New York Yankee Rumors Could Start with Ken Griffey Jr. in Seattle

Two days ago, it appeared that Ken Griffey Jr. was on his way to joining the Braves and that move appeared to kill off rumors of the Yankees sending Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher to Atlanta.

Those rumors aren’t dead yet as Griffey spurned Atlanta and agreed to a deal with the Seattle Mariners.

The Braves, who have been in search of a corner outfielder and thought they found one in Griffey, must now renew the search. If they would prefer to avoid making a trade, Garret Anderson and Jim Edmonds are available via free agency, but if they don’t want to take their chances with two players near retirement, they could renew talks with the Yankees.

The Braves have been interested in dealing for either of the Yankees' spare outfielders Nady and Swisher all offseason. They would prefer Swisher over Nady because of his versatility and the fact that he won’t become a free agent after the season.

The Yankees would prefer to keep Swisher over Nady, but appear resigned to deal Swisher if that’s who Atlanta prefers. Although they expect to get more in return for Swisher and have already rejected a plea by the Braves to eat some of his salary.

As I’ve maintained all offseason, these teams don’t match up so well. The Yankees are in need of a center fielder or a Major League ready catcher that provides more than just defense. They could also use some bench options, but they certainly don’t need pitching prospects.

Back when it looked like Griffey was on his waY to the Braves, both Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi spoke about keeping both Nady and Swisher. Both seemed to love the idea, even if Cashman didn’t close the door on a deal.

So far, there is no word that talks have started up again.