The New York Yankees are in a trick spot this trading deadline, as they have managed to contend with an underwhelming lineup missing its stars. While it is unrealistic to continue relying on elder players like Lyle Overbay and Travis Hafner to deliver the goods, stars like Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez on the comeback trail.
Still, Granderson has hit the disabled list twice this season, Jeter injured his quadriceps in his first game back from ankle surgery, and A-Rod may never return if rumors about his involvement with Biogenesis clinic are true.
Adding to the issues, the Yankees are trying to maintain a relatively low payroll commitment in the future (for the Yankees), likely pricing them out of the market for a player like Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez.
While some deals may get done, expect the Bronx Bombers to elect to wait for their guys to return. The first of them, assuming Jeter hits the disabled list again, could be Granderson, who says he's hoping to return ahead of schedule before July ends.
"We're getting close. I started hitting in the cage recently and doing some stuff soft toss," Granderson said. "I have been throwing. I've been running. I've been doing all my defense. Just got to get the baseball stuff underneath me in terms of hitting, getting on the field and playing and then get back up here to York."
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman spoke about the Grandy Man's progress saying, "We'll take him when he's ready. If pressed about when, I'd probably say early August. If sooner than that, that would be a gift from above."
The aging Yankees have been bitten hard by the injury bug, losing an All-Star-caliber roster consisting of Rodriguez, Jeter, Granderson Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis. They have also suffered injuries to their replacements, including Jayson Nix and Eduardo Nunez, and breakout catcher Francisco Cervelli.
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