Mark Feinsand is reporting Brian Cashman is looking into picking up one more starter — namely Ben Sheets or Justin Duchscherer — to allow him to move either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes back to the bullpen.
In regards to my poll, I believe the Yankees first order of business is picking up another starter. However, I think they definitely will add an outfielder/DH as well — whether it’s Johnny Damon or someone of a lesser caliber.
Bottom line, I think the Yankees will spend $10MM on both either a starter or a hitter. Here are the top candidates for both sides:
| Top Pitchers | Top Hitters |
| Roy Halladay | Johnny Damon |
| John Lackey | Hideki Matsui |
| Ben Sheets | Jason Bay |
| Justin Duchscherer | Mark DeRosa |
Pick one of those eight. Now pick one from the other category from these eight:
| Mediocre Pitchers | Mediocre Hitters |
| Jason Marquis | Mike Cameron |
| Pedro Martinez | Nick Johnson |
| Vicente Padilla | Jack Cust |
| Aroldis Chapman | Jim Thome |
Some of those names mentioned were just my speculation, but most have been linked to the Yankees. My reasoning behind pick one from each table is that the Yankees are trying to cut back on payroll this year, apparently, so there’s no way they could afford to sign two $10MM+ contract guys.
Anyone have another name the Yankees should buy into?
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I think they'd be more likely to sign Holliday than Bay. I'm not even sure why you mentioned Bay really. I can't see there being any way they'd give the Sox their 1st round draft pick and spend all that money as long as Holliday was available.
I'd agree with that.
How about Jon Garland in the mediocre pitcher section? He eats innings, doesnt get injured and pitched in the AL before. I would definately prefer him over any one of those pitchers in the mediocre section.
Once again, I'd agree with that.
I'd like to see us take a chance on Sheets. If he's healthy – a big if, I know – he could be a terrific pickup.
But $10MM+ for a high-risk, high-reward? He and his agnet must lower his price tag.
I've been a fan of J-Dukes for a while now. I'd like him to fill out the bullpen as of right now, though, taking Aceves' spot as long/swing man. If he could, that'd be three guys who could go multiple innings out of the 'pen. It may make LaRussa's head explode, but it'd be pretty awesome.