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A Year ago the Yankees arrived in Dallas for the Winter Meetings and let the baseball world know they were willing to talk about dealing A.J. Burnett and possibly Ivan Nova.
When general manager Brian Cashman arrives in Nashville tomorrow morning for the start of this year’s meetings, the shingle outside his hotel room will say “BUYERS.’’
With Nick Swisher looking for multiple years and dollars that don’t fit into the Yankees’ budget and Russell Martin bolting for Pittsburgh for a two-year deal worth $17 million, the Yankees have colossal holes to fill in right field and behind the plate.
The groundwork for the Burnett deal to the Pirates in February was started in Dallas. So, too, were talks with Seattle that eventually led to the Yankees acquiring Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero in January.
Can the Yankees find a catcher and right fielder in trades or from the free-agent pool in four days? Highly unlikely.
Getting Mariano Rivera ($10 million), Andy Pettitte ($12 million) and Hiroki Kuroda ($15 million) signed before the beef market opens tomorrow in the lobbies and rooms of the Opryland Hotel allows the Yankees to switch their focus from pitching to position players.
Much has been made of the Yankees’ desire to get to $189 million for 2014, but Cashman warns the Yankees still can make headlines.
“We are still capable of a lot. People should be leery of us and afraid of us,’’ Cashman said. “If we can strike and pounce on something that makes a lot of sense for us … just stay tuned.”
There is no denying the holes Cashman has to fill are large, but they are the only two, unless a team comes out of the Tennessee woods looking to acquire Alex Rodriguez. At that point third base would be another need, but don’t expect that to happen.
So which vacancy is more important? We will start with …
CATCHER
In the aftermath of Martin leaving, Cashman said Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine could be in line to fill the void.
“It’s possible our catchers are on the roster right now,’’ Cashman said. “That is very well possible, and more likely than not, but we will see.’’
When you realize there is zero catching available in the trade market, that could make a big impact. With the free-agent list not being very deep, there is a chance Cervelli or Romine could get the opportunity.
Of the two, the 26-year-old Cervelli has more big league experience, but he spent last season at Triple-A. Romine, 24, was limited to 31 minor league games last year — 17 at Triple-A due to a back injury. Capable backup Chris Stewart is also on the roster.
Free agents A.J. Pierzynski and Mike Napoli aren’t a fit for the Yankees.
RIGHT FIELD
Free agents Josh Hamilton and Michael Bourn are out. If Shane Victorino, who scouts believe has the arm to play right field, is looking for three or four years, he is out. Scott Hairston is attractive, but is he the everyday answer or part of a platoon? Ichiro Suzuki wants to return, but what role do the Yankees have for him? Former darlings Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui are out. Depending on where the market goes on Cody Ross, he could be a fit. Dare we mention Jason Bay?
As for trade options, the Rockies will listen to offers for Michael Cuddyer, who the Yankees liked when he was a free agent after the 2011 season. The Rockies have an interest in some of the Yankees’ prospects. Cuddyer’s $10.5 million for 2013 likely isn’t a deal killer, but the $10.5 million for 2014 could be.
If a team has a talented shortstop to deal, Arizona will listen on right fielder Justin Upton. However, he has $38.5 million left over the next three seasons.
george.king@nypost.com