brian Cashman when he says he is not interested in something — and Cashman has said repeatedly in recent days that he is not interested in trading for a starting pitcher.

FOX Sports is reporting that the Yankees are one of the suitors for heavily-sought-after Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher Dan Haren.

No way to know if Arizona will actually move Haren. It should not really be a stunner that the Yankees are apparently sniffing around the highly-regarded right-hander, though.

Peralta, Helms Among Infielders In The Mix

The New York Yankees are scouring the market for veteran infield help, and the names Jhonny Peralta and Wes Helms are the latest ones connected with the team.

The Yankees, I’m relatively certain, won’t look to trade away top prospects in any deal for a backup infielder. So, whatever they do it’s not likely to be a huge move. Just a move to add some protection on their bench.

Cashman: 'Limited Options And High Price Tags'

New York Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman’s assessment of the trade market.

“It’s going to be a very difficult trade market,” Cashman said. “Limited options and high price tags. I wouldn’t be all that optimistic.”

That might be true, but you can be reasonably sure Cashman will find some way to help the bench, bullpen or both.

Pettitte's Injury Could Alter Yankees' Thinking

Andy Pettitte’s absence from the New York Yankee rotation could alter the way the team approaches the upcoming non-waiver trade deadline.

There are no concrete reports that the Yankees are making offers for starting pitchers, but lots of speculation that they will.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports thinks that Ted Lilly of the Cubs and Roy Oswalt of the Astros could be on the Yankees’ radar.

Buster Olney of ESPN has some thoughts on the Yankee pitching needs, as well.

Helms Could Fit Yankees' Utility Bill

The Yankees have apparently inquired about right-handed hitting veteran Wes Helms as they continue to seek to upgrade their bench prior to the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline.

The Yankees are looking for some bench help, and a player that has caught their attention is Marlins veteran Wes Helms.

Helms initially signed with the Marlins in 2006 when Joe Girardi was managing in Florida.

Helms has long been a fan of Girardi, who guided the Yankees to the 2009 World Series title.

The fact that Helms can spot start at third base is attractive to New York. He also can come off the bench as a pinch-hitter or be an occasional designated hitter. Helms plays third and first base, and he is respected for his leadership. He has playoff experience from his days with the Braves and Phillies.

The Yankees need better protection for Alex Rodriguez in the event he is injured again, and Helms is on the list of players who could provide it.

Yankees Are 'In On Wigginton'

At least, reports coming from Baltimore are saying that the Yankees are in pursuit of Ty Wigginton, Baltimore’s versatile veteran infielder.

I continue to feel Wigginton makes a lot of sense for the Yankees — provided the price is not too high.

Rosenthal: Soria, Dunn Interest Yankees

Apparently, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reads SB Nation New York. No sooner had we posted articles here discussing possible Yankee interest in slugger Adam Dunn and reliever Joakim Soria than Rosenthal was tweeting that the Yankees coveted both players.

Gee, Ken, wonder where you are getting your inside information from?

Another List of Relief Possibilities

Here is another list of potentially available relief pitchers. Most of the usual suspects are here. Please God, do not let the Yankees acquire Kyle Farnsworth. I can’t live through that again.

A Vote For Adam Dunn As DH

River Avenue Blues is pushing the idea of acquiring ‘home run or bust’ lefty slugger Adam Dunn from the Washington Nationals.

Scheduled to become a free agent after the season, Dunn is reportedly losing interest in signing a long-term deal with the Nationals. He’s a lock to be a Type-A free agent, and his $12M salary this year isn’t crazy enough to keep a team from declining to offer him arbitration. Even if he were to accept, there are worst things in the world than having a guy that productive signed for one year at $14-15M. It’s not like there are any age related concerns either, Dunn is still very much in the prime of his career at age 30.

Dunn’s credentials are well-known. In an era of baseball that suddenly features fewer homeruns and less offense in general, Dunn is arguably the best and most consistent longball threat in the game, whacking 38-40 homers in each of the last five years. He’s on pace for 39 this season, and that’s without the New Stadium’s short porch in right. All those homers are supplemented by a ton of walks (16.5% walk rate for his career), though he’s traded in some free passes this year in exchange for some more singles, kinda like Nick Swisher. There’s nothing wrong with that, a hit is always better than a walk.

I have heard this idea kicked around before. It has some merit, since Dunn would love the right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. But I think the Yankees need to try and help their bullpen first. It’s true that the Yankees don’t have an every day DH, but rotating Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, Marcus Thames and Alex Rodriguez in there seems to be working pretty well so far.

The Yankees have also tried to get away from one-dimensional players like Dunn the past couple of seasons. I’m not sure this has a realistic chance of happening.

Joba's Role As Set-Up Man, Future, Seem Cloudy

Joba Chamberlain has been, to say the least, inconsistent this season as the New York Yankees’ primary set-up man for Mariano Rivera.
SB Nation’s Pinstripe Alley takes an in-depth look at Joba and the entire Yankee bullpen this morning, and floats the idea that Joba might be good trade bait for the right return, like Kansas City’s extraordinary closer, Joakim Soria.

ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand also speculates that the clock might be ticking on Joba’s Yankee future.

What Does The Relief Pitcher Market Look Like?

The primary weakness of the New York Yankees in the first half of the 2010 season has been the bullpen beyond Mariano Rivera.

So, what will General Manager Brian Cashman do about it?

If you have ESPN Insider, the Worldwide Leader has a chart listing possibly available relief pitchers.

If you need content you don’t have to pay for (and we all love that) MLB Trade Rumors also summarizes the right-handed relief pitcher market.

Oh, and by the way, Yankee fans. Kyle Farnsworth is pitching well for the Kansas City Royals.

Gregg, Downs, Frasor Could Help Yankees

The Toronto Blue Jays have apparently made most of their bullpen available in the trade market.

- Closer Kevin Gregg would look nice in the 7th or 8th inning setting up for Mariano Rivera.
- Lefty Scott Downs is a guy I think many contenders would love to have.

So, yes, Yankee fans there is life after Cliff Lee.

'You Just Don't Do Business That Way'

The New York Yankees are livid with the Seattle Mariners for backing out of a seemingly completed Cliff Lee trade and sending him to the Texas Rangers.

Here, from Twitter, are a few reactions.

From Ken Rosenthal.

#Yankees livid with #Mariners. Believed they had deal, then M’s took it to #Rangers saying put Smoak in and Lee is yours… #MLB

Another tweet from Rosenthal — this one with the money quote.

From Newsday’s Ken Davidoff.

Talent drives trades, but relationships matter, and right now, I don’t see the #Yankees and #Mariners trying another trade soon.

From Mark Feinsand of the Daily News.

Texas can’t possibly sign Lee to an extension in-season, so he will be a free agent. And the Yankees can hand him a blank check in December.

After this, you can be pretty sure the Yankees will not be outbid for Lee during the off-season.

Yankees Lose Out On Ace Lefty

Joel Sherman of the New York Post has been all over this story all day. And he just tweeted the following.

i have learned deal done with #Rangers, Smoak and 3 others for Lee and reliever Mark Lowe #Rangers, #Mariners

Rangers Appear To Be The New Front-Runners

With a Yankee official admitting that Cliff Lee is “slipping through their fingers,” a FOX Sports report lists the Texas Rangers as the new favorites to land the Seattle ace.

Concern Over Prospect's Injury May Halt Deal

The Seattle Mariners might be backing away from a deal that would send Cliff Lee to the Yankees.

The Mariners are apparently concerned about David Adams’ injured ankle.

My take: Give ‘em another infielder, for cryin’ out loud! But, this is why you shouldn’t get all worked up before these things actually happen.

Yankees Appear Ready To Ship Montero, Two Others To Mariners

A variety of sources have indicated that the Yankees will send three minor-leaguers to Seattle for Cliff Lee — highly-regarded catcher Jesus Montero, second baseman David Adams and pitcher Zach McAllister.

Now, we just need for all of this to become official.

Yankees Sign Chad Tracy As Infield Depth

The Yankees have been looking for a backup infielder with a little pop as protection in the event Alex Rodrguez’ hip flares up. Looks like they found a possible answer, having signed the recently-released .Chad Tracy

Now back to waiting for confirmation of the Cliff Lee trade, which is the only news Yankee fans really care about today.

Sherman: Why The Yankees Want This Deal

Joel Sherman of the New York Post has been all over the Cliff Lee to the Yankees story. Say what you want about the Post, he has been the go-to guy on this one.

Now, he is examining why the Yankees want this deal and what it means for their starting rotation.

Olney: Lee-To-Yanks Close, But Not In Place Yet

ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that the proposed Cliff Lee to the Yankees deal is not a sure thing yet.

The Seattle Mariners are pushing hard to complete a Cliff Lee trade, and the Yankees are closing in on a deal for the left-hander — but as of Friday morning, there was no agreement in place, sources say, and it’s possible another team could step in and make a more aggressive bid.

The Mariners have been talking with the Rays, Twins, Rangers, Reds and other teams, and news that the Yankees were on the verge of getting Lee — first reported by the New York Post — could spur one of the other teams to strengthen its offer.

The Yankees have apparently gone this far. I would be surprised if Lee — who is scheduled to pitch — is on the mound against them tonight.

Report: Yankees Willing To Include Montero In Deal

The New York Post reported late Thursday night that the New York Yankees are on the verge of acquiring Mariner ace Cliff Lee. And that they are willing to trade top prospect Jesus Montero to do so.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik have been in constant contact over the last week, but it was only last night that the Seattle GM told Yankee officials he wanted to move quickly, possibly before the All-Star break.

The Yanks were not assured of obtaining Lee since other clubs such as the Mets, Twins and Rangers were in talks. But the Yanks were definitely making the strongest move last night, coming from seeming disinterest into the clear front-runner and last night it seemed they were all but certain to obtain the 31-year-old lefty.

The Yanks like Montero a great deal, but they were willing to use him as bait for both Lee and Roy Halladay in the offseason. They are deep in catching prospects and could never be sure that Montero could actually make it as a catcher in the majors since that is the suspect area of the game. He is considered one of the elite hitting prospects in the minors, though he was hitting just .253 with six homers and 34 RBIs this season at Triple-A.

I did not expect the Yankees to be willing to part with Montero. I should have known beter, though. This would be a terrific long-term move for the Yankees if it happens. Andy Pettittte may retire after this season, Javier Vazquez is unlikely to still be around and the Yankees are catching-rich in the minors.

Mariners Reportedly Want Jesus Montero For Cliff Lee

That is the word from SI.com’s Jon Heyman.

I think it is a pretty safe bet that the Yankees have no intention of trading their No. 1 prospect, and one of the best prospects in all of baseball, for the Seattle left-hander.

Yankees Among Teams Looking For Infield Help

I have serious doubts the New York Yankees will make a move for Seattle ace Cliff Lee. I am, however, convinced they will try to upgrade their infield depth.

MLB Trade Rumors reports today that the Yankees are among several teams scouring the market for quality reserve infielders.

FOX: Yankees 'Kicking The Tires' On Cliff Lee

FOX Sports is reporting that the New York Yankees are showing interest in Seattle left-hander Cliff Lee, if the price drops.

The sincerity of the Yankees’ interest has been in question, but they are indeed “kicking the tires,” according to a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking.

The source, however, estimates that the Yankees’ chances of landing Lee are “less than 50 percent,” and says that such a move likely would require the team to spin right-hander Javier Vazquez to another club.

Vazquez, like Lee, is a free agent at the end of the season. The difference is that the Yankees want to sign Lee but probably will not re-sign Vazquez — even though Vazquez, after a rocky start, is 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA in his last seven starts.

Yankees Will Stay In Cliff Lee Sweepstakes, Sort Of

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported recently that the New York Yankees will keep their hand — or their wallet, as the case may be — in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Even if it is highly unlikely they will trade for the Seattle ace.

the American League East standings will keep the Yankees engaged on Lee, because getting to October is no sure thing — not with the Red Sox having climbed back into the standings despite their injuries, and not with the Rays lurking as a team that all talent evaluators view as deep in talent and potential. The inconsistent Rays are capable of drifting out of contention, but if they won 20 of their next 22 games, nobody would be surprised.

So the Yankees will stay in on the Lee talks and probably make an offer for him. They probably won’t get him, recent history tells us, especially if the Minnesota Twins decide to get fully engaged in the trade talks. But they will continue to hold a seat at the Cliff Lee table. Just in case.

I still believe it is more likely the Yankees wait and make a run at Lee when he is a free agent in the coming off-season.

Reports: Yankees Interested In Ty Wigginton

Reports are surfacing that the New York Yankees are interested in Baltimore infielder Ty Wigginton.

I have been waiting for this one. The Yankees have an inexperienced bench, and no threats behind Alex Rodriguez. They could really use Wigginton’s bat, but they will have lots of competition for his services.

Mariners Scouting Yankee Farm System

Seattle is apparently still trying to get the New York Yankees to bite on a trade for left-handed starter Cliff Lee.

The Mets, Dodgers and Rangers have inquired on Lee, according to major-league sources. Many in the industry project the Twins as the front-runner. The Yankees, currently set with five starters, seem more likely to pursue Lee in free agency than in a trade. While the Mariners have scouted the Yankees’ farm system and the Yankees have scouted Lee, the Yankees routinely attend the starts of pitchers on their free-agent wish list.

Pinstripe Alley Looks At GM Brian Cashman's Shopping List

SB Nation’s New York Yankees’ website tosses out several names worthy of consideration.

This trade deadline figures to be a relatively boring one for the Yankees. They have no glaring needs, the holes in the roster are small, and the single best way for this team to improve going forward is not by trades but rather from getting good health and consistency from three certain infielders who shall remain nameless.

That isn’t to say Brian Cashman will stand pat. The Yankees, and most teams for that matter, could certainly benefit from upgrading roster spots 22-25, the guys who make up the middle relief corps along with the backup outfielders and infielders.

Olney: Wigginton Might Make Sense For Yankees

Buster Olney wonders if the Yankees will make a run at Baltimore’s Ty Wigginton with Alex Rodriguez’ hip being a concern.

Right now, the Yankees have greater focus on improving their offense than on their pitching. With Alex Rodriguez banged up and getting days off at third base, you do wonder if they’ll hedge their bets before the trade deadline and look for a bopper who can play third — like a Ty Wigginton (although the Yankees and Orioles almost never make trades) or Miguel Tejada or Jeff Baker.

I like the Wigginton idea if the Yankees feel they need a better bat as protection against A-Rod’s health.

New York Yankees' Trade Rumors

The New York Yankees recently shot down speculation they were interested in trading for Seattle starting pitcher Cliff Lee. Now, the buzz is that the Yankees might be looking to add a bat. [The link is to ESPN Insider, so if you aren't an Insider just stay right where you are.]

Manager Joe Girardi said that once catcher Jorge Posada is healthy enough to be considered a catcher and not a DH, the club can drop one of the other two backstops on the roster, likely Chad Moeller, and add a bat.

Girardi didn't go into specifics but he could have simply meant a bench bat from their own organization, but it's not as fun to speculate about a Triple-A backup, and it's certainly not out of the question that the Yankees go after a catcher -- making Posada the regular DH -- or a full-time designated hitter.

Washington's Adam Dunn could interest GM Brian Cashman, as could Milwaukee's Prince Fielder, Kansas City's Jose Guillen and White Sox 1B Paul Konerko. We'll keep tabs on the latest word out of the Bronx, because we all know they will be looking to add more talent as the summer passes.