MLB Trade Rumors: Are New York Yankees Scouting Houston Astros' Brett Myers?

TAMPA, FL—According to multiple reports originating from the New York Post’s George A. King III, the New York Yankees could be keeping very close tabs on a veteran right-hander as the season progresses.

As King so amply put it, “In a perfect world the Yankees get 30 starts from Ivan Nova and 28 from Freddy Garcia.” However, as he goes on to say, “The world has a better chance of being flat than perfect when pitching is the subject.”

The Bronx Bombers have been losing pitchers left and right, whether it is to even minor injuries like Sergio Mitre or Joba Chamberlain, or Phil Hughes’ continuing struggles with off-speed pitches.

Down the stretch, the Yankees will likely need pitching help in their rotation and GM Brian Cashman could be looking south for the answer. Many reports have stated that New York’s scouts were watching closely as Myers topped 92 mph against the Yankees on March 7th and that they clearly see that the 30-year-old righty “still knows how to pitch.”

In an article earlier this year, I had slated Brett Myers as one of the players who should still be in an Astros uniform in 2012 for the sake of the organization’s well-being.

However, if the Astros struggle through the middle of the year and are nearly or completely out of the race, they could look to save some money and dump the veteran’s $11 million price tag onto someone else, and the Yanks could be a match made in heaven.

Bear in mind, this is not likely to be a trade made any time soon. The Yankees still have a solid potential rotation and the Astros can still vie for a strong showing in the tumultuous NL Central. If they do make any sort of run this season, Brett Myers could bring more than just strong pitching to the table. He can bring World Series experience and a world championship ring to boot.

Whether he is moved to the Bronx or not, Myers is clearly on the Bombers’ radar should their rotation turn sour as the season progresses.

Sure, there are likely to be better pitchers available on their respective teams’ trade blocks, but Myers might be good production down the stretch at an even better price as the Yankees make a run for their 28th World Series title.