New York Yankees: Bombers Interested in Cody Ross for 2013?
September 23, 2012 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
We all know there’s a really good chance that Nick Swisher may not be a Yankee by the time the 2013 season comes around.
There’s also a good chance that with his second half surge, Ichiro Suzuki’s value has increased and he too may not be back for the Yankees in 2013.
That still leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the lineup and in the outfield for the Yankees once November rolls around.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Yankees are looking into a right field option.
Cafardo said that the Yankees, along with the Phillies and Red Sox will be suitors for Boston outfielder Cody Ross once he hits the free agent market this winter.
Ross is currently hitting .261 with 21 home runs and 76 RBI in 122 games for Boston in 2012.
Before 2012, Ross signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox worth around $3 million, but according to Cafardo, Ross could get a three-year deal worth roughly around $20 million from a team this winter.
I don’t know if the Yankees would be willing to give the soon-to-be 32-year old a three-year deal, but a one or two-year deal definitely sounds reasonable.
This season, Ross has played all three outfield spots for Bobby Valentine while most of his games have been at right field.
Josh Hamilton is going to be too expensive and way too risky. Swisher also will be too expensive and Ichiro likely will be exploring other options, so right now Ross as a right field option makes a lot of sense.
Ross also has a history of coming up big in playoff games, as he won the 2010 NLCS MVP Award while playing for the San Francisco Giants—hitting .350 with three home runs and five RBI.
Cafardo said that Ross would prefer to stay in Boston and while some preliminary discussions have taken place, Ross could always change his mind to look for other suitors this winter.
The Yankees and GM Brian Cashman recently like looking for players who won’t be too expensive in free agency, yet end up providing more value and giving them flexibility.
Because Ross can play all three outfield spots, he could give the Yankees that flexibility needed.
Of course, if Boston ends up re-signing Ross before he hits free agency, this story ends up being a moot point, but if not, Ross could be near the top of the list for outfield targets come November.
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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