With Sheffield back on the DL and his return very uncertain the Yankees are now missing their corner outfielders who have both produced 30 homers and over 100 RBI. Granted, Melky Cabrera has been a godsend but over the course of a 162 game schedule the Yankees will need to replace that pop in the lineup.

Michael Kay mentioned during the broadcast last night that the Washington Post was reporting that Stan Kasten (former Braves GM) who represents the new Nationals ownership wants to clean house and accumulate prospects for the future. This means that guys like Alfonso Soriano, Jose Guillen, Jose Vidro and Livan Hernandez will probably be dealt.

The name that pops out to me would be Soriano. He is not the defensive replacement we need, but you can't ignore that bat. He is close to twenty homers already and can do it all offensively. The other rumor is a three way trade with the Phillies and Marlins where the Yankees would end up with Pat Burrell and Willis would go the Phillies. The Marlins would get prospects from both trading partners.

I think the Yankees should pursue Torii Hunter from the Twins. He will be a free agent after the season and would be great in center with Damon moving to left. Damon already has stated he wouldn't mind playing left if the Yankees could snatch Hunter. The Yankees outfield defense is not good. Damon can go after the ball, but can't throw. Sheffield is a question mark and when he does come back is not good defensively. Cabrera has been great with the bat and threw out a runner last night to save a run for the Yankees. Bernie Williams has slowed down and everyone knows has no arm at all. Hunter is a great gold glove center fielder and also a force offensively.

As for pitching, Livan Hernandez has pitched on winning clubs with the Marlins and eats up innings. Remember the last few years the Yankees bullpen has died in the postseason from overwork during the long season.

The problem for the Yankees in any deal though is coming up with prospects. Phillip Hughes seems to be the top pitching prospect but is only at the double A level. As for hitters, we have Eric Duncan, Kevin Thompson, Kevin Reese and Mitch Jones to dangle in front of team. Would the Yankees give up Cabrera or Chien Ming-Wang to acquire someone who could get us to the postseason?