Thursday night Washburn to Yankees rumors

With Cliff Lee already traded to the Phillies, and Roy Halladay most likely off the table, Jarrod Washburn becomes the Yankees No. 1 target for a starter. Here’s the latest from Jon Heyman and Buster Olney (via MLBTR).

11:05 p.m: Executives from three teams that have spoken with the Mariners tell ESPN.com's Buster Olney that they get the sense the Mariners won't move Washburn. The Mariners made a request earlier today, without asking for Hughes or Chamberlain, but the two sides haven't spoken since.

10:33 p.m: Heyman says the Yankees and Mariners are now "talking Washburn." The Yankees won't part with Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Austin Jackson, Austin Romine or Jesus Montero, but with those exceptions, Heyman says the M's have their pick of Yankees prospects.

The last parts of both reports are almost conflicting, because Heyman says the “M’s have their pick of Yankees prospects,” while Olney says “the two sides haven’t spoken since (earlier in the day).”

I would hope the Yankees would be able to acquire Washburn without the prospects mentioned by Heyman, but at this point a deal seems unlikely to me. Why? Because the Mariners traded for Ian Snell and Jack Wilson on Wednesday, so it seems they aren’t sellers anymore.

If Snell and Washburn are now off the Yankees’ radar, that leaves starter Brian Bannister and Scott Downs as the best bets to join the team. According to Olney, the Royals and Yankees talked about Bannister but ran into trouble with money issues. Ken Davidoff reports that the Blue Jays increased their scouting of Yankees’ prospects, possibly having something to do with a deal for Downs.

Which available starter is best for Yankees?

The Yankees have been linked to practically every starter available in this year’s trade market, specifically Bronson Arroyo, Cliff Lee, Ian Snell, Jarrod Washburn and even Roy Halladay.

Jeff Fletcher of FanHouse reported a couple days ago that the Yankees had scouts at Lee’s last start and also were in serious discussions with the Reds about acquiring Arroyo .

Jon Heyman speculated on MLB Network last night that the Yankees could possibly settle for both Snell and Washburn, rather than Lee or Halladay.

As much as I wish the Yanks could land either Lee or Halladay, I would love to see the Yankees nab two coveted starters at the deadline, especially with the latest news of Chien-Ming Wang.

If I had to choose, I’d go with Snell, unless Washburn would agree to a contract extension right after the deal gets done. Snell is signed through 2010 with two club options and is significantly cheaper than Washburn. I think if the Yankees are going to give up a big-time prospect for a starter, they have to be assured he will be with the team for at least one full season.

Even though Snell is in Triple-A right now, I like his potential. He’s dominating in his small stint in the minors, so it seems he has worked out the kinks. I know pitching in the AL East is asking a lot for a guy who has only won 10 games in a season once, but I just like him as a 27-year-old pitcher.

I’m surprised Heyman didn’t mention Arroyo to the Yankees based on what Fletcher wrote, but that doesn’t bother me. I would consider Arroyo the fifth option at this point, unless the Reds want to eat a significant amount of his pricey contract.

Yankees watching Ian Snell; another Pirate

According to Jenifer Langosch at MLB.com, the Yankees had scouts in attendance of Ian Snell’s start for the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate.

Snell’s line: 5 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K. That’s actually Snell’s worst start by a long-shot since being demoted to correct some flaws. His ERA dropped to 0.96 over six starts and 37-1/3 IP.

The Yankees and Pirates have made a lot of moves together in recent years. Snell could be snagged at a pretty low price I’m guessing, considering he has been awful this year with the Pirates.

I happen to like Snell. He’s a strikeout pitcher, averaging 7.5 K/9 in his career. I think the Yankees should give this guy a shot. If he doesn’t pan out, then send him down. He shouldn’t cost them too much.