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Washburn could be New York-bound shortly

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According to Jon Heyman, the Yanks and Mariners “may be close” on a deal to bring Jarrod Washburn to New York. The move would be a strict salary dump; the Yanks would take on all of Washburn’s contract and would not send anyone to Seattle. Washburn, a clear upgrade over Sidney Ponson or Darrell Rasner, is scheduled to start tomorrow afternoon’s Mariners-Blue Jay. So keep your eye on the game in Toronto; if Washburn is scratched or removed early, expect him in the Bronx sooner rather than later. We’ll wrap up today’s excellent 10-3 victory over the Red Sox later.

Update: Via MLBTR comes word that the M’s are holding up the deal because they want, according to Ken Rosenthal, a “top prospect.” They could probably draw out a prospect from the Yanks but not a top one in a salary dump. Keep your eye on tomorrow’s probables and the M’s-Jays game for more indications of a possible trade.

Rumors, rumors everywhere nor any drop of truth

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You want your rumors; we’ll give your rumors. Or at least, we’ll dispel them. PeteAbe reports that the Yanks are not interested in a catcher or Barry Bonds but are still hoping to land Jarrod Washburn. Jon Heyman writes that the Yanks are “considering” Bronson Arroyo, won’t be able to pry A.J. Burnett from the Jays and said no to a trade with Seattle involving both Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner. He also says those Robinson Cano rumors have not an ounce of truth to them. So there you go. Have fun.

The backstop conundrum

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Based on the rumors, as Ken Rosenthal reports them, the Yankees are interested in upgrading at catcher. Kenny says that Gerald Laird of Texas could be a potential match for the Yanks; we advocated for Josh Bard. Now while Laird has shown some ability to hit this year, his career numbers — .257/.308/.387 — are none too inspiring. >

But the bigger problem is the Yanks’ position. Everyone knows the team is looking for an upgrade over the Molina/Mueller tandem. Why would anyone be willing to sell for a reasonable price? Teams with excess catchers always have the upper hand in trade talks, and the Yanks would be buying from a position of weakness. Don’t expect a move behind the plate.

The Washburn deal won’t come easy

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As rumors continue to mount about a Jarrod Washburn-to-the-Yanks deal, a few developments late last night have me thinking that this won’t be a quick or easy deal. In fact, these sticking points could portend the collapse of a deal with a team notable for its unwillingness to trade. Ken Rosenthal reports that Washburn’s limited no-trade clause may complicate things. Jarrod could veto a deal to the Yanks, according to Rosenthal’s sources, and while one way to placate the lefty would be more cash, the Yanks aren’t going to be too willing to kick more money into Washburn after they pick up his hefty contract.

Meanwhile, Jon Heyman reports that the Mariners may want the Yankees to take Jose Vidro too. Vidro would be dead weight on the Yanks, and his contract complicates these talks as well. Of course, right now, this is all just rumor and conjecture from unnamed sources, but it goes a long way toward illustrated why we as a fanbase shouldn’t put too much stock into these various reports. The Yanks may be kicking the tires on Washburn, but it takes a lot more that interest to seal a deal when millions of dollars are at stake.

Yanks considering Sexson

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You knew this one was coming: The Yanks are having internal discussion on whether or not to pursue Richie Sexson, reports Tyler Kepner. Sexson was recently released by the Mariners because of his .218/.315/.381 season line, but on the Yankees, that would make him a number six hitter. (And, yes, I know he’s hit lefties well this season, but we’re talking 61 ABs. That’s hardly an appropriate sample size.)

Yanks eying Rockies’ Fuentes

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Ed Price reports that the Yankees — and Red Sox — are scouting the Rockies’ lefty Brian Fuentes. The soon-to-be 33-year-old Colorado closer has put together a good season and has long drawn the Yanks’ eye. But Price speculates that the price for Fuentes could be the up-and-coming Mark Melancon. Melancon is 4-0 with a 2.34 ERA in 61.2 innings. He has struck out 57 and better than one per inning since moving up to Trenton. Double A opponents are hitting just .167 off of him, and to this rumored trade, I say unequivocally no. N-O.