Cross another name off the list, as Scott Hairston has signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs worth $6 million, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. Hairston was looked at by the Yankees, Mets and Braves before his signing in the windy-city.
In what has been a stange offseason for GM Brian Cashman and the Yanks, they are still looking for that righty outfield bat to balance out a lefty-heavy trio of Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Ichiro Suzuki.
The team was interested in Mike Morse, but he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. Also, it was reported that New York looked at Delmon Young, but ultimately decided not to sign him; the reigning ALCS MVP is now on the Phillies on a one-year $750,000 deal.
The Diamondbacks are said to be making a decision between trading Jason Kubel or Justin Upton. Upton would be a perfect fit for the Yanks, but their minor league system probably doesn’t have what it takes to acquire him.Granderson and his $15 million salary would likely be involved in any deal.
The combination of marginally-talented players on the free agent market mixed with the Yankees’ desire to save some money has equaled a lot of watching and not a lot of moving.
Cashman has had late offseason success before with free agent signings, most notably Raul Ibanez and Eric Chavez. However, Cashman is in no rush to get a move done just for the sake of making one. He recently stated that they technically have until the July 31st trade deadline to shuffle pieces around.
As we’ve seen before, the team that is on paper now will not be the team come season’s end, or even by Opening Day. Cashman has plenty of time to weed things out and wait for the perfect time to strike.
