Bronx Bombers No Longer Bombing

It'd be an understatement to say that the Yankees are on a hot streak. Along with the Cubs, the Yankees are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now. Now only 7.5 games behind the struggling Red Sox, the Yankees have benefited from all around solid play from the whole team. With that said, the Yankees are looking as if they could become serious playoff contenders. Despite the new "develop the minors" strategy in New York, the Yankees will probably be buyers at the trade deadline. In fact, they have already begun by trading Double A reliever Jeff Kennard to aquire backup catcher Jose Molina. The Yankees have been after Molina for a while now. History tells us that despite rampid speculation, the chances that a star player will change hands at the deadline is thin. Never the less, here is a look at the names the Yankees have been connected to:

Ty Wigginton

Why it Works: Cashman is interested versatile players who can play multiple positions. Wigginton is also right handed, which is a plus for the largely left handed Yankees.

Who would go the other way: Scott Proctor. The Yankees should be willing to trade Scott Proctor because Joba Chamberlain is probably ready to make the jump to the majors from Double-A. The Devil Rays could use a AL East tested reliever, maybe even more so then they could use a starter.

Mark Teixeira

Why it won't work: As mentioned previously, big names rarely move at the deadline. In addition, the Rangers will be looking for no less than Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees won't move them.

Who would go the other way: If the teams could work something out, it wouldn't be for Hughes or Chamberlain. The Rangers would be welcome to almost any other pitching prospect in the Yankees system.

Octavio Dotel

Why it won't work: Dayton Moore is still asking for too much and the Yankees aren't interested in Dotel as a closer, therefore, another team will be willing to give more.

Mark Loretta

Why it would work: The Yankees are looking for a super-sub type utility player and that is exactly what Loretta is. The Yankees inquired on him back in December. The Astros should be willing to part with the soon to be 36 year old because the team needs to start rebuilding.

Who would go the other way: Most likely a minor league pitching prospect other than Hughes or Chamberlain. However, that's pure speculation; I haven't heard any names attatched to this rumor.

Wilson Betemit

Why it would work: The Yankees love Betemit, it wouldn't be the first time they've inquired on him -- or the second, or third for that matter. You get the point. Again, Betemit is a super-sub type player. He would fill that role this year and provide insurance incase Alex Rodriguez leaves after the season ends.

Who would go the other way: The Dodgers are looking for late inning relief help but, apparently, Proctor isn't good enough for them. Possibly Proctor and a minor leaguer could get it done.

Dan Johnson

Why it would work: The As would love to unload Johnson to make room for top prospect Daric Barton at first base. They are clearly in a selling mode, which has already started with the trade of Jason Kendall to the cubs.

Who would go the other way: Scott Proctor. The Yankees are certainly willing to move him, he's been attatched to almost every rumor. The As could use Proctor as a starter in '08.



In related news, the Yankees have been refusing to start selling. They clearly think they have a shot. They told the Mariners that Andy Pettitte wasn't available when the Mariners inquired. The Diamondbacks also inquired about Bobby Abreu but have seen backed off.

Keep an eye on all of the names I mentioned. Any players changing leagues at the deadline can have a big effect in AL or NL leagues.