RUMORS IN YANKEELAND

It’s that time already…it’s only May and there are some big names popping up in the rumor mill. The Yankees have a log jam on the disabled list right now. Think of it like as that line you wait on during your lunch break at your favorite place to grab a quick bite. I feel like that is us right now. Since that line is so long, the Yankees will probably be in another line for potential suitors that could be on the chopping block with other teams.

The Yankees have a lot of questionable positions to address, especially after such a quiet off season. Now the Yankees are going to be connected to every name and if they make a move let’s just hope we don’t give someone valuable up for a band-aid. We already have two players that we picked up that will cost a player to be named later or cash. At any rate, let’s get the conversation going.

Brendan Ryan:  A good shortstop is hard to find. With Derek Jeter out indefinitely and now Eduardo Nunez battling with his own nagging injuries and on the DL, read HERE, the Yankees could look for some extra infield help. This isn’t the first time that the Yankees will look at infield help though and he can play second, shortstop, and third base. Back in March the Yankees were reportedly talking to Yuniesky Betancourt, which made us wonder if the Yankees confidence in Nunez was wavering, read YANKEE RUMORS: BETANCOURT AND GARCIA. If Nunez is going to spend time on the disabled list the Yankees will need a backup for Jayson Nix. This brings the possibility for Brendan Ryan, because he has recently lost his starting role to Robert Andino, read that HERE. He could give the Yankees some help defensively. He is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, but his bat isn’t very potent. If they are worried about tightening up defensively, Ryan could be an upgrade, but they would have to be OK with a trade off for a lack of offense. Some team out there would take a chance on Ryan though, but will it be the Yankees? Maybe Kevin Long could work his magic on him.

Cliff Lee: I still don’t get this right now, but Lee is already labeled a question mark. It’s no secret that the Yankees have always been fascinated with him. The Yankees were willing to give up Jesus Montero and David Adams to get him. If Adams were healthy, he might be in the Bronx today. So now that the Phillies are struggling and started with a 12-16 record, there are people who are questioning if the Phillies will look to free up some money and give some of their younger prospects a shot, read that HERE. I’m not going to buy into it yet though. Right now the Phillies are missing Roy Halladay. He may not be the same pitcher he was years ago but without Lee the Phillies have no sure answers in their rotation after Cole Hamels. Anything is possible in baseball, and sometimes where there is smoke there is fire. I guess time will tell.

Brian McCann: He is set to be a free agent next year, and the Braves do have two other catchers. The Braves also have an interesting lineup challenge, too many big bats and not enough spots to put them all in, read more HERE. Evan Gattis is the next big catching superstar for the Braves and they have a serviceable back up in Gerald Laird, so maybe it is time for them to cut ties now. The team doesn’t need three catchers and playing Gattis in the outfield isn’t ideal for them if they want him to get used to being an everyday catcher. McCann may have his injury woes, but the Braves know that he will be attractive to another team out there. Why wait to let him walk away when they can trade him for some fresh talent? The Yankees have done well with Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart, but realistically, the Yankees are going to want a catcher with more offense later if the Yankees are to contend like we expect them to. McCann’s swing fits perfectly for Yankee stadium. He could do some damage with the short porch in right. I think McCann is on the move, but will he be Bronx bound?

Things are going to get interesting. I know I am anxious to see what moves the Yankees will make, especially if we continue to fight the injury bug. So who are you hearing rumors about? Who do you want to come to the Bronx? Share and comment!

--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ



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BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE PLAYER TRACKER #9

Hiroki Kuroda: The Yankees are trying the lock him in, but the Angels are now involved and trying to nail down Kuroda as well.  Read about it HERE.  I am confident the Yanks can get Kuroda back next year.  To be honest, I'd be sad to see him go.

BJ Upton: The Atlanta Braves have met with Upton at Turner Field.  Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that HERE.  The Braves consider him to be one of the most attractive outfielders available on the free agent market. I think they mean ability and not looks. Stay tuned...

Ricky Nolasco: Marlins President David Samson was asked if Nolasco would be with the Marlins this winter and he answered "Yes, Yes... I guess I would say if the phone rings and something crazy happens, but I would expect him to be here." Read HERE. In other words, if the price is right, Ricky Nolasco is going to be traded.  What a stupid answer.

Raul Ibanez: The Yankees and he are in "preliminary" talks about resigning him. That comes from Dan Martin of the New York Post, HERE. I've said it a thousand times...I want him back. I hope the Yanks can lock him in.

Josh Hamilton: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.com says that the Red Sox are looking to do something big.  Hamilton is big.  He writes in this piece HERE that one competing GM said "Boston wants to do something big and it wouldn't shock me if they became players for Josh Hamilton." We'll keep an eye on this one.

Gerald Laird: The Atlanta Braves have signed Laird to a 2 year deal. He will be the backup catcher.  That comes from Ken Rosenthal HERE. God I love Twitter.

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.