Addressing those trade rumors...

MLB Trade Rumors was a Washburn-Yankees trade thread that's gets updated a few times a day with new developments. Apparently, the M's (understandably) don't want Kei Igawa, and now talks have focused on Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner. I'm not fan of Cabrera, and Gardner hasn't been hitting much, but there's no way the Yanks should take on all of Washburn's salary (remember, this is pretty much a salary dump) and give up both of these guys. Just not worth it. This is an unwelcome development.

Meanwhile, the more I think about the Yankees' stance on Bonds the more frustrated I get. Why on Earth wouldn't you sign this guy? He costs almost nothing (we're talking Richie Sexson money), so you could cut him after a week if you don't like what's going on. What's the risk? Could the man really mess up team chemistry so much that the team would be doomed from having him in the clubhouse for one week? I don't think he'll expect a recliner...

Meanwhile, over at Rotoworld, there's a bit about the Yanks pursuing Gerald Laird...

A source told FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal that the Yankees have expressed "real interest" in Gerald Laird. The source goes on to say that the Yankees aren't looking at Miguel Olivo. Paul Lo Duca and Rod Barajas were also believed to be on their list. Laird is clearly the best player in the group, and since he's not a free agent until after 2010, the Yankees would likely have to give up one of their better prospects (Jose Tabata? Dan McCutchen?) and a lesser guy to get him.

I don't really think catching is a dire need. You're allowed to have one spot in the lineup where the player is defensive minded not offensive minded, and with Jose Molina's excellent defense, that certainly seems worth it. Also, why on Earth would Brian Cashman give up Dan McCutchen or Jose Tabata for Gerald Laird? I really don't think that Laird is worth a "better prospect," considering his .257 career batting average. Pete Abe makes the point that the Yankees may not be pursuing a catcher as much as other teams trying to trade a catcher to them. And the McCutchen/Tabata thing seems like Rotoworld's speculation.