Reports: Yankees close to acquiring Washburn
By Ted Mero on July 26th, 2008 7:53 PM |

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney and Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees could acquire left-handed starter Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners in the next day or two. Olney says New York is willing to take on the $13-$14 million for the rest of this season and next season (I’m shocked) in what will largely amount to a salary dump by the lowly M’s. Seattle may want a top prospect from the Yanks, but ultimately it sounds like New York might not have to give up a whole lot to get Washburn.
Washburn would have to waive his no-trade clause, but it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t do so.
Washburn is 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA this season, but has allowed two earned runs or less in seven of his last eight starts. This would be another great pick-up for the Yankees, adding the back-of-the-rotation starter they covet to take the place of the overacheiving Sidney Ponson or disappointing Darrell Rasner. No question the veteran Washburn is an uprgrade over those guys.
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Actually Washburn has a limited no trade claus which states that he can veto a trade to 8 teams of his choice. One of those teams are the Yankees. If the Yankees were to trade for him I’m sure someone would have to throw some extra money his way. Or maybe they’re banking on him wanting to go from a last place team to a first place team.
I heard Melky and Gardener’s names thrown around in rumors. I wonder which guy Yankee fans would be sadder to see go at this point.
Washburn pitching for Seattle this afternoon. Weird, given that this story was reported everywhere. What’s the hold up? Brian Bannister? Give me a break.
Apparently the hold up is that Seattle wants more in return. Apparently a team which is rebuilding wants good prospects in return for removing $15 million of crap off their hands.
At least that crap is better than Ponson.