It’s Thursday morning and we are just mere hours away from the 4pm trade deadline. This year the Yankees have been connected to some of the usual big names, along with some very under the radar guys. I have no doubt that general manager Brian Cashman will make at least one move at some point today, the obvious need being a right-handed power bat that ideally plays a right field. How big of a move? That remains to be seen, but here is a rundown of all possible options, scenarios, and players that could end up in pinstripes by the end of the day.
- Marlon Byrd – having a great year and is connected to a few teams including the Yankees, but has an interesting contract that includes a vesting option for 2016.
- Josh Willingham – seems like a logical fit, batting .220 but his power numbers are an upgrade for right field. He has missed some time with injuries, but not an issue.
- Aaron Hill – second baseman with a decent glove, would be an upgrade over Brian Roberts, but still has a big contract. Not a lot of chatter about him either.
- Emilio Bonifacio – Utility player that can play second, third and the outfield. Rumblings that the Cubs are seriously trying to move him, and is a great fit.
- Ryan Ludwick – Reds have said they would be open to moving him, not a great upgrade though, just batting .261/.325/.392 with six home runs.
- Asdrubal Cabrera – yes he is a shortstop but is also a free agent after this year, could potentially play second or even be the future Yankee shortstop.
- Wilan Rosario – he is a catcher, potential right-handed power, but has only played three games at first base this year.
- Gordon Beckham – White Sox have said they would be open to trading him, would be a solid defensive upgrade at second, but other teams showing more interest.
- Alex Rios – we just watched what he can do the past three games in Texas, seems to of lost his power, but he’s still hitting for average and has 30+ XBH.
- Matt Kemp – Dodgers are not going to be trading him now, and wouldn’t be a good fit in New York on a few different levels.
- Troy Tulowitzki – another pipe dream some Yankee fans are still holding onto, won’t be traded till the offseason anyways.
- John Danks – has been connected to the Yankees, until last night. Seems like the Marlins are now the frontrunners to land him.
- Ian Kennedy – still in the mix, there were some rumblings yesterday that maybe it was going to happen, but again Padres want a big return.
- Jorge De La Rosa – was being mentioned early on, but the Rockies have said they don’t plan on moving him. Would have to be a big package if they did.
- Brett Anderson – same as De La Rosa, isn’t going anywhere unless the price is right and we should be looking elsewhere by now.
- Cole Hamels – the asking price is hefty, and some think he won’t be traded. But there is always the chance that some team gets desperate.
- David Price – Rays are the hottest team in baseball, hard time believing the Rays just decide to give up now. Another offseason trade.
- Cliff Lee – as much as I’m against it, he just might be the dark horse move that Cashman is working on. But I still don’t see it happening.
- Joaquin Benoit – has been recently linked to a few team including the Yankees, but latest word is the Padres probably won’t be moving him.
If I had to guess, I’d say Cashman might make a serious push for Marlon Byrd this afternoon. But I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a player that nobody has mentioned yet, someone who Cashman might have been eying quietly. Will it be a front page, blockbuster move? Maybe, but probably not. Look for a pitcher and a bat to added along the lines of a second tier player. Otherwise We will just have to wait and see what happens.
