Yankees' trade rumors

The half way point of the 2008 baseball season is around the corner. The Yankees' vaunted youth movement collided with reality and mediocrity ensued. "It's never over till it's over." Trade winds are blowing and there is opportunity for the Bombers to step up and regain championship viability.

The biggest player (literally) is Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia an inning eating, top of the rotation, stud. He would bolster the Yankees' chances and give Joba a chance to develop his craft without the incessant attention. MLB Trade Rumors, sizes up what the Yanks have to offer: "According to Baseball America, the Yankees have three Top 100 prospects aside from Joba Chamberlain: Jose Tabata (#37), Austin Jackson (#41), and Ian Kennedy (#45). Others on the fringe of the Top 100 when BA compiled the rankings in March: Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, and Jesus Montero. Some of these players have seen their stock drop, however."

Yankees' followers have learned a few lessons this season: 1) When it comes to young, developing players don't believe self-serving hype. No matter how talented, most will fail. 2) The organization has money to burn. 3) There is nothing rewarding about last place. 4) An old roster of fading stars wants a chance to win now, they don't have the luxury of waiting a few years. 5) Young players aren't helped by incessant attention and distorted expectations.

Past seasons have taught another lesson, big ticket acquisitions are prone to falling on their faces in Gotham. The Yankees' should offer a package of non-vital prospects to Cleveland. Bring in the big lefty and let him work, without a new contract. If Sabathia can dominate in the Big Apple, pay the man his money. If not, let him walk. Think of him as a very large bridge to the future.