The BronxPinstripes crew will be updating here throughout the day as more information leaks out of the Winter Meetings. Make sure to check back for Yanks news and rumors.
- ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted early this morning that Brian Cashman and the Yankees are willing to listen to offers for Centerfielder Curtis Granderson. Granderson, who will turn 32 next March, will be a free-agent after the 2013 season, so the Yankees may want to get some value back why they still have him. He is also owed $15 million in 2013, so moving his contract could provide Cashman with flexibility to make more moves this winter. However, any move would have to make sense for NY. Replacing Granderson’s numbers would be tough. updated 9 am
- Update 10:49 AM: From MLBTraderumors.com:
“Hoynes writes that the Indians had a deal in place to acquire a Major League pitcher and two high-level prospects for Cabrera. That trade fell through when Cleveland asked that a third prospect be included in the package. The potential acquiring team would have switched Cabrera’s position, for those who would like to play the speculation game.”That sure sounds like the Yankees — a position switch would be required with Derek Jeter firmly entrenched at shortstop, and the sudden need for a third baseman cannot be ignored. The Yankees reportedly have been “listening to offers” for Phil Hughes, so it is quite plausible that he is involved. As for the top-level prospects, the Yankees could have been dangling either Tyler Austin or Slade Heathcott. It would not surprise me if Brett Marshall was also involved in that potential deal. It’s something to keep an eye on over the next few days, as a deal could still be reached for Cabrera. - Update 12:10 AM: You can cross Stephen Drew off the list of potential replacements for Alex Rodriguez. Buster Olney has reported that, according to a rival evaluator, there is “no way” Drew would switch from shortstop to third-base and accept a limited role; Drew wants a full-time job. The Yankees and Red Sox have been linked to Drew this offseason. GM Brian Cashman’s search for a third-baseman continues.
- Update 1:30 PM: According to the YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees have spoken to the agent for third- baseman Kevin Youkilis. Since the Yanks need a replacement at third for a few months, a one-year contract would be ideal. The word is that Youkilis would consider such a deal if the money was at a premium amount. Youk made $12 million last year, an amount Curry said the Yanks are unwilling to go to. However, if Youkilis is healthy enough to carry the load at third until June or so, and New York can get him at a reasonable price, he would be a good fit until Alex Rodriguez returns from hip surgery.
- Update 6 pm: Rival Boston has filled one of their holes by signing outfielder Shane Victorino to a 3-year deal worth $39 million, according to multiple sources. This likely means the Sox are out in the Nick Swisher sweepstakes, as well as Cody Ross. This signing is likely good news for other free agent outfielders, as $13 million per year seems like a lot for a guy who has declined in each of the past few seasons. However, Victorino is a good clubhouse guy and can still hit right-handers.
