Yankees Trade Rumors: Fact or Fiction for Latest Deadline Chatter
July 30, 2013 · Donald Wood · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are one of the teams mentioned most in the 2013 MLB trade deadline chatter, and with the franchise struggling to get into postseason contention, the rumors are naturally swirling around the perennial winners.
All of the following trade scenarios have been reportedly tied to the Yankees, and New York must pull the trigger on at least one of the deals if the team has any hope of contending for a playoff spot.
New York Interested in Michael Young?
The New York Yankees appear to be very close to losing third baseman Alex Rodriguez to a long-term suspension, per Teri Thompson, Bill Madden, Nathaniel Vinton and Michael O’Keefe of the New York Daily News. The need for a viable replacement on the field and in the batting order is the top priority at the trade deadline.
According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly, the Yankees are among the teams interested in the services of veteran Philadelphia Phillies infielder Michael Young:
Third baseman Michael Young is still getting significant interest from AL East clubs like Boston and New York, and he could be a fit in Baltimore, as well. ESPN has reported that Young’s former team, Texas, has interest in a reunion and baseball sources have confirmed that. The Rangers could need a right-handed bat if Nelson Cruz feels the pinch of the Biogenesis investigation.
Young hasn’t lived up to the high expectations with the Phillies. But after amassing a .280 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, seven home runs, 31 RBI and 38 runs this season, he would be a great addition to the Yankees lineup.
Not only would Young add a consistent hitter to the batting order and a solid third baseman in the field, but he would also help the franchise move past the drama that will undoubtedly follow Rodriguez’s eventual suspension.
Fact or Fiction: FACT
Phil Hughes Drawing No Interest on the Market?
There was a time when Phil Hughes was viewed as one of the most promising prospects in baseball, but according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the New York Yankees are getting no offers for the pitcher:
Hughes has been lackluster this season, posting a 4-9 record with a 4.58 ERA in 20 starts, and that hasn’t translated into many organizations feeling they must trade for him at the deadline. This should be viewed as a blessing for the Yankees, as it will force the franchise to be patient with Hughes.
Hughes is just 27 years old and physically gifted (6’5” and 240 pounds), so New York would be smart to continue to work with him and develop his skills.
If the franchise can get the young star as strong mentally as he is physically, there is little doubt he could eventually blossom into one of the top stars in the Yankees rotation.
Fact or Fiction: FACT
Joba Chamberlain on his Way Out of New York?
The New York Yankees are not content with missing the playoffs, and one of the pieces the franchise may reportedly move to make a postseason run happen is relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain.
According to Andrew Marchand ESPNNewYork.com, while the Yankees would love to deal Chamberlain at the deadline, sources say that the team would never get enough in return to make a deal worth the investment.
There is plenty of need for relief pitching across MLB right now, but Chamberlain hasn’t exactly been playing his best baseball in 2013. The Yankees right-hander has struggled with a 4.97 ERA in 25.1 innings out of the bullpen.
Chamberlain is due $1.875 million this season and is arbitration-eligible this offseason before becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2014 season, per Baseball-Reference.com.
New York likely won’t be able to deal Chamberlain before the 2013 deadline, but the franchise should have an easier time finding a trade partner this offseason.
Fact or Fiction: FICTION
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
