According to Chris Singleton of ESPN, the Yankees are in serious talks with super-utility infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. It’s a pretty vague tweet, but from what we’ve heard it’s likely to be a one-year deal in the $2-$3 million range.
There has been some talk around the internet that this might keep the Yankees from signing another outfielder, but I feel that at the right price the Yankees are in the market to sign anyone. That includes Reed Johnson and probably even Johnny Damon. Although Hairston certainly has the ability, at least defensively, to fill in for outfielders.
I love the idea of Hairston as a bench player, but I think the Yanks can do a little better for a left fielder. I’d much prefer Damon or Gomes. Still, Jerry Jr. is exactly the type of player the club needs to round out the bench.