Report: Yankees Are Front-Runners for Diamondbacks Ace Dan Haren

The New York Yankees didn’t wait long to move on after failing to acquire All-Star pitcher Cliff Lee. The team has now shifted its focus to Arizona Diamondbacks ace Dan Haren.

According to FoxSports.com, talks have remained fluid between the teams, and there are indications that the Yankees are the front-runners to land the three-time All-Star.

It’s unclear who the Yankees would trade in such a deal, but FoxSports.com reports that their package would certainly be heavier on pitching, with the Diamondbacks requesting an "A-plus" package in return.

Zach McAllister —who was rumored to be heading to Texas as part of the Lee deal– and Ivan Nova are two pitching prospects that may entice the D-Backs.

Haren began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in a deal that netted the Cards left-hander Mark Mulder. Haren was then traded to Arizona in December 2007 after posting an All-Star season with the A’s.

The 29-year-old was expected to form a potent one-two combo with Brandon Webb in Arizona, but Webb has failed to stay healthy.

Haren is 86-70 with a 3.71 ERA in eight major league seasons (217 games, 208 starts). He finished fifth in the National League Cy Young voting last season, after going 14-10 with a 3.14 ERA. This season, the right-hander has struggled at times as he posts a 7-8 record with a 4.60 ERA.

Lee, whom the Yankees lost out on to the Texas Rangers last week, is 99-56 with a 3.83 ERA in nine major league seasons (210 games, 206 starts).

While Lee may be regarded as the better pitcher, there is no denying Haren’s ability to serve as a workhorse. He has pitched more than 200 innings five straight seasons, and seems poised to accomplish the feat again in 2010.

The Tigers, Twins, Phillies and Cardinals are believed to be among the other teams bidding for Haren.