The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is fast approaching and come Monday morning, teams will essentially have their lineups for the remainder of the 2011 season.
The New York Yankees, 2 1/2 games behind the Red Sox for the lead in the AL East, aren’t expected to make any major deals, but adding a starting pitcher to a questionable rotation could happen before Sunday’s deadline.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has been listed as a top target for New York. Although Kuroda has a no-trade clause and wants to remain a Dodger, coming to a contender and leaving the spectacle that has become Dodgers could change his mind.
The return of Phil Hughes hasn’t been what Joe Girardi and the Yankees have expected, making a push for Kuroda seemingly inevtiable. Hughes has given up 28 hits in four starts since his return from the disabled list. And if A.J. Burnett doesn’t have what it takes to be the number two guy behind CC Sabathia, the Yankees may be left with no choice.
Wandy Rodriguez has also been listed as a potential target for New York, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.
The Red Sox, dealing with an injury to Clay Buchholz, have also reportedly eyed pitching help of their own, particularly Mariners’ lefty Erik Bedard. Getting Bedard would bolster the rotation while keeping a dangerous southpaw away from the Bronx.
Seeing Sabathia and Bedard, two left-handers, in the postseason doesn’t bode well for the left-handed loaded Red Sox lineup.
Whether or not the Yankees will make a move remains unclear. The Red Sox, however, could take one solid option away while improving their rotation for a postseason run.
