Traditionally, the New York Yankees make a lot of news around the MLB Trade Deadline for all of the various high-priced players they are rumored to be kicking the tires on acquiring. This year, however, most of the news seems to be about players the Yankees are not interested in as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.
The Yankees do not appear to be one of the players in the Ryan Dempster trade saga, as speculation abounds concerning where the Chicago Cubs will send the hotly-sought after 35-year-old right-handed starting pitcher.
Peter Gammons speculated Thursday, and we at SB Nation New York agreed, that veteran outfielder Rick Ankiel might be an excellent fit for the Yankees with left fielder Brett Gardner probably done for the season due to upcoming elbow surgery. The Yankees, though, are apparently uninterested in Ankiel, designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals. They are also reportedly not interested in Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Juan Pierre, a player with a skill set similar to Gardner's, or left-handed starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez of the Houston Astros.
In terms of the starting rotation, maybe the Yankees will just settle for trying to find out if rookie David Phelps can be a big-league starting pitcher and wait for Andy Pettitte to return from his broken leg. For the bullpen, the eventual return of Joba Chamberlain from Tommy John surgery and a fractured ankle should be a boost, almost like making a late-season trade.
When it comes to outfielders, that is anybody's guess. The Yankees have reportedly talked to the Philadelphia Phillies about Shane Victorino, but don't seem to be targeting anyone specific.