Nick Punto Draws New York Yankees' Interest., but How About Bill Hall?

(Zell's Pinstripe Blog)

Nick Punto wouldn’t be a bad backup utility infielder. He hits for a solid average and has speed. His 2008 Stats: .284 AVG  2 HR  28 RBI  43 R 15 SB.

Bill Hall could fit that same role as well. His numbers look like this: .225 AVG  15 HR  55 RBI  50 R  5 SB.

I would prefer Punto over Hall because of the batting average and speed.

Jason going back to Oakland? I think it’s a great idea. The A’s need some bats in the lineup.

The move to bring in Holliday was big. They could have a nice combo there with Giambi/Holliday. He had his ups and downs as a Yankee, and he was great with the media and fans. 

(Steroids, Mustache Mania) I wish the best of luck to the Giambino.

From MLB Trade Rumors (Tim Dierkes)

7:31pm: The Yankees are looking for a utility infielder, and Brian Cashman said today Punto is on their radar.

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from Ken Rosenthal:

The Yankees continue to maintain contact with other free-agent pitchers, Cashman said, and they also are looking for a utility infielder who would can back up at second base, shortstop and third, enabling Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez to occasionally take a day off or serve as a designated hitter. Free agent Nick Punto is among the players they are considering.

8:44 p.m. — Brewers ready to trade Hall?

The Brewers were close to re-signing third baseman Mike Lamb on Monday, a move that could lead to a trade of Bill Hall.

The Yankees are among the teams that have expressed interest in Hall, who could fill a utility role in both the infield and outfield for New York.

However, Hall’s remaining salary—$6.8 million in 2009 and $8.4 million in 2010 with a $9.25 million or $500,000 buyout for 11—would be a significant obstacle to any deal.

The Yankees also have interest in Brewers center fielder Mike Cameron, who—like Hall—is close friends with the team’s principal free-agent target, left-hander CC Sabathia. Hall and Sabathia attended the Oscar De La Hoya fight Saturday in Las Vegas.

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8:48 p.m.—Giambi could be with A’s again

Free-agent first baseman Jason Giambi has told friends that he expects to sign with the A’s, but his former team has him “way down on its list of priorities,” according to a major-league source.

Giambi wants to return to the west coast, but his options appear limited. The Padres and Dodgers are set at first base. The Angels could sign free agent Mark Teixeira and the Giants and Mariners seem inclined to go with younger players.

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