Yankees Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Joba Chamberlain and Michael Young

With the New York Yankees rapidly sinking in the A.L. East standings, it is safe to expect some moves to be made from this aggressive club. 

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 2, at 11:45 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

New York Post's George A. King III has the latest on Joba Chamberlain:

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According to a pair of American League talent evaluators, the Braves and Giants have an interest in Joba Chamberlain.

Braves scout Jim Fregosi watched Chamberlain pitch a scoreless inning Friday night in Baltimore, when his fastball was clocked in the mid-90s.

The Giants sent scout Lee Elder to Target Field for last night’s Twins-Yankees game exclusively to watch Chamberlain. He posted another scoreless frame but walked and hit a batter.

During spring training the Rangers were interested in Chamberlain, but never made an offer to the Yankees.

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If the bevy of rumors surrounding them is any indication, trades to beef up the Yankees lineup may not be all that far off. 

By all accounts, it appears the focus will be on adding to the lineup, and the Yankees aren't just going to deal prospects.

If they can find someone to take him, the Boston Globe's       Nick Cafardo fully expects the Yankees to ship out Joba Chamberlain: "The Yankees would deliver Joba Chamberlain to a team’s doorstop if it wants him."

Given the following quote from Chamberlain, shared in a tweet by MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, I don't think the bulky fireballer would be too surprised if he were dealt: 

Since that tweet, Chamberlain has had two outings. He's gone two innings, hasn't allowed a hit or run, and picked up a win. I wouldn't expect this to alter the Yankees' plans to deal him if they get the opportunity, but it should make it easier to deal him. 

As for players the Yankees are targeting, George King of the New York Post reports that the Yankees are "eyeing" the Philadelphia Phillies' Michael Young.

It would appear the Philies have at least some interest in pursuing this deal. King also reports that the franchise had scouts at Yankee Stadium this past Wednesday. 

Of course, as King tells us, the Yankees could also use Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, but I would certainly expect them to try for Young first—he would be a tremendous fit.

The Yankees have a hole at third after losing Kevin Youkilis to back surgery, and while they wait for Alex Rodriguez to rehab, ESPN tells us that he was cleared to begin on Monday. 

If Rodriguez returns in starting form, Young will still be a useful piece against lefties at first or at DH. 

Meanwhile, pointing to the fact that the Yankees are interested in only adding bats, one person the Pinstripes reportedly won't be pursuing is Miami Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweets the reasoning: 

It is impossible to say if any of these deals will come to fruition, but it stands to reason that the Yankees will be making some moves, and there will certainly be countless more rumors before the trade deadline.