Let's start off today's Yankees rumors with some youthful optimism--sources are indicating that the loser of the starting shortstop battle for the Arizona Diamondbacks could be a prime target for the New York Yankees via trade.
Young shortstops Didi Gregorius and Chris Owings (24 and 22 years old respectively) are ensnared in a battle for the Arizona Diamondbacks starting shortstop role, barring an Arizona trade for someone like Stephen Drew.
When pressed on the issue of a possible trade for one of his prized young shortstops, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers iterated his team's need for catching--something the NY Yankees have a wealth of on their current 40-man roster--
“For us, it would have to be the right deal,” Towers said. “Our biggest needs in our system are catching. If it’s the right, top-notch catching prospect. Someone we could have right behind Miggy. More of an upper-level guy."
At the current moment, including much-ballyhooed free agent acquisition Brian McCann, the New York Yankees are carrying five catchers on their 40-man Spring Training roster.
Sources indicate that Ryan Murphy, who is projected to land back in Triple-A once the 2014 MLB season begins, could be the New York Yankees' biggest trade chip if they were to seriously pursue a trade for Didi Gregarious or Chris Owings.