[Timmer]

Let this be the thread to post Yankee rumors this offseason, and even up until the trade deadline next season.

I'll start with a few gathered at MLBTradeRumors.com:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...ggmadv.2a2e9cd

Evan Grant writes for the Dallas Morning News

He proposes some kind of bad contract swap for [Vicente] Padilla - Jason Giambi, Richie Sexson, or Adam Eaton are named.

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the Yankees may be interested in acquiring Kaz Matsui to play second base if they move Robinson Cano to third. Doesn't seem likely.

Williams itching to start dealing on ChicagoSports.com

[/quote]Josh Fields' position for 2008 will be revealed shortly, which seems to indicate a trade of Joe Crede on the horizon. Gonzales throws down the Crede for Johnny Damon idea I've been pushing here repeatedly. [/quote]

ESPN.com - Padres focusing on center field

Makes sense in a lot of ways: The Yankees would get the veteran third baseman they need without committing themselves to big dollars, shed Damon's salary, and the White Sox would solve their third base logjam while adding a center fielder for much less than what the free agent center fielders will get (Damon is owed about $26 million over the next two seasons, and presumably, the Yankees would eat some of that to make a deal happen).

This rumor is also mentioned by Mark Feinsand of the Daily News: Brian Cashman, Yankees look to replace A-Rod at third base


Boston Red Sox - Gaps prompt GMs to shop - The Boston Globe

Andy Pettitte could follow Joe Torre to L.A. Pettitte has previously talked about a Yankees or retirement stance.

MLB Trade Rumors: Odds and Ends: Fukudome, Boras, Encarnacion

Peter Abraham says Yankees fans should not blame Scott Boras for Alex Rodriguez's departure and demands. The player still calls the shots. By the way, Tyler Kepner feels bad about the way things ended with the Yankees and could try to make good by giving a $30MM discount. Kepner's article also indicates that Andy Pettitte's Wednesday deadline for his player option could easily be extended.

Haven't heard this one much for the Yanks' third base vacancy: Edwin Encarnacion. Kat O'Brien suggests it. How about for Ian Kennedy?

SCOTT-STOVE LEAGUE

Joel Sherman of the New York Post has a source saying the Devil Rays might listen to offers for ace lefty Scott Kazmir. Kazmir turns 24 in January and carries a 3.64 career ERA despite pitching in the AL East. He's been particularly tough on the Red Sox (2.66 ERA in 101 innings). You have to think that if the Yankees are entertaining making an offer for Johan Santana, they'd consider Kazmir as well if the Rays would deal within the division.

Sherman believes the Rays would seek "multiple high-end pitchers" for Kazmir, who is entering arbitration for the first time this winter. The Yankees could offer a package starting with Phil Hughes, but the Mets don't seem to have the goods. It would take a pitcher of that nature - Hughes, Yovani Gallardo, Clay Buchholz. Otherwise, why would the Rays consider it?

Marlins expected to shop Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera shouldn't get lost in the shuffle - this is a bona fide 24 year-old superstar, and he's available via trade.

But they would certainly trade Cabrera if they received a sweet package as they did for Josh Beckett. Translation: Phil Hughes or Clay Buchholz. Joel Sherman's source says this won't be an auction - the Marlins will target players and teams and make their demands. You have to imagine Hughes and Buchholz are on that short list.

Could the fact that Cabrera enjoyed playing for Girardi in Florida be relevant?

What do you think? What would you do if you were the Yankee GM?