New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman insists that he is not actively seeking a third baseman in the trade market to replace injured slugger Alex Rodriguez. Sure, Cash, just like you weren't seeking an outfielder to replace Brett Gardner. it has to be a complete accident that Ichiro Suzuki wound up playing for the Yankees.
Well, obviously I am not buying Cashman's 'Who, me? In the trade market?' routine. It seems like folks around baseball aren't buying it, either.
The Yankees are saying that Eric Chavez and Jayson Nix will handle the third base job, but Chavez is oft-injured himself and no one can believe he could play regularly for two months without breaking down.
Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres, who can also play first base and left field, has been the primary name discussed thus far. Headley is hitting .267 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI for San Diego.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Mark Reynolds (Baltimore) and Chone Figgins (Seattle) are available, but unlikely.
Of course, given Cashman's track record if the Yankees acquire a third baseman before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline it will probably be someone you didn't even know was available. So, stay tuned.