At the deadline, taking on the dough

Now that the trade deadline dust has settled, we can see how the Yankees used their financial might to their advantage this weekend. By taking on the contracts of Austin Kearns, Lance Berkman and Kerry Wood, the Yanks upped their payroll by approximately $4.8 million, and they gave up only a pair of minor leaguers they won’t miss. For a club in the Yanks’ position, the ability to take on money is a key advantage at the deadline. By agreeing to pick up some of these contracts, the Yanks improved their depth without sacrificing any of their promising prospects. That’s how teams like the Yankees should approach the deadline when sellers are asking too much for their talent.