Ken Rosenthal reported in his column yesterday that he believes the Yankees will “renew” discussions with the Dodgers about trading Robinson Cano for Matt Kemp.   This is an interesting idea.  He wrote…

“One possibility I failed to mention when discussing the Dodgers’ infield in a recent column: A trade for Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. The teams are expected to renew their talks about Cano at the winter meetings, and the Yankees again figure to ask for outfielder Matt Kemp. Cano, however, is red-hot in winter ball, and the Yankees will value him as the offensive machine he was in 2006 and ’07, not the player who slumped in ’08 …”

Kemp, a solid centerfielder, batted .290 last season, .340 OBP with 18 home runs compared to Cano’s .271, 14 & .305 respectively.   However, it was clearly an off year for Cano and he has been hot this winter as Rosenthal points out.

If I were thinking about dealing Cano I would also be shopping for Rick Ankiel since the Cardinals are another team looking for second baseman.

Either deal would of course would leave a BIG whole at second base which they would have to fill with either youth or another trade.  I kinda hope they keep Cano.. I think he’s going to turn it around.

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Rick Ankiel

Earlier this month the Sporting News reported that the St. Louis Cardinal’s might be interested in trading Rick Ankiel in order to sure up other areas of their roster.  The Cards are deep in outfield talent with Ankiel, Ludwick, Duncan, Schumaker, Mather and prospect Cory Rasmus.

Ankiel, 29, hit 25 homers and drove in 71 runs in an injury-plagued 2008 season.  Card’s need pitching (who doesn’t) and probably some more infield depth. Could the Yankees put together an deal that would attract St. Louis?   They have a number of players they could put in play: Caberara, Cano, Hughes, Kennedy, Gardner and others.

Question #1:  Who would you rather have playing CF: Cabrera, Gardner, Damon or Ankiel?  I think I’ll have to go with Ankiel with Damon in Left.  Another Left handed power hitter in the line up at the New Yankee Stadium? Need I say more? My concern would be his history of injuries.

Question #2: How would Ankiel handle the NY Press(ure)?  His response when he pitched in the post season wasn’t too good.  It basically ended his career as a pitcher.  But he’s an outfielder now… less pressure… sure.

Question #3: Are the Yankees willing to give up good talent and top prospects for a guy who still has to prove himself in the position?  Well yes he still has some proving to do.  However, you’ve got give this guy some props.  Very few players start out as pitchers, fail and then re-invent themselves in other positions.  There was another Cardinal who did this named Stan Musial… Musial started his career as a pitcher but after a shoulder injury he moved to the outfield.  He had a pretty good career!

While I would hate to see my Father-In-Law depressed for the next 3 years (Cardinal fan) I sure would like to see the Yankees pursue Ankiel.   There’s something about this guy.. he’s one of those 100%, all out players that you love to have on your team.

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

This past week the Yankees triple A affiliate the Scranton Yankees announced that left hander Kei Igawa had been named to the “Topps Triple-A All Star Team”, the baseball card company’s annual minor league award.   Without a doubt a dubious award for the Japanese pitcher who cost the Yankees $46M.  Perhaps an attempt by the Yankees to raise awareness about the left hander in the trade season.

While his 14 minor league wins in 2008 set a club record for Scranton, the big club is still waiting for Kei Igawa to show any promise of Major League potential. Despite the Yankee’s HUGE investment to land Igawa, the buzz around the league says he’s not even being considered as viable trade bait.   Pavano was a bad move,  Wright was a bad move, Kei Igawa has to be the worst move and biggest waste of money I’ve seen in my life as a Yankee fan.

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

We know a number of teams are discussing the possibility of courting Mark Teixeira and some have the dollars to pay him.  In the mean time the talk and chatter about where he will end up continues…

Boston might find it difficult to make room for “Tex” considering their current roster.   They could move Youkilis to third base but trading Mike Lowell (owed $24M over next two years, plus a no-trade clause) might be a tougher hill to climb.  He just had hip surgery and IS expected to report to spring training.  Remember… he’s 35.

Mark Teixeira

The Yankees on the other hand have a clean opening for the hard hitting first baseman with Jason Giambi more than likely moving on and no hot prospect coming into that position.   

The consensus among MLB insiders seems to be that the Yankees will blow Teixeira and Sabathia away with offers they can’t refuse.  Let’s hope so.

Add to the mix SI is now reporting that Baltimore and Seattle are interested in Teixeira.  It’s going to be interesting.

:: Donnie23

2008 Numbers

According to a source in the Post the Yankees consider Cameron an upgrade from Damon, Gardner and Cabrera.  When Brian Cashman was asked about it he said .”I am not going to tell you that’s right or not, We are going to do whatever to make the team better, that’s the bottom line.”

Can’t say I agree that Cameron would be an upgrade to what they have.  Let’s see some youth in CF!

:: Donnie23