New York Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman has a potential trade in place for slugger Gary Sheffield, according to a Newsday report.
The Long Island, N.Y. newspaper reported the news citing an unnamed official from another American League team. But it appears that Cashman is not ready to pull the trigger on a trade. In fact, a person familiar with the Yankees' plans reportedly told the newspaper that "there is no urgency to the process." The team apparently wants to wait to see if Sheffield's trade market value improves.
The Cubs and Phillies seem to be the teams most interested in acquiring Sheffield, whom Newsday called "an attractive, more affordable alternative to free-agent sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee."
Those sluggers are likely to land long-term deals this winter. Sheffield, meanwhile, will cost a team $13 million for next season with $4.5 million deferred.
The Yankees, according to Newsday have until Sunday to pick up Sheffield's contract option, and are expected to do so shortly after agreeing to a trade, which now seems inevitable.
Sheffield, meanwhile, made his feelings public in a USA Today story last week that he is not happy about the Yankees' plans to pick up his option and then trade him.
Why?
He would rather try to get a three-year deal on the free-agent market. What's more, the veteran slugger has publicly warned teams interested in dealing for him that he is going to want a contract extension.
An American League team official told Newsday that the Yankees are open to all kinds of (trade) packages. And Cashman reportedly could accept a deal that would include prospects, bullpen help or a starting pitcher.
The Rangers and Indians are thought to be among the AL teams interested in a possible Sheffield trade. But the Yankees might avoid trading him to an AL team simply to avoid facing him too often next season.
