YANKEE NOTES
ST. PETERSBURG – If the Phillies finally decide to trade right fielder Bobby Abreu, they could find themselves in the middle of another Red Sox-Yankees bidding battle.
The Red Sox have made multiple inquiries to the Phillies about Abreu’s availability. And the Yankees are interested in adding a bona fide bat to an inconsistent lineup and have been linked to Abreu for a while.
Abreu is owed $15 million next year and there is a $16 million option for 2008 with a $2 million buyout.
The Yankees could swallow next year’s money, because if they don’t pick up Gary Sheffield’s $13 million option for 2007, Abreu would cost them $2 million next year. Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon is a free agent after this season. Of course, Boston could again try to move Manny Ramirez this coming offseason. Ramirez is owed $18 million next year and $20 million in 2008.
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Considering the Yankees not only claimed Aaron Guiel off waivers from Kansas City but started him in right field Thursday against the Indians, GM Brian Cashman was asked yesterday if he had any interest in pitcher Sidney Ponson and outfielder Luis Matos.
“I have no idea, I haven’t thought about it,” Cashman said of the players who were recently designated for assignment by the Cardinals and Orioles, respectively.
The Yankees dropped Shawn Chacon from the rotation and are starting journeyman Kris Wilson today against the Devil Rays. However, it’s not known if the 29-year-old Ponson is a better option. In 14 games for St. Louis, he was 4-4 with a 5.24 ERA, and has an 80-95 career record.
With an outfield of Melky Cabrera, Bubba Crosby and Bernie Williams Friday night and Guiel on the bench, the Yankees are thin, and recalled Kevin Thompson from Triple-A Columbus yesterday. On paper, the right-handed hitting Matos doesn’t appear to be an upgrade, since he hit .207 in 55 games. He is a career .256 hitter.
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Robinson Cano worked out yesterday afternoon at Tropicana Field and it appeared everything went well except the baserunning. It was the first time Cano ran the bases since going on the DL June 27 with a strained left hamstring.
Cano took grounders, turned double plays, took batting practice and ran the bases as Joe Torre, Larry Bowa, Don Mattingly, trainer Gene Monahan and strength and conditioning coach Jeff Mangold watched.
Cano ran from first to second three times and stopped. After talking to Torre as he walked off the field, Cano flung his hat into the dugout.
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Jorge Posada becomes a 10 and 5 player today, meaning he can’t be traded without his permission.
What’s more, Posada needs 18 more starts behind the plate for a $12-million option to kick in next year. Once it does, Posada holds a $4-million option in his hands for 2008. If he refuses it, there is a $4-million buyout. So, Posada is 18 starts away from a guaranteed $16 million.
According to Cashman and Posada, there have been no discussions about a multi-year deal.