So there have been rumors abound as to the Yankees' apparent interest in Mike Cameron, and the talks going on between General Manager Brian Cashman and the Brewers' General Manager Doug Melvin.

Putting aside for a moment what exactly is being discussed in terms of what the Yankees would have to give Milwaukee for Cameron, let's take the time to discuss what value Cameron would bring to the Yankees, both in terms of actual production and as a bridge to a farmhand within the organization getting a chance in the future.

Mike Cameron has one year and $10 million remaining on his deal. One would believe that this is a lot of money for a player like Cameron, and I would concede that it is on the higher end of what I think a player his caliber deserves. However, let's take a look at his numbers last season on the offensive side.

Last year, Cameron posted an OPS of .808, which is respectable, especially weighing in the kind of defense he plays. He stole 17 bases while getting caught five times, which puts him at a 77 percent clip. Rule of thumb is anything less than a 75 percent rate is counterproductive to team success. So, he has speed, which is to be expected from a center fielder.

In comparison to the main player being targeted on the Yankees' side, Melky Cabrera, his numbers look even better. In 453 plate appearances last season, Cabrera logged a.642 OPS, which is atrocious.

Now, I understand that value will be lower for a player such as Cabrera, as power is not a portion of his game. That still doesn't explain how he logged a .301 on-base percentage last season, which is extremely low. In comparison, Cameron posted a .331 OBP, hardly prodigious and a little less than mediocre, but it is supplemented by his power numbers.

Looking on the defensive side of the ball, Cameron still can be a force and it can be argued that he is of equal measure to Cabrera defensively if not better. Last season, in 119 games in center, Cameron had a 2.49 Range Factor by games played and Cabrera had a 2.38. 

I understand that these values are easily skewed by a slew of factors, but just taking this into account shows me that these two players are at least comparable defensively.

Now, on to a more detailed analysis of the trade in terms of motives. I understand that this is not a simple straight up trade for talent, and that it is very easy to show that Cameron is a superior player.

The Brewers wish to shed themselves of a portion or all of Cameron's salary perhaps to better themselves in the free-agent market. They also would be provided with Cabrera, who is a versatile and skilled fielder who is perhaps better offensively than he showed last year, at his young age.

The Yankees are looking at Cameron because he is a clear upgrade in center over anyone they have at this juncture.

Cameron also would serve as the stopgap the Yankees are looking for. He would be the bridge to the Yankees talented outfield prospect Austin Jackson, who needs a year or two more of seasoning before he will be ready to make the jump. Cameron's one-year deal makes him an ideal player to target in this regard.

All that being said, I am all in favor of trading for Mike Cameron if Melky Cabrera is all it takes. Hey, even throw in Kei Igawa...Hey, I'm entitled to an early Christmas present.