Yankees remain cool before trade deadline
Photo credit: Getty/Stephen Dunn | ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 12: Manager Joe Girardi of the New York Yankees is reflected in plexiglass as he looks on from the dugout during the game with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 12, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 5-4. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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Yankees at RaysST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Joe Girardi said "I don't think there's a sense of urgency," as far as the Yankees making a move before Friday's trade deadline, but the Yankees are looking for ways to upgrade their thin starting rotation.
The Mariners, fading fast and 71/2 games behind the Angels in the American League West heading into last night's game, are making lefthanded pitcher Jarrod Washburn available, according to an industry official.
But the Yankees won't be the only team placing a call to the Mariners regarding Washburn - 8-6, 2.71 heading into last night's start - as the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers and Red Sox are also in the market for a dependable veteran.
The Yankees have scouted the Pirates' Ian Snell and an official from an uninvolved team foresees the Yankees ending up with the righthander. But another source said the Yankees are hardly enamored with Snell and are wary of the issues that landed him in the minors. Snell asked the Pirates to be demoted in late June and later reportedly said he had battled depression and had thoughts of suicide.
Another option is the Reds' Bronson Arroyo, but with the Yankees not wishing to add significant payroll and with Arroyo in the first year of the $25-million extension he signed in 2007, a deal probably won't happen unless the Reds agree to pay most of his salary, which is doubtful.
One certainty is the Yankees don't believe any move to be a "must." Coming into last night, they had won 10 of 11 since the All-Star break and were 21/2 games ahead of the Red Sox.
"I'm not sure if we'll do anything," Girardi said before last night's game against the Rays. "As of right now we're playing very well and . . . there's always ways that you're trying to better your club, but sometimes things don't work out or you just sit tight. I really believe that there will be moves to be made in August, too, because of the way the economy is and I think teams might be a little more willing to move a guy in August. But right now, I'm not planning on any [moves]."
