Struggling to Plug the Holes: Centerfield

With Matsui locked up (4yrs, $52 million), Brian Cashman can finally focus his attention to the remaining open spots in the team's roster. If only the free agent market would cooperate. Early reports that top-tier guys like BJ Ryan and Brian Giles might be Bronx-bound have begun to fade away as indications are that the two (among many others) aren't willing to play in the intense environment of Yankee Stadium. It appears it's time now for Cash to prove he's worthy of the 3-year $5 million contract he got earlier this offseason by coming up with a creative (likely trade-based) solution to the Yankees remaining holes in center and the bullpen.

Center. As of right now, Cashman is content with going into spring training with Bubba Crosby penciled in as the Yankees' everyday centerfielder. Crosby is solid enough defensively to do the job, and has been getting support from the coaching staff (especially Don Mattingly) for his offensive capabilities.

The current big name target for the Yanks is Giles. Although he's barely played any centerfield in his career, he could also be used in right field (with Sheff at DH), as a lineup addition for the purpose of hiding Crosby's weak bat. The Yanks are also apparently interested in Johnny Damon, but only if the centerfielder is willing to accept a significantly smaller offer than he is currently seeking.

Other free agent centerfield options include Juan Encarnacion, Jacque Jones, and Preston Wilson, however the Yankees have not shown any interest in them.

The Yanks could also try to fill the hole through the trade route. Juan Pierre and Torii Hunter were early targets, but Hunter's expensive price and Pierre's questionable defense have turned the Yankees away. With the impending trade of Aaron Rowand for Jim Thome, the Phillies might try to move one of their three centerfielders (Rowand, Jason Michaels, or Endy Chavez).

Other potential trade partners include the Tigers (Craig Monroe), Nationals (Brad Wilkerson), Cubs (Corey Patterson), Dodgers (Milton Bradley), and in a long shot the Mariners (Ichiro Suzuki). However, Cashman's unwillingness to part with young talent will make any trade a difficult one to negotiate.