Heyman's Latest Yankees News

From MLB Trade Rumors:

Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman.

• One "Yankees person" believes it will take "crazy money" to convince C.C. Sabathia to pitch in New York and in the American League.
• The following three names are being bandied about in the Yankees' clubhouse for center field next year: Nate McLouth, David DeJesus, and Matt Kemp. DeJesus seems the most reasonable target, though Robinson Cano could be part of a package for Kemp. DeJesus, it should be noted, played a poor center field this year according to the plus/minus system.
• Heyman doesn't see the Yankees re-signing Jason Giambi or Bobby Abreu due to defensive concerns.

And here's some more from the Heyman article:

Could Jason Giambi return? Not much chance of that happening. He no doubt had a lot of fun in New York, and he provided some highlights. But the Yankees believe they must improve their defense.So it is time to move on. Casey Blake is a solid defender at several positions who's sparked the Dodgers at third in his short time there and would represent a major improvement at first defensively. And, in a year when the Yankees have nearly $90 million coming off the books, don't discount the possibility they'll try to steal Mark Teixeira away from the Angels.

Heyman also believes Mussina and Pettitte will likely return. I also think they will, and think they should.

It's looking less and less likely that the Yanks are going to be able to sign Sabathia. He apparently doesn't want to pitch in the AL anymore. He likes to hit, and having to face those weak NL lineups can't hurt either.

I really like the idea of Matt Kemp playing center for this team, even if it costs them Cano. He's a five-tool player, and he's still just 23. He supposedly has an attitude problem, but maybe a change of scenery can fix that.

I wouldn't mind seeing DeJesus or McLouth roaming center next season either, but then again both players were very unimpressive defensively this year, and one thing the Yankees must do is strengthen their defense.

But if they can't acquire a center fielder why not give Brett Gardner a real shot? With his speed and defense, all he would need to do is hit .250-.260 to be a valuable piece of the puzzle.

I'm still very torn on what they should do with Abreu. I don't like his defense at all, but he's a very good offensive player and has been one of the few clutch hitting Yankees this season. I think in the end he will walk, with Damon and Nady on the team, it looks like they will have all the corner outfielders they need.

As for Giambi, it's be nice knowing ya. He seems like a cool dude, and at times can really mash the ball, but it's time to move on. Hopefully they move on to Teixeira.