New York Yankees Looking To Bring Back Jerry Hairston, Jr. for 2010

In the 2009 season during the July trading deadline, the Yankees made only one move.

They traded for Jerry Hairston, Jr. to be their super utility player off the bench and start several games. Hairston ended up becoming a key member of the Yankees bench that helped the team get the 2009 World Series.

According to sources, the Yankees are looking to bring back Hairston for 2010.

ESPN's Chris Singleton has said that the Yankees have been in serious talks with Hairston for the 2010 season.

The Yankees were one of five teams reportedly interested in Hairston's services for next season. The Padres and A's were two other teams who were known to be interested.

Hairston started out the 2009 season with the Reds, hitting .254 with eight home runs and 27 RBI before being dealt on July 31 to the Yankees. With New York, Hairston batted .237 with two home runs and 12 RBI.

With the Yankees though, he was more known for playing defense at several different positions.

Hairston can play anywhere on the field except for catcher and pitcher, which makes him much more valuable on the bench than as a starter.

The best thing about trying to keep Hairston is that he will not break any budgets and is a relatively cheap player.

Hairston made about $2 million with the Reds and Yankees last season and would probably make somewhere around that type of money again if the Yankees do decide to pursue Hairston.

Getting Hairston back will be crucial to the 2010 season. One of the biggest reasons why the Yankees won in 1996,1998-2000, and last season was because they were such a deep team, which included good, solid players on the bench. Hairston and Eric Hinske were two key parts of that bench last year.

Hinske moved on to the Braves last week and should be a good player there. The Yankees, though, have a chance to bring Hairston back for at least another season.

Ramiro Pena is still developing, as is Brett Gardner. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez will need a day off here and there, so getting Hairston back in pinstripes will be crucial to the 2010 team.