It is no secret that the injury-ravaged New York Yankees could use some bodies to fill holes in left field and first base, as well as depth for their older players all over the diamond. According to ESPN's Andrew Marchand, Cashman has placed calls to the agents of Derrek Lee and Scott Rolen, while telling reporters to tweet his interest in Chipper Jones in an effort to think "outside the box."
Cashman seems particularly enamored with Jones, saying "If Chipper wants to come back, I would love to have Chipper." Jones retired after the Braves were eliminated from the 2012 postseason and has said numerous times he will not return, despite Cashman calling him a "perfect" fit because of Youkilis' ability to play first base. Jones' agent BB Abbot said Chipper was "part amused and part flattered" by Cashman's courtship. Jones took to Twitter to quell the speculation, tweeting "Enough with the rumors! While I am flattered about the speculation of being enticed out of retirement, I'm happy with life as a bad golfer!"
Derrek Lee has not played since 2011 when he batted .267 with 19 home runs and 59 RBI for the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite his layoff, Cashman characterized Lee as a very good fit on a veteran-laden team that will not count on him for the whole year. "He is the type of player who is Yankee-like, in terms of capabilities, when he was playing, and makeup for the clubhouse and stuff like that," Cashman said. "I just planted a seed -- 'If you have an interest, thinking of playing, let me know." He also said Lee seemed "intrigued" by the possibility of donning the pinstripes.
Rolen has battled injuries throughout his career and showed severely diminished output his past two seasons in Cincinnati. In 330 plate appearances in 2012, Rolen hit a paltry .245 with eight home runs and 39 RBI while posting a .716 OPS.
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