Yankees eyeing Sheets, Duchscherer

Mark Feinsand is reporting Brian Cashman is looking into picking up one more starter — namely Ben Sheets or Justin Duchscherer — to allow him to move either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes back to the bullpen.

In regards to my poll, I believe the Yankees first order of business is picking up another starter. However, I think they definitely will add an outfielder/DH as well — whether it’s Johnny Damon or someone of a lesser caliber.

Bottom line, I think the Yankees will spend $10MM on both either a starter or a hitter. Here are the top candidates for both sides:

Top Pitchers	Top Hitters
Roy Halladay	Johnny Damon
John Lackey	Hideki Matsui
Ben Sheets	Jason Bay
Justin Duchscherer	Mark DeRosa

Pick one of those eight. Now pick one from the other category from these eight:

Mediocre Pitchers	Mediocre Hitters
Jason Marquis	Mike Cameron
Pedro Martinez	Nick Johnson
Vicente Padilla	Jack Cust
Aroldis Chapman	Jim Thome

Some of those names mentioned were just my speculation, but most have been linked to the Yankees. My reasoning behind pick one from each table is that the Yankees are trying to cut back on payroll this year, apparently, so there’s no way they could afford to sign two $10MM+ contract guys.

Anyone have another name the Yankees should buy into?

Nova tearing up Dominican Winter League

Remember Ivan Nova?

The righty has been in the Yankees farm system since 2006. He was close to being called up last year despite posting lousy numbers in Triple-A.

Well, my bet is you will definitely be seeing Nova in pinstripes in 2010. After navigating through a part of MLB.com in Spanish, I came across his statistics.

G	GS	W	L	IP	ERA	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	AVG
5	4	1	0	25.2	1.05	17	3	3	0	4	17	1.86	.187

Hello, Nova.

If he continues this success through spring training, I believe he has a chance to make the opening day roster. Most likely, however, you’ll see his debut later in the season.

-----
I touched on Jesus Montero earlier today. Unfortunately, he’s struggling (3-for-26) for the Navegantes del Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Cashman sets soft deadline for Damon

A lot of rumors have surrounded Johnny Damon recently. You can thank crazed (but actually quite smart) agent Scott Boras for that. It seems Brian Cashman has had enough and is setting a soft deadline of re-signing Damon in “about two weeks.”

I like the move by Cashman. It says the Yanks want to re-sign Damon soon, but if necessary, can delay because they understand how valuable Damon’s bat is to their lineup.

No matter how bad you think his arm is, if Damon is re-signed, there is no question he is re-inserted back into the No. 2 spot in the order. With the addition of Curtis Granderson, the Yankees would have the option of making Damon a part-time DH by putting Melky Cabrera in left field. But it’s too early to tell at this point.

Blue Jays want Montero in Halladay deal

What I’ve feared most has finally become reality.

According to Joel Sherman, the Yankees remain in the hunt for Roy Halladay “because the Blue Jays covet prospect Jesus Montero.”

If you’ve been following, I’ve been saying all along that I’d approve a deal for Halladay under two conditions.

1. The Yankees keep Montero.
2. The Yankees deal either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain — not both.

Based on this report, it looks like the only way the Yankees are going to acquire Halladay is by parting with Montero. That’s why I say, it’s time for the Yankees to PULL OUT (like Tiger)!

Why am I clinging to Montero so tightly? He’s one of the best hitting prospects in the minor leagues, and he plays at the most valuable defensive position (catcher). His catching skills need some work, but everyone needs to realize he is only 20 years old. He certainly has time to develop his catching skills.

This brings me to another point, Austin Romine. If you don’t know who he is, he’s also a catcher for Double-A last year with Montero. At the moment, he possesses a better glove than Montero, but doesn’t nearly have the same bat. I’d prefer to keep both catching prospects, but if I had to risk moving one of them, I’d definitely try and sell Romine.

Last call for Wang jokes

Chien-Ming Wang was officially not tendered a contract last night. Brian Cashman called it a tough decision to let go of the near-Cy Young winner from 2007.

“There’s no doubt that we had to make a tough decision,” Cashman said. “We are still hopeful that our relationship can continue, but those decisions are yet to be made.”

As of right now, Wang and the Yankees have no affiliation with each other. It’s still possible the Yankees bring him back as a free agent, but unlikely if they weren’t willing to offer just $4 million to him. Sergio Mitre, Melky Cabrera and Chad Gaudin were all tendered contracts, according to RAB’s Mike Axisa.

So, if you have any last words for Wang, feel free to post them in the comments section.