Yanks Target Manny and Teixeira Next

With AJ Burnett and CC Sabathia in the fold and Andy Pettitte mulling over his proposal the Yankees have turned their attention to the offense.

You didn’t think they would stop at Nick Swisher did you?

The Yankees had about $85 million coming off the books this winter and so far have added about $40 million in salary. If Pettitte accepted his one-year $10 million offer that would put them over $50 million and plenty more to spend on the lineup.

Just like how they handled the pitching staff they decided, according to a NY Post source, to go after the top offensive players as well.

“If they can’t get Teixeira, they are right there on Manny,” an official with knowledge of the Yankees’ plan said yesterday.

The Yankees finished seventh in the American League in runs scored last year and with Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi likely out the door they are going to need some bats. If they could sign either Teixeira or Ramirez that would be a significant upgrade.

It seems like the Yankees would prefer to stay away from another Giambi-esque deal of seven years or more that it would take to bring in Teixeira. They may just be in the running to get him to drive up the price for rivals like the Red Sox or the Angels.

On the other hand the Yankees interest in Manny has gotten to the point where they are entertaining offers for outfielder Xavier Nady according to the Post.

Ramirez would be a better fit for them because his contract will be for significantly less years and he could be very motivated to get back at Boston. Rumors say the Bombers are interested in making a three-year offer around $20 million per.

A lineup with Alex Rodriguez batting in front of Manny could be devastating.