FILLING HOLES BY NICK CAFARDO

I love Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe only because much like my journalism hero, Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record, Cafardo also throws out little nuggets. Here's the difference; Caldera's stuff usually pans out or offers interesting analysis or items you can run with. Cafardo is built on clicks. Nothing wrong with it. Hell, it's more provocative than reading Jon Heyman, but it's not exactly my style of journalism. That being said, his column is always entertaining, I rarely miss it.

(Sept. 7, 2016 - Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

Whatever the case, I'm intrigued when he drops a nugget like this... even though, I highly doubt it would ever happen with first basemen Greg Bird and Tyler Austin waiting in the wings. Then again, I've been wrong before... and there's nothing wrong with that... it's the baseball rumor mill, and it's fun.

(Sept. 29, 2016 - Source: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images North America)    

The name Cafardo connects to the Yankees is ... Ryan Howard.  OK...

I'll wait until you get off the floor and back on your chair...

OK?

OK.

Here's Nick:

(Sept. 30, 2016 - Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America)

"Ryan Howard, 1B, free agent — Howard is still hoping to hook on with a team on a minor league deal and invitation to major league camp. With players off to the World Baseball Classic, some spring training rosters could need beefing up, which could be Howard’s opportunity. Teams such as the Athletics, Rays, and Yankees (with that short porch) might be willing to have him in camp. We’ll see."

(Aug. 11, 2016 - Source: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images North America)    

The idea? It's brilliant. NJ.com expanded:

"Howard hit 25 home runs and posted a .749 OPS vs. right handed pitching."

 Do I see the Yankees doing it? I don't. 

We need a starting pitcher. That's what we need. Seriously.