With Trade Deadline Looming, Yanks Eye Pitching Help

A couple of deals have already been made today as the non-waiver Trade Deadline creeps closer. Here's the biggest move so far:

Phillies acquire Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco from the Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.

Overall, a good trade for the defending champs who get a quality front-end starter without giving up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek

Here are other notable acquisitions:
-Mariners acquire Jack Wilson and Ian Snell for 5 guys.
-Reds acquire Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel.

Still, many big names remain out there as the deadline approaches. With the Yankees in need for a 5th starter and another reliever as well, here are some names the Yankees have been linked with:

Roy Halladay: Obviously, he's the biggest name on the market right now. The Blue Jays want to part ways with arguably the best starter in the game and want a big return. They've said they won't trade him unless they are "wowed" by a deal and basically want a team's farm system for him.

The Yankees likely will not get Halladay, nor should they. Could he help in the short-term? Definitely. But who knows if he'll be signed long-term? Brian Cashman has been steadfast in not depleting the farm for rentals, and I doubt it will change here.

Jarrod Washburn: This is the guy the Yankees seem to have their eye focused on. The lefty from Seattle is having a solid year and has a low ERA. Washburn would be a better-than-average fifth starter for the Yanks and would provide some more experience in the Yankees rotation.

The only problem for the Yanks is that there are many teams interested in him, so the asking price could be higher than expected. The Yankees shouldn't give up prized prospects or talent for him, but they should definitely try to pull off a trade. Washburn's experience and ability to still pitch well in a fairly tough division is too valuable to pass up.

Bronson Arroyo: The former Red Sox and current Reds starter has been on the Yankees radar. His numbers aren't great, but he does have the experience to provide some help at the back-end of the rotation.

It is unlikely the Yanks will go after Arroyo due to the amount of money he is owed. The Yankees almost never make money a concern, but they don't want to add his high salary to their already large payroll. Washburn would be a better choice.

Heath Bell: In terms of relief help, Bell would be a good choice. Now, the Yankees would prefer a lefty in the bullpen to help spell Phil Coke, but Bell is too good to pass up. He strikes out a lot of batters, walks few, and has been great in the closer role for the Padres.

The only issue here is that the Padres could ask for a lot in return since Bell has been so good. The Yankees don't want to give up big-time prospects, Joba, or Hughes for Bell, so there is a chance the Yankees could be priced out here. There's also a lot of competition for Bell's services.

There may be some other names out there that the Yankees could eyeball. However, these are the big guys the Yankees have been connected to as of now. Do I think the Yankees NEED to make a move? No. I think the roster is solid as is. Mitre isn't going to dominate as the fifth starter, but he'll be better than most guys out there. However, if the Yanks can grab Washburn to fill the void it would help. Same goes for the bullpen. The Yanks have the tools to be successful, but if they can obtain Bell or another solid reliever to help give other guys some rest, it would be a positive.

Let me know who you think the Yankees should or could get.