Yankees news and notes

The New York Yankees made their big splash of the offseason the other day and it was in a 45 minute span.  Other then that they have been quiet and continue to be quiet.  There have been some rumors the last couple of days because the Yankees appear to have a need for a DH now.  Jesus Montero was expected to fill that role this season but is now out in Seattle.  The Yankees do have Andruw Jones back on the team and may still resign Eric Chavez, could they fill the role along with the veterans on the team the Yankees like to put in that position at times to give them a rest in the field??  I would say they could but the Yankees appear to be shopping for a bat but one they can sign to a very limited one year contract.  I would say something like one year for three million maybe, if even that much.  Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Carlos Pena are all still out there, who would you like the Yankees to get??  How about Jorge Vazquez who has been in AAA and mashed the ball throughout his minor league career.  Could the Yankees trade one of their pitchers like Phil Hughes or A.J. Burnett and get a bat or free up some more money to go and sign someone or jump in on the Prince Fielder sweepstakes. 

I personally think they may just sign someone like Johnny Damon for one year and see what happens.  I think they have enough offense and feel they will be fine there.  The biggest need they have had in the last couple of years was pitching and they have seemed to solve that problem with a trade and a signing.  The Yankees other then that don't have much else to do except get ready for spring training next month. 

The Yankees did officially announce a one year deal with Phil Hughes today to avoid arbitration.  It was one year for 3.2 million.  I wonder if this helps his value in a potential trade, I would think so because he still is the guy that won 18 games a couple of years ago and was a first round pick and major prospect not that long ago.  That contract is very cheap and could be enticing to some team out there looking for young pitching.  The Yankees could still keep him though and put in the bullpen, he would be easier to trade then Burnett though I would assume for obvious reasons.