We know the Yankees have interest in Michael Morse. Morse is clearly the best available option for the them to add a bat.
They aren't adding any infielders. GM Brian Cashman has said numerous times he is going with Francisco Cervelli/Chris Stewart/Austin Romine at catcher. So outfield is the only spot where you can add the bat that even Hal Steinbrenner is on the record saying they need. They remain in on Scott Hairston, but have been pessimistic. The longer that goes, maybe things change.
Still, Morse seems like the superior option. The Nationals need a lefty reliever and the Yankees have Boone Logan. So would you deal him? If it is just Logan, I say yes. If it is more than that, you have to think a little harder. But let's examine why to trade the man Joe Girardi calls "Booney."
1) Money, Money, Money: The arbitration-eligible Logan is going to make over $2 million this season. Next year, he is a free agent. No doubt, you would like to have Logan on the team. He has been very solid for the Yankees, but, if he has another good season, will the Yankees want to give him a three-year deal for $3-$4M per? Those multi-year reliever contracts are generally not good. So sell a year early before the $189M budget ceiling hits.
2) Pen Pals: Girardi, along with co-pilot, Larry Rothschild, are tremendous with the bullpen. We all have fun with The Binder, but part of the reason that the Yankees find a Cory Wade, a Clay Rapada and a Cody Eppley is how effective Girardi and Rothschild use their pen. They put relievers in the right spot.
3) Backups: Rapada and Cesar Cabral could replace Logan. The Yankees would be taking a chance, but they like what Rapada did last year. He held lefties to a .186 average in 102 at-bats. Lefties hit .231 in 121 at-bats against Logan. Cabral was hurt all of last season, but the Yankees like his talent. He will be 24 when spring training begins.
QUESTION: Would you trade Logan in a Morse deal?
