Hot Stove Tidbits and Teasers

Nothing significant has happened on the Hot Stove because Free Agents are not able to sign with new teams for a few more days.  However, there are still rumors and rumblings swirling around.  Let’s take a quick look at some of the names and developments that the Yankees are being linked to.

Curtis Granderson CF, Detroit Tigers

Granderson is under contract for a few more years at a reasonable rate (for our standards at least) and Detroit, thinking about future payroll flexibility – and perhaps discouraged by his declining stats, is shopping their All-Star center-fielder.  The Yankees have been thrown around as potential suitors.  We would have to give up more for Granderson than we did for Nick Swisher last November but the dividends could be similar.

John Lackey SP, Los Angeles Angels

Lackey is the top pitching option on the market this year and, if for no other reason, that means the Yankees are going to be involved by default.  Lackey certainly would fit in nicely as a No. 3 but it would also pose a couple of issues.  First is the asking price – likely to be in Burnett category – for a pitcher on the wrong side of 30 who has had some injury issues in the past (funny how that did not stop us from signing Burnett though).  Second would be what we do with one of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes because one of them would be an automatic bump from the rotation.  Clearly you don’t complain about having a guy like Lackey in your rotation but at some point you have to really take the reins off and let your young pitchers develop.

Damon vs. Matsui

There still is not much news regarding which one is currently leading the race to be resigned by the Yankees.  Since the two are essentially vying for the same position, perhaps we can gain some leverage and sign one at a discount – or at least market value.  That thought is probably wishful thinking but, it would be nice.

Roy Halladay, SP Toronto Blue Jays

The Yankees wisely remained on the outside of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes back in July but signs point to Round 2 starting up sometime this off-season.  Will the Yankees be able to stand pat twice?  Halladay joining Burnett and Sabathia would give us the top staff in the game without question but the cost would still be high.  This will be a development to play particularly close attention to.  Another name in this same category is Felix Hernandez.  The Mariners have not made much noise about wanting to move him but we shall see.

Unless someone is ready to the pull the trigger on a significant trade, we are going to have to be content with this lull in baseball action for a few more days.  We’ll take a closer look at these developments as they become more concrete.

Tags: Curtis Granderson, Felix Hernandez, Hideki Matsui, John Lackey, Johnny Damon, Roy Halladay