If, as the NY Post is reporting, the Yankees do trade for Cliff Lee, then the Yankees are going to look to deal Javier Vazquez, and the two most likely destinations, according to Buster Olney of ESPN, are the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres.
The Phillies make the most sense because they are looking for a middle-of-the-rotation type starter, and Vazquez fits that bill. At the same time they are said to be looking to move Jayson Werth, whom the Yankees are also interested in acquiring.
The Phillies are said to be expecting prospects for Werth, but the possibility is there because Vazquez could put them over the top in a close National League Eastern division. They would also be getting a Type-A free agent back in Vazquez, and that might be enough to appease them.
It’s unclear what the Yankees would get back for Vazquez in a deal with San Diego. The Yankees are looking for a veteran backup who can play third base to spell Alex Rodriguez. They also may look for prospects to include in a deal with Seattle for Lee or just prospects to replenish their system.
Any trade involving Vazquez would probably only happen if the Yankees land Lee.
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