Left fielder Brett Gardner has played just nine games this season due to a right elbow strain, and today he suffered a setback that will likely keep him out through the All-Star break. Despite that, Yankees GM Brian Cashman told reporters (including Chad Jennings of The Journal News) that he hasn't looked into trading for outfield help just yet.
“I haven’t been looking,” said Cashman. “That doesn’t mean that (it’s out of the question). Now you’ve passed the draft, people will be more interested in having conversations. I have not had any conversations with anybody about anything.”
The Yankees have primarily used Raul Ibanez in left during Gardner's absence, though Andruw Jones, Jayson Nix, Eduardo Nunez, and Dewayne Wise have all seen time out there as well. Depending on how Gardner's visit with Dr. James Andrews goes on Monday, the Yankees could either remain patient or be pressed into aggressively scouring the trade market. The outfield market figures to be highlighted by Carlos Quentin and Josh Willingham this year.
This is the reason that I wanted the Yanks to sign Nate McClouth. He’s no savior for sure, but he’s an experienced player who can provide depth. Don’t know how long they can continue with Nix and Wise as the outfield bench.
Id rather see Bernie Williams in the OF over Nate McClouth
Well, that can probably be arranged. Word has it ol’ Bernie’s still hangin’ out by the phone, waiting for “that call”…
:p
Mustisleir and Dickerson are better than McClouth.
Quentin or Willingham would be good pieces to add. Quentin especially since he is only signed for the year and prob could get him on the cheap side. but i think they should try to trade for soriano since the cubs have said they would eat most of his salary for the next two seasons.
Why trade for Raul Ibanez when we already have him on the team?
ummm who said anything about lbanez? i didnt mention lbanez lol.
Swing and a miss…
I think what @Havok9120:disqus is trying to get at is that he sees Quentin and Willingham as being equivalent to Raúl Ibáñez. So to him, the Yanks trading for either one of those two would be like bringing on a second Ibáñez and he can’t see what the point of that would be.
This. I mean, Willingham and Quentin are obviously younger, so maybe they have more upside. They certainly wouldn’t be worse in the field and might sustain whatever success they have at the plate better than Ibanez would. They would cost something to acquire, however.
That said, my response was mainly directed at the “I think they should try to trade for Soriano” bit of Chris’ comment. I don’t want to picture Soriano in YS3’s left field, facing AL East pitching, and sucking up Yankee money and prospects. I loved the guy when he was in pinstripes, but I see no need for a reunion tour.
Chris, I do think Willingham would be a good fit for the Yanks.
But what will the Yankees give up? Willingham is signed to a very reasonable contract for another 2 years – especially considering his production this year. I can’t imagine the twins getting rid of Willingham unless they are getting blown away by an offer. Which Cashman doesn’t seem willing to do.
I CAN see them trading him without getting blown away (unless they see themselves as not being in rebuilding mode for the next season or three), but I can’t see them parting with him for peanuts. And, as much as I think he’s a decent to good option, I don’t want to give much to get him. I don’t think the upgrade is substantial enough over the platoon we currently employ.
It becomes a better option (as does someone like David DeJesus, I suppose) if the team is planning on letting Swisher walk. A bridge to 2014.
Do yourselves a favor. Check out Ronnier Mustelier’s stats at AA/AAA this year. All they need to do is bring him up.
How many set backs can one guy have during a single rehab? It’s getting ridiculous.
Mark Prior’s lawyers are filing a lawsuit.
Why Ronnier Mustelier doesn’t get any eyeball?
he almost has .3/.4/.5 this year in 2A,3A
He probably is. Wouldn’t be stunned if he or Dickerson get called up soon.
Absolutely agree, would love to see this guy called up as he has been raking down in the upper levels. He’s ready and would certainly be an upgrade over Dewayne Wise.
The Yanks should focus on their pitching, be it starting or the pen – I think their lineup is still fine – offense hasnt been an issue unless its against an Ace or a young starter they havent seen before
It’s beginning to look more and more like Swisher is going to stay. He’s viewed as a relatively cheap option for them over other FA outfielders and he’s established a consistent rate of production and fielding for the Yanks over the past four seasons. I see them re-signing him to 3+ year deal at a rate that will be nearly half that of Hamilton with far less risk involved- not to mention how unlikely it is that Hamilton would even want to be a Yankee, whereas Swisher clearly loves being a Yankee about as much as any player could.
There’s been nothing to indicate it’s “looking more and more” like he will stay other than your personal perception.
Well, that’s if they don’t just stick with who they already have- Ibanez and Jones- or if they trade for a cheap guy like Willingham.
To get a good young outfielder they would probably have to give up a pitching prospect.Maybe if the Yanks are ready to trade Nunez they could keep their pitchers.
Otherwise you are often just trading for a salary dump of an over the hill player.
You should give everybody possible in the farm system a shot before you give up a pitcher.
Cashman should keep the team as is, they will be OK
Willingham would be a good fit for the Yanks. He is a good clutch hitter and gives all he’s got out there. Rather see him than Quentin.