The Yankees are looking to add to their offense for the second half of the 2010 season.
According to Ed Price of AOLFunhouse and MLB Trade Rumors, the Yankees are showing major interest in Baltimore Orioles utility player Ty Wigginton.
Wigginton is in the final year of his contract with the last-place Orioles and has been rumored to be on the trading block.
Trading for a guy like Wigginton would make sense for the Yankees.
The Yankees need a guy who can play multiple positions and be able to give guys like Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez days off when needed. Wigginton can play all of the infield positions, the DH, and even the outfield if needed.
If anything, Wigginton could be the regular DH if needed for the team, especially if he gets on a hot streak. In 2010, Wigginton is hitting .258 with 14 home runs and 42 RBI in just 73 games for the Orioles.
The 14 home runs by Wigginton leads all Baltimore hitters. Adding him to an already deep lineup would make perfect sense.
Rumor has it that the Orioles are looking for a shortstop in return for a trade, especially for Wigginton. They might ask for Yankees minor league shortstop Eduardo Nunez.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports called the demand by Baltimore a self-defeating one because any team like the Yankees would be unlikely to deal away a young shortstop to rent Wigginton for a few months.
Chances are, if the Yankees don’t part with Wigginton, they would find another player to offer the Orioles, who are already looking to dump money. Wigginton is making about $3.5 million right now, which isn’t a huge contract for the Yankees to take on.
This type of move would be slightly similar to the one made for Jerry Hairston, Jr. last season. Hairston could play about six or seven different positions and gave the Yankees some real depth on the bench.
Wigginton is not as quick or athletic as Hairston, especially since Hairston can play the outfield and Wigginton isn’t known for it. Wigginton makes up for it as a much better and stronger hitter who can produce runs.
If the Yankees can give up minimal prospects for Wigginton, then I am all for adding him to the team. He’s not going to be an everyday player. As a utility bench player, he’s a lot better than Ramiro Pena or Kevin Russo.
With Marcus Thames still on the disabled list and Nick Johnson still recovering from wrist surgery, the Yankees need to add a strong bat.
We know they won’t add Lance Berkman and his contract. The White Sox’s recent revival into the A.L. Central pennant race means Paul Konerko is unlikely. So the Yankees have to look at other options.
The 32-year old Wigginton is a cheaper option and for three months, seems like a reasonable gamble the Yankees can make.
The Yankees still have less than a month to make a deal. They’ve been known to move early like last year’s acquisition of Eric Hinske, who helped them during their second half run and into the playoffs.
The Orioles know they are finished and most of the older players are on the block. The Yankees and Brian Cashman should give Orioles GM Andy MacPhail a call and see what they can work out.
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