MLB Rumors: Brandon Webb and Other Free Agents the New York Yankees Must Target

The Boston Red Sox have made the headlines this MLB offseason, signing free agent Carl Crawford and trading for Adrian Gonzalez. 

The New York Yankees struck out on Crawford, and were also turned down by free agent pitcher Cliff Lee, who chose to return to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Yankees have only re-signed major players this winter, most notably future hall of famers and Yankee legends Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. 

So where do the Yankees go from here? Well, they need an outfielder and some relief help. They also need some starting pitching, because other than staff ace C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees don't have a reliable starter.

Let's look at 10 players general manager Brian Cashman should consider for the 2011 New York Yankees.

Brandon Webb

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TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 27: Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks poses for a photo during Spring Training Media Photo Day at Tucson Electric Park on February 27, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Brandon Webb is a former National League Cy Young Award winner, but an unfortunate last few seasons of injury problems has limited his time on the mound.

Webb appears to be healthy for 2011, and could be a huge help to any team if he can remain healthy for a full season.

Webb is a low cost/high reward player who could pay huge dividends for the Yankees.

Brian Fuentes

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Brian Fuentes #51 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during game one of the ALDS on October 6, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4. (Photo by Elsa

Brian Fuentes is one of the best relief pitchers still available on the free agent market. While he would not be the closer in the Bronx, he could serve as a reliable setup man, and a middle relief pitcher.

Fuentes has playoff experience, and has pitched in some big postseason games with the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins.

Grant Balfour

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NEW YORK - JULY 17: Grant Balfour #50 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees on July 17, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Rays defeated the Yankees 10-5. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Balfour is a solid relief pitcher, and has proven he can be a consistent, reliable player. The Tampa Bay Rays have had a good bullpen for the last few season, and Balfour was a reason why.

He had a 2.28 ERA during the 2010 season, and could be a big help to the Yankees as a setup or middle relief pitcher.

Brad Hawpe

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HOUSTON - MAY 19: Right fielder Brad Hawpe #11 of the Colorado Rockies makes a catch on a dipping fly ball against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 19, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Brad Hawpe has been a solid offensive player for the Colorado Rockies the past few seasons, and was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays around the trade deadline last season.

Hawpe is a good outfielder, and has been a quality designated hitter too. 

Hawpe could be a useful player for the Yankees with his versatility, giving manager Joe Girardi an option for any outfield position, and DH.

Adrian Beltre

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during warm-ups prior to the start of the game against the New York Yankees on September 26, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Get

Adrian Beltre is not a good fit for the Yankees, so the point in signing him is to simply keep him away from New York's American League rivals.

Beltre has been labeled as a "contract year" player, someone who only performs well when he's playing for a big payday.

But Beltre is a solid defensive player, and can give Alex Rodriguez days off at third, and be a starting DH. He likely wouldn't accept these rolls, but the Yankees can afford him.

Jeff Francis

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 13: Starting pitcher Jeff Francis #26 of the Colorado Rockies delivers against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on September 13, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Jeff Francis had a tremendous 2007 season with the Colorado Rockies, leading them to the World Series. But since then, he has underperformed, earning only eight wins since that magical '07 October run.

Francis is a left handed starter, something every team needs, and has shown he can be a solid player. 

Francis is 29 years old, and is not too old to revive his career, and a high run scoring team like the Yankees may be the place to do it.

Scott Shields

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NEW YORK - JULY 21: Scot Shields #62 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 21, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Scott Shields is a quality veteran reliever that would be a quick solution to the bullpen for 2011. He does not have a long term future with the Yankees, but he would be a good addition for next season.

He has pitched in big playoff games, and is not afraid of the bright October lights.

Manny Ramirez

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Chicago White Sox stands in the dugout before their game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 22, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Im

Manny Ramirez is not an all star player anymore, but he can still hit well. Ramirez would be another short term solution, and is still able to play the outfield, and Yankee stadium is one of the smallest outfields in the AL.

Manny is a proven postseason performer, and would love to beat the Red Sox 19 games per season.

The Yankees Need To Improve or Possibly Miss the 2011 Playoffs

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: General Manager of the New York Yankees Brian Cashman look on during a game against the Texas Rangers in Game Two of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 16, 2010 in Arlington, Texa

The Yankees could miss the 2011 MLB playoffs. They are an older team with few young stars, and have little pitching. Furthermore, there best players are older and have likely played their most productive years already.

New York's lack of starting pitching, a weak bullpen, and an aging lineup, are all issues that could damage their playoff hopes.

Just because the rival Red Sox have made some impressive moves this winter to better their team for several years to come, doesn't mean the Yankees shouldn't either.

Most teams would say they don't make moves in reaction the their rivals, but with the Red Sox and Yankees, it's a personal battle.