Patterson an Option?

George King reports that the Yankees could sign Corey Patterson from Baltimore if they trade Hideki Matsui to the Giants.

On the surface, trading Matsui, who is coming back from recent knee surgery, would mean the Yankees would be retaining Melky Cabrera, a key part of their discussions with the Twins in the Johan Santana talks. However, the Yankees have an interest in free-agent center fielder Corey Patterson.

This makes absolutely no sense. Patterson is a terrific defender but a horrid offensive player. His career on base percentage is .298. Since he plays great defense at a premium position, he does have some value on a team with an established lineup, but the Yanks already have Brett Gardner in the minors. Gardner will be just as good defensively would be cheaper, and is young enough to improve markedly. There is no way Patterson is a significant upgrade from Gardner. Spending money on Patterson would then be a waste of money.

King also discusses the potential parameters of a Matsui trade.

Listen closely to the silence and it’s easy to reach the conclusion that the Yankees are contemplating trading Matsui for pitching help. They likely can’t get right-handers Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain from the Giants, but lefty Johnathan Sanchez could be the start of a Giants package. Four of Sanchez’s 33 appearances last year were as a starter. He was 1-5 with a 5.88 ERA.

If Cain and Lincecum are off the table, the Yankees should walk away. Sanchez is a decent prospect, but the team has plenty of young pitching options of equal or greater talent. If the Yanks are desperate to get rid of Matsui, they should be able to get more in exchange, considering the crazy contracts which outfielders get on the free agent market. Sanchez has displayed control problems, which makes relying on him as a reliever a scary proposition. He is in no way on the level of Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. He might never be good enough to beat out Alan Horne or Ian Kennedy either. There may not ever be a spot in the rotation for him. He has potential, but he is not worth Matsui by himself.

Yankees Speak to Hawkins

The New York Daily News reports that the Yankees are talking to free agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins about a potential 1 year contract.

According to sources, the Yankee GM was in talks with the agent for free-agent righthander LaTroy Hawkins, one of the few relievers on the market who isn’t necessarily seeking a multiyear deal. The two sides have discussed a one-year pact in the range of $3.25 million-$3.5 million.

Hawkins, who turns 35 on Dec. 21, posted a 3.42 ERA in 62 appearances with the NL champion Rockies last season. Hawkins has drawn interest from other teams, including the Tigers, Orioles and Rangers.

This is hardly exciting news. This guy has bombed whenever he has been in a closer role and has had struggles in big games. Last year was the first decent year he had since 2004. If it is a 1 year contract, it is worth the risk. Some pitchers like Roberto Hernandez have had inexplicable resurgences after a few bad seasons. On such a short term deal, the team could always cut him loose if he pitched poorly. This team is going to enter 2008 with a bunch of relievers who have the potential to be good. The more arms in the mix, the more likely it will be to find a somebody who pitches well.

Yanks Talk to Relievers

Bryan Hoch at Yankees.com reports the Yankees are actively pursuing multiple relievers. Luis Vizcaino is one name.

The Yankees have also had interest in retaining Vizcaino, who made a career-high 77 appearances in 2007 after being acquired from the Diamondbacks in January. But the sizable four-year, $19 million deal given to reliever Scott Linebrink by the White Sox may have skewed the market somewhat, and the 33-year-old Vizcaino could look for a similar offer.

The Yanks do not have much in their bullpen right now. Bringing back Vizcaino would be a decent move. He has a track record of consistency. He proved that he could handle pitching in New York as long as he is not given a Scott Proctor type workload. The Yanks should still look in another direction if he thinks the parameters should be in Linebrink territory. Just because the White Sox gave out an insane contract does not mean that New York should give a 7th inning guy an unwieldly contract. If Viz wants back at a reasonable price, the Yanks should listen. If he wants New York to commit to him until he is 37, Brian Cashman should thank him for his services, wish him luck, and take the Draft pick the team will receive as compensation for Luis signing elsewhere.

Ron Mahay was the other free agent mentioned.

The Yankees are considered to be the front-runners for Mahay, who posted a 2.55 ERA and limited opponents to a .218 batting average in 58 combined appearances with the Braves and Rangers this past season.

It is believed New York may offer as much as three years and $12 million for the 36-year-old left-hander. Cashman said on Wednesday that the club would like to add a capable left-hander into the mix, supplementing internal candidates Sean Henn, Kei Igawa and Chase Wright.

Where have we heard this one before? A Braves lefty reliever posts a career year in his mid 30’s, and the Yankees give him an inflated contract. This sounds like Chris Hammond all over again. Mahay is an aging mediocrity. He is no real improvement upon Mike Myers or Ron Villone. He is not likely to be much better than a combination of Chase Wright, Kei Igawa, and Sean Henn relative to price. Every team wants to have a lefty specialist in the bullpen, especially teams facing David Ortiz 18 to 19 times per year. Still, a good righty is a better bet in big spots than a bad lefty. The Yankees have a financial advantage over the rest of baseball. They should use that to overpay for quality, not to get tied down giving up roster spots and lucrative contracts to mediocrities.

And if not, the Yankees insist they could hold out and attempt to convert more of their Minor League starting pitchers into capable big league relievers — a formula that worked with great success for Joba Chamberlain.

To that end, Cashman rattled off the names of Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez and Steven White; all will be in Spring Training with the Yankees on Feb. 14 preparing as starting pitchers, but if necessity arises, the club could transition those pitchers over to a different work assignment with little advance warning.

“You might go that route just by default, because the evaluation might not match up with the cost,” Cashman said.

This is the best bet. Hard throwers like the starters mentioned will have to compete with young arms with upside like Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, Ross Ohlendorf, J. Brent Cox, Mark Melancon, Scott Patterson, Humberto Sanchez, and others. It is looking more and more like the only way the Yankees are going to have a good bullpen in 2008 is if some of their prospects develop into quality relievers over the offseason. It is at least better to gamble on youngsters with upside than to accept veteran mediocrity. Even if the team got both Vizcaino and Mahay, the prospects stepping up is the best chance to keep the Yanks from needing Joba Chamberlain to return to the bullpen.

Yankees, Giants Discuss Matsui

The Toronto Sun reports that the Yankees and the Giants have discussed the possibility of a trade involving Hideki Matsui and one of San Francisco’s young starting pitchers.

The Giants and the New York Yankees have discussed left fielder Hideki Matsui for a starter. Matsui does have a complete no-trade clause.

There are constant rumors swirling about the Giants looking to deal either Matt Cain or Tim Linceum for an outfielder. The Giants need hitting as Barry Bonds, by far their most dangerous offensive weapon, will not be back in the Bay Area next season. If the Yanks can turn Matsui into either prized youngster, they should jump all over it.

Cain and Lincecum are both under 24 years old. Cain is the more proven commodity as he posted a 3.65 ERA and threw 200 innings this past season. He throws a heavy fastball in the low to mid 90’s and compliments it with a changeup and hard breaking pitches Lincecum has slightly better stuff, sporting a fastball consistently in the mid 90’s, occasionally hitting the upper 90’s, a nasty curveball in the mid 80’s, a changeup, and a slider. He posted a 4.00 ERA in 146 Major League innings in 2007. His arm is still developing and might not be ready for a 200+ inning load. However, he has shown no durability problems thus far in his young career despite his slender 5′10″ build. He once threw over 140 pitches in a college game and played long toss the next day. With a few starting pitchers already slated for innings caps, Cain could be the better choice for 2008. Linecum might be a better longterm acquisition. Attaining either frontline starter for Matsui would be incredible.

The Yankees could play Johnny Damon in left and Jason Giambi at DH. This blog has stated its concern over how well the aging former stars will hold up, but if this team can get another potential young ace, it would be worth the risk. Matsui is a nice player, but he is getting older and has been battling injuries lately. The team has a logjam at outfield and DH. Given the age of the players in that logjam, depth is a good thing. Still, a young top starter is better to have than a big bat in reserve.

It is important to take these rumors with a grain of salt. Word from Toronto is that the Giants want more than Alex Rios in exchange for Cain or Lincecum. That means Matsui on his own will likely not get it done. However, if the reports that the Yanks are cooling on Johan Santana and Danny Haren are true, they should talking to the Giants a top priority. If the Giants do not get crazy in trade parameters beyond Matsui, the Yankees should do everything within their power to make a deal happen.

Santana Deadline Passes; Haren the Focus

New York’s deadline with the Twins for a Johan Santana trade has come and gone. The New York Daily News reports that the team will likely turn its attention to landing Danny Haren from Oakland.

According to a second source, the Yankees now plan to turn their attention toward Oakland starter Dan Haren, who is currently being shopped. Although the righthander, 27, isn’t as proven as Santana, 28, he is more attractive in a financial sense, as he is set to make $4 million in 2008 and $5.5 million in 2009 with a 2010 option for $6.75 million.

Oakland GM Billy Beane is said to be looking for a package of four players in exchange for Haren, with Hughes and Cabrera once again the likely centerpieces if the Yankees are to be serious players.

If Beane thinks that Haren is worth what Santana is, he is delusional.  Haren posted a 3.07 ERA in 2007, by far the best of his career. Santana has posted an ERA higher than that once since 2003. The finances might be better, but that means little to a team with New York’s resources. His performance makes him a much less appealing option than Johan. He is a good number 2 starter, not a lockdown ace like Santana. The Yankees would be nuts to give up Hughes.

Haren would in no way satisfy this team’s need for an ace, but there might be a way to pick him up without giving up the young trio of Hughes, Chamberlain, or Kennedy. Oakland has a few bad contracts from which it is looking to escape.  The first is that of Eric Chavez. He has underperformed badly in recent years and has suffered from back and shoulder issues. He is still due $34 million through 2010, money a rebuilding A’s team would love to save. The Yankees have Alex Rodriguez to play third, but they do have something of a hole at first. Chavez has terrific reflexes, soft hands and a history of great success as a corner infield. He would likely make a stellar defensive first baseman. Perhaps a change of scenery and the short porch of Yankee Stadium, not to mention a reunion with old friends, Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi, could jump start his career. First base would not provide as much wear and tear as does a stressful position like third. The Yanks could also keep him fresh by platooning him with Shelley Duncan. Mark Kotsay, a terrific outfielder defender due $8 million this season, is another guy the Yankees could take from Oakland. If getting these guys could bring Haren for a discount, it behooves this team to do so. As long as the A’s do not ask for anything too crazy, New York should oblige with second tier prospects and taking bad contracts.

Meanwhile, The Boston Globe says that the Red Sox are now likely to land Johan Santana with the Yanks out of the mix.

It was after midnight in the Music City, and the Red Sox and Minnesota Twins were exchanging medical information on pitchers Johan Santana and Jon Lester, indicating that the clubs may be closing in on a deal for the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

The Sox and Twins were locked in negotiations after the Yankees refused to include another top prospect, pitcher Ian Kennedy, in a package that already included top pitching prospect Phil Hughes and center fielder Melky Cabrera.

It was uncertain whether the Sox also were including center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury in their offer.

Hank Steinbrenner’s deadline was absolutely befuddling. The Twins made it clear that this was going to happen on their terms. They have the leverage because they own the pitcher everybody wants. If Hank sticks to his guns, Boston can bid on Santana without any competition to drive up the price. As the only serious bidder, they have the upper hand and are likely to land him at a discount. If the Yankees go back on their word, they lose any credibility in future negotiations that remained after the A-Rod fiasco. Other teams will call them on every bluff. Nothing good was ever going to come from dictating a deadline. What was the rush to get this deal done? Nobody else on the block right now is as proven or as durable as Santana. Every day it becomes more and more difficult to trust that this front office knows what it is doing.

Yankees Interested in Rowand?

The Newark Star-Ledger reports the Yankees would have interest in Aaron Rowand if they trade Melky Cabrera this offseason.

The Yankees are apparently willing to consider moving Cabrera, who hit .291 with 58 RBI after taking over as the Yankees’ regular center fielder, because they told the agent for free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand they would have interest in Rowand if they trade Cabrera.

That conversation was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the conversation who asked not to be named because the Yankees like to keep their free-agent pursuits under the radar. The agent, Craig Landis, said only that the interest in Rowand — a strong defender who this year with Philadelphia hit .309 with 27 homers and 89 RBI — “is strong and has picked up” since center fielder Torii Hunter came off the market, signing with the Angels. Landis said “nothing is imminent” as far as Rowand’s signing.

This would not make a ton of sense. The 30 year old just had a monster walk year and will demand far a bigger contract than his normally pedestrian offense will deserve. He is terrific defensively, but this team has a much cheaper in house option in Brett Gardner, who would be just as good with the glove in center. His offensive production might be lower than that of Rowand’s, but his salary would be less prohibitive. The last thing this club needs is a prohibitive longterm deal for a mediocrity like Rowand to block Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson. Gardner would be an adequate placeholder.

If the Yankees are going to go the free agent route, Andruw Jones is more attractive. His defensive skills have slipped a bit in recent years, but he is still above average at a premium position. Like Rowand, he is 30 years old, meaning he still has plenty of productive days in front of him patrolling the outfield. He will come at a relative discount after a lousy walk year, which appears to be out of context with the rest of his career. His track record is that of a high quality righty hitter, capable of bringing more balance to the lineup, and a prime candidate to bounce back from his 2007 struggles. Bringing Jones into the mix would help alleviate the offensive loss if the Yankees decided to trade Robinson Cano for Johan Santana (although this article suggests that is unlikely). The best part is that after his lousy season, Jones is a Type B free agent, meaning the Yanks would not have to give up a Draft pick to Atlanta for compensation. Rowand is a Type A free agent. New York would give up its first pick in 2008 to sign him.

The choice is clear. If this team wants a free agent in center, Andruw Jones should be the guy.

Yanks Close to Inking Loretta?

The Denver Post reports that the Yankees might be nearing a deal with Mark Loretta. Buster Olney also reported this on Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio.

O’Dowd is trolling for a veteran second baseman to create competition for as many as six internal candidates. The Rockies contacted the agent for Loretta, who tore up the National League West while with the San Diego Padres. However, the Rockies don’t like their chances, believing he will end up with the Yankees. While that deal is close, Loretta has made it known how much he likes the Rockies and would prefer to see how their second base situation plays out before signing with the Yankees.

Loretta is a solid player.  He does not have much power but does have good on base skills. He certainly would be an above average bench player. It is not really clear, though, where he would fit on this team as currently constructed. The Yanks seem set with their lineup and bench.

If New York signs the veteran infielder, it would be an indication that a Johan Santana deal is nearing. The Twins might get Wilson Betemit as filler, creating the need for a new utility infielder.  It also might mean that the Yankees are going to use Robinson Cano as the centerpiece of a Santana trade. That would be vastly preferable to a trade with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain going to Minnesota. Either starter could equal Santana’s performance in the not too distant future. It would likely be a lateral deal. Cano would be difficult to give up, but the Yanks have plenty of hitting. The Red Sox recently traded an emerging middle infielder, Hanley Ramirez, for an ace, Josh Beckett. That deal helped them win the World Series that year. Aces are tougher to find than hitters.

Loretta fields his position well. He would be the righty half of a formidable platoon with Betemit if Cano heads to the Midwest.

Yankees, Twins Discuss Santana

The Associated Press reports that the Yankees and Twins have had preliminary discussions to bring Johan Santana to the Bronx.

Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said Monday that discussions are ongoing but it was too early to tell whether they would lead to a deal. He did not detail how far talks had progressed.

“I don’t want to get into that at this point, as far as what they want, what we’re willing to give and all that,” he said. “It’s preliminary right now.”

Can this guy ever keep his big mouth shut? What purpose does talking to the media serve aside from alarming other teams into driving up the price? If Hanky loves to hear the sound of his own voice so much, he should buy a tape recorder and play himself on a continuous loop.

The New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers also are thought to be interested in Santana, who is far better than any of the starting pitchers available on the free-agent market.

The presence of Boston in this bidding should change New York’s philosophy. Before it seemed that Santana would surely hit the open market, which would mean all the Yanks would have to do is wait a year to grab him for money and a Draft pick. The Red Sox are the one team with both the prospects to acquire Johan and the willingness to blow him away with an extension offer. The Dodgers probably would not offer a monster extension. The Mets could but do not have the young talent for which Minnesota is looking. If Boston lands Santana, the Yankees will never see him in pinstripes. They will do whatever it takes to prevent him hitting free agency. New York would be up against a Beckett-Santana duo in its prime for the next five years. A trade now might be the only way to get Johan Santana.

The Yankees should still draw a line in the sand somewhere. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes should be off limits. Trading an ace for a younger ace is not a great move. This team should also do what it takes to keep Ian Kennedy and Robinson Cano off the market. Kennedy has ace potential but is not as sure of a bet to reach the ceiling as the other two youngsters. Cano is the top second baseman in the American League, but the Yankees can hit. It is easier to find a quality second baseman than it is to find an ace. Anybody else in the farm system should be available.

The Dodgers have more young talent than anybody. If they really want Johan, they will get him. That might be the best thing for the Yankees as long as the parties cannot agree on an extension. It would keep Santana away from Boston and allow New York to grab him in a year without giving up any of the prized youngsters within the organization.

Yankees Ask White Sox Regarding Jenks?

The Staten Island Advance reports that the Yankees have called the White Sox to ask about the availability of Bobby Jenks.

According to a Yankees official, who asked not to be identified because he is not directly involved in the decision, the Yankees have inquired about Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks to set up Rivera.

Jenks had a strong season (2.77 ERA, 40 saves in 46 chances and a record-tying streak of 41 consecutive batters retired), but a deal is considered a long shot. The Yankees’ best hope is that the White Sox fail to sign free-agent centerfielder Torii Hunter and thus ask the Yankees for Melky Cabrera or Johnny Damon in a trade.

Getting Jenks would be a coup in building a deeper bullpen. He would be a lethal setup man in front of Rivera. The 26 year old flamethrower would become Mo’s heir apparent. He has the stuff to be a dominant 8th inning guy and gained positive big game experience in 2005 with a terrific postseason showing against Boston and Houston. This displayed his mental toughness and provides a good barometer for how he would hold up in New York.

There has been talk all offseason long that the White Sox have interest in Johnny Damon.  If the Yankees can deal Damon before he hits steep decline and improve the bullpen this much, it behooves them to make the move. Johnny’s all out style of play has started to take its toll on his body. He has shown an ability to play through injuries, but as his body continues to age, it is a matter of time before he breaks down.

Dealing Melky is a less appealing option. The 23 year old is cheap and brings an intangible energy to this team with his enthusiasm and propensity to make big plays. Very few outfielders have hit Major League pitching with such propensity at such a young age. With a couple of years under his belt and the confidence of knowing he has regular spot waiting for him in Spring Training, Melky is primed to have a break out season.

Difficult though it would be to deal him, the Yanks should pull the trigger if Ken Williams demands Cabrera in a trade. Dealing Melky a year ago for Mike Gonzalez would have been a bad move. Gonzalez had red injury flags and no history of pitching in big games. Jenks is a safer bet. The Yanks also have outfielders on the farm much closer to the Majors than they were a year ago.

The temptation would be to put Johnny Damon in center and Hideki Matsui in left. If this is the plan, it would not be the best one. It would give New York an abysmal outfield defense. A better option to replace Melky would be Brett Gardner. Gardner has a ton of speed and just as much range as Melky in center. He posted a .281 batting average and a .369 on base percentage in 384 at bats between AA and AAA in 2007. He just hit .343 in the Arizona Fall League. Gardner’s upside is rather limited, but as a stopgap he probably could come close to matching Melky’s 2007 production at the plate. It would also maintain the outfield’s above average defense by leaving Damon, where his arm is not an issue and his range is a plus, in left and Matsui at DH. The Yankees then could pray that either Austin Jackson or Jose Tabata quickly progresses and emerges as the centerfielder of the future. The Yanks would take some hits leaving Jason Giambi on the bench for Gardner from the average WFAN caller, but this would be a viable contingency plan if the team had to part with Melky to get Jenks.

If the price is a centerfielder, the Yanks should bite. They can replace either Damon or Cabrera. Finding relief help like Jenks is much tougher to get.

Lowell at First?

The Boston Globe reports the Yankees are discussing signing Mike Lowell and moving him to first base.

Mike Lowell moving to first base for the Yankees?

That was the word on the Newark Star-Ledger website last night. Baseball writer Dan Graziano reported that the Yankees, who appear to be moving closer to bringing third baseman Alex Rodriguez back in the fold, would also like to bring Lowell on board as their full-time first baseman.

“A person familiar with the negotiations, who requested anonymity because discussions are still ongoing, said the Yankees have been in contact with Lowell’s representatives about the idea of him signing to be their first baseman,” Graziano wrote.

I cannot find this anywhere on the Star-Ledger’s website, but the Globe is not a tabloid that would just make something up. The Yankees should inquire and bid on Lowell but only to drive up the price the Red Sox would have to pay to keep him. Away from Fenway Park, he is not the same hitter. His swing is perfect for that stadium. A Shelley Duncan/Doug Mientkiewicz platoon would probably not be much of a downgrade from Lowell at Yankee Stadium. Much of Lowell’s value comes from his defense, but learning a new and less important position takes that away. The Yankees should not overspend here because Lowell is not a need. Signing him would give Boston a pair of early Draft picks, including New York’s 2008 first rounder. It also would open the door for the Sox to trade for Miguel Cabrera. The Yankees can find similar production without giving up all that, not to mention a monster contract to a 33 year old.