While perserverating on the hitting of Jose Molina, Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera, nevermind Derek jeter, and the fact the Yankees activated Johnny Damon to DH because his shoulder isn't strong enough to play LF, I checked the standings.  Despite this offensive warts, the New York Yankees trial only the Red Sox in the Wild Card chase.  This gets me thinking maybe, just maybe, the Yankees should be very serious about getting into the trade market.

Hopefully, the Yankees' brass feels the same when they meet in Tampa today.  This morning's New York Post mentions several possible targets.  Maybe i should reconsider that seriousness?

Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn, is the Yankees' top target, even if he hasn't pitched great and there is a lot of money left on his deal next year. The Yankees also have an interest in the Reds' right-hander Bronson Arroyo, but the price is high at the moment.

Pittsburgh's duo of lefty reliever Damaso Marte and right-handed hitting outfielder Xavier Nady are on the radar. With Jorge Posada finished catching this season, they will kick the tires to find help behind the plate.

Washburn will make $10.35 million next year. The talent price on Marte and Nady is exorbitant today but expected to drop and the Pirates like Ross Ohlendorf. San Francisco may move catcher Bengie Molina, Jose's brother, but he is owed $6 million next season. The Dodgers' Derek Lowe could be had for a bat the Yankees don't have.

There are a whole lot of trade rumor information in this morning's papers.  Bronson Arroyo is mentioned again - in connection to the Colorado Rockies!  If the Rox are buyers, they'd be foolish to deal Fuentes for less than the puported outrageous offers they were already asking.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

The Cardinals were among the estimated 15 teams that assigned scouts to watch Toronto Blue Jays righthander A.J. Burnett's start Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles. The game held special significance to the Cardinals, who are among clubs pursuing Orioles lefthanded closer George Sherrill as well as Burnett.

San Francisco Chronicle:

Tampa Bay, concerned about the health of Troy Percival, has some interest in trading for Tyler Walker, a source said. The Giants dealt Walker to the Rays in 2006. He saved 10 games for the Rays before blowing out his elbow

More San Francisco Chronicle:

With a week left before the trading deadline, rumors involving Huston Street have intensified, with the Dodgers, Brewers, Mets, White Sox, Rays and Reds all believed to have interest. Los Angeles had two scouts at the series against Tampa Bay, including Bill Lajoie, who is a special adviser to general manager Ned Coletti.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

The Pirates are not necessarily seeking volume in prospects but quality, a team source said. If one elite prospect prospect were offered for one of their two prime commodities -- outfielder Xavier Nady or reliever Damaso Marte -- they would accept. The problem: Those are not the types of offers being made.

Philadelphia Inquirer:

The Phillies also have had interest in Pittsburgh outfielder Xavier Nady (.327 with 12 home runs and 56 RBIs) and lefthander Damaso Marte (4-0 with a 3.55 ERA in 46 appearances). But it appears that if the Phillies make any deal before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, it will be for bullpen help. Holliday and Nady are unlikely at this point.

LA Times:

Torre said he expected the Dodgers to make a deal before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but also said he thought it was unlikely the team would be involved in any kind of blockbuster deal. . . . The Dodgers appear to be unwilling to meet Baltimore's high asking price for closer George Sherrill.

More LA Times:

If Atlanta decides to trade first baseman Mark Teixeira, the Angels could offer first baseman Casey Kotchman and lower-level prospects....The Colorado Rockies are among the teams interested in Nick Adenhart, the Angels' top pitching prospect...

Rocky Mountain News:

Looking to add instead of subtract, the Rockies have shown interest in Cincinnati right-handed pitcher Bronson Arroyo to fill the vacancy in the rotation.  A key factor is that the multiyear contract Arroyo originally signed with the Reds is backloaded, and he is guaranteed $23 million during the next two seasons.

Cleveland Plain-Dealer:

The Indians aren't going to give Casey Blake away. If they trade the versatile Blake, they want value in return because he should be worth a first- or second-round pick in next year's draft if he leaves Cleveland through free agency in the off-season.