ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Don’t ever believe the Yankees won’t do something before the trade deadline.
It might not be a sexy deal, but the Yankees have a history of adding something to the mix. So, to rule them completely out of making a trade before Friday’s non-waiver deadline would be foolish.
However, as of last night before the sizzling Yankees faced the Rays at Tropicana Field, manager Joe Girardi didn’t think he would be greeting a new face Saturday.
TONIGHT’S PREVIEW: Yankees at Rays
“I am not sure we will do anything as of right now,” said Girardi, who didn’t rule out trades being made after the deadline due to the economy, since teams won’t be inclined to make a claim to block a deal and get stuck with a high-priced player they really don’t need.
“Right now I am not planning on anything,” Girardi said. “Until something happens, I don’t plan on it. I don’t think there is a sense of urgency to make a move.”
At 61-38, the Yankees had the best record in the American League, led the Red Sox by 2½ games in the East and had won 10 of 11. Their starting rotation was rolling and they had won eight of their last nine series.
If the Yankees make a move it will likely be for a backup center fielder to fill in for Brett Gardner (fractured left thumb) or a reliever, preferably left-handed to go with Phil Coke. Damaso Marte is on the way back from a tender left shoulder, but nobody is sure what the lefty reliever will be able to contribute.
From the start of the Roy Halladay Sweepstakes on July 6, the Yankees have been just a little more than bystanders. However, they are against adding payroll and Halladay, the best right-hander in baseball, is due $15.75 million next year.
Lefties Cliff Lee (Cleveland) and Jarrod Washburn (Seattle) are being talked about, but the Indians want as much as the Blue Jays are asking for Halladay and the Mariners haven’t decided they are out of the postseason hunt.
The Yankees don’t have much of an interest in Josh Anderson, late of the Tigers who was designated for assignment late last week. Josh Grabow (Pittsburgh) and Chad Qualls (Arizona) are relievers who might be dealt.
Girardi said it’s possible that Ramiro Pena, a utility infielder who has been playing center field at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, could join the team “as soon as today.” Girardi wants to make sure he has enough coverage in the bullpen that was without Alfredo Aceves for the second straight game last night because he was “tired.”
A year ago the Yankees acquired outfielder Xavier Nady and Marte from Pittsburgh on July 26.
Girardi pointed out the difference by referencing the standings. Last year on this day the Yankees were third in the AL East and four games out of first place.
“At this time last year we were a ways back and we thought we had to improve our club,” Girardi said. “This year, we’re playing very well. There’s a good feeling about this club and the guys in the room that we’re going to get the job done every day. But if we do make a move it’ll be welcome because I believe if the move is made, we feel it’ll make us better.”