Preliminary discussions with Edwin Jackson have begun

Preliminary discussions with Edwin Jackson have begun

by Mike D.

According to George King of the NY Post, the Yankees have already talked with right-handed free agent starter, Edwin Jackson. This comes as no surprise, as the GM Brian Cashman has made it clear the Yankees will be in strong pursuit of starting pitching. We already know Cashman has talked to Bob Garber, the agent of C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt.

Yankees have interest in Cuban CF Yoenis Cespedes

Yankees have interest in Cuban CF Yoenis Cespedes

by Mike D.

Yoenis Cespedes, a Cuban center-fielder defected this summer, and is expected to clear for free agency within several weeks. He is “a legimate centerfielder with plus power and speed,”, according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus. Goldstein describes Cespedes as “arguably the best all-around player to come out of Cuba in a generation.” Jeff Passan of Yahoo says the Yankees are “particularly hot” on Cespedes. I’m sure you could say that about any team that has seen him, so it’s not the most important of news, as far as the Yanks go. They would be silly not to have interest in the extremely talented 26 year old center-fielder. Obviously, the Yankees do have Granderson, Gardner, and Swisher. However, one of the latter two could potentially be traded as part of a package for a number-two starter.

Giants’ lefty Jonathan Sanchez, traded to Royals

Giants’ lefty Jonathan Sanchez, traded to Royals

by Mike D.

The Royals acquired San Francisco left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, and a minor-league starter, for former-Yank Melky Cabrera. It had been rumored that Sanchez would either be traded or non-tendered by the Giants. If it wasn’t for his control issues, he would be a very good fit for the Yankees, as evidenced by his strikeout rates (9.4 K/9) and platoon numbers against lefties (.210 AVG / .300 OBP / .342 SLG). This basically diminishes the chance that the Yankees could acquire Matt Cain in a trade, as the Giants now have one less starter. I laid out the case for targeting Cain last week. A trade for the San Francisco right-hander would probably have been unlikely, anyway.

Morning/Afternoon Bits: Garcia, Wilson

Good afternoon everyone! We hope you enjoy the rest of your day! Here are your morning/afternoon bits: 

– The Yankees have talked to the agent of C.J Wilson and Roy Oswalt despite Wilson’s dismal postseason.

– Freddy Garcia has expressed his interest in returning to the Yankees for the 2012 season.

Enjoy the rest of your day!