With the big fish still in the pond, the Yankees re-arranged their sock draw yesterday when they welcomed back Mike Stanton and John Flaherty and added right-handed reliever Felix Rodriguez.
Nobody is talking about Jason Giambi’s future in Pinstripes. Randy Johnson talks are cold.
They still haven’t made offers to Carlos Beltran, Pedro Martinez, Carl Pavano, Eric Milton or Brad Radke but will host Pavano today at Yankee Stadium. Discussions continue with Miguel Cairo and Jon Lieber.
Stanton was reacquired from the Mets for Felix Heredia, Flaherty signed a one-year contract for $800,000 and Rodriguez came from the Phillies for center fielder Kenny Lofton.
The Yankees also sent the Phils $1.5 million, or half of what Lofton will make next season.
As of today, Stanton is the lone lefty in the Yankee bullpen, but that could change if they sign free agent Ron Villone.
GM Brian Cashman said Rodriguez would be used in the setup role to help get games to Mariano Rivera. Flaherty returns for his third year as Jorge Posada’s backup.
With Lofton – who never fit into the Yankees’ universe – gone, Cashman said Bernie Williams was the starting center fielder.
That could be an indication Beltran may not sign with the Yankees, although they and the Angels are considered the favorites to ink the switch-hitting center fielder.
Chances are strong that Williams will be the DH before Christmas. If the Yankees don’t land Beltran, they could sign J.D. Drew or trade for Alfonso Soriano and move him from second to center.
Before Giambi’s grand jury testimony surfaced, Cashman spoke to the agents for first basemen Richie Sexson and Carlos Delgado.
Cashman didn’t say if coaches Roy White, Luis Sojo and Rich Monteleone are definitely returning. They likely are, with Monteleone helping Neil Allen with the bullpen duties.