Kepner, Cash talk Yankees

Tyler Kepner sat down with some Q.T. with Brian Cashman earlier this week, and the results are in today’s Times. The Yanks’ GM talked about his outfield situation, the Hot Stove League and his recovering All Stars.

On trading Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher:

“It depends on the trade talk,” Cashman said. “If we feel there’s a benefit, we’ll make a move. That’s basically it. We’re in a position where we don’t have to make a move, so that’s a strong position to be in. We could have them all year. We’re not going to do anything unless there’s a reason to do it.”

On Jorge Posada’s and Mariano Rivera’s respective rehab efforts:

“Our catcher and closer are coming off shoulder surgeries,” Cashman said. “That’s what concerns me, and that’s what people should be focused on. Everything is coming along fine, but nobody usually has hiccups this early. Posada’s just throwing at 90 feet on flat ground and Mo’s not even throwing yet.”

Posada will not be able to catch by the exhibition opener Feb. 25, Cashman said, but he is on track to be ready for the regular-season opener April 6. Rivera does not throw in January even when he is healthy, so his schedule is not alarming. But it is Cashman’s job to fret.

“Mo’s surgery wasn’t as serious as Posada’s,” Cashman said. “But it’s still shoulder surgery.”

Meanwhile — and somewhat related — comes the news via a Ken Rosenthal column that the Yankees are not really interested in Ben Sheets or Freddy Garcia. Considering how Cashman would like to find a starter, those two players are no sure thing. As Kepner hints at and as Rosenthal basically states, the Yankees are looking to fill the innings with someone who will deliver innings and not someone with the potential to be a top-flight starter as Sheets would be but has a questionable MRI dogging him.

Everyone in baseball seems to be in a holding part. Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn and Manny Ramirez rumors have gone dark (although Bryan Hoch says Manny won’t be a Yankee). When the dust settles, however, and pitchers and catchers report in 26 days, the Yanks may head to camp with a few roster tweaks yet.