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I'd even include Kennedy if it was a make-or-break situation. We're talking about a guy that is a quality #2/#3 starter with three years left on his deal at only $16.25M. That's roughly $5.5M a year for what would be the Yanks 2nd best starter on opening day.

A 28 year old righty starter with 200+ IP over the past three years. He's been a bit above league average in that time but he'd make a great replacement for Kennedy (assuming the Yanks had to include Kennedy in the deal).

I wouldn't trade Hughes/Chamberlain for him because of how their talent ceiling projects. But if it was Kennedy/Clippard/Igawa/Cash, sure, why not? 3 years of a professional starter at such a bargain of a price? Hard to say no to that.

IMHO, i would be just as comfortable, if not more comfortable, giving the package we'd give to the Twins for Santana over to Billy Beane in Oakland.

While Santana is a FA after 2008, Haren is much more cost effective for the team in 2009 and 2010, while being able to provide numbers that are just as good.

I would not be opposed to moving Hughes or Kennedy if it nets a top of the rotation arm, and thats what Haren is. Put together a package with Hughes/Kennedy, Tabata, and another prospect of their choice, whether it be arm or position, and i'll take it.

would it be out of the question to even ask to expand the deal to include Huston Street, or kick the tires on Street alone? It would be expensive, sure, but think of the value you are getting in return.

Then again, look how much his age 24-26 seasons look like this guy's:

http://tinyurl.com/285ebh

Kennedy would have to go in this deal. It's not as if other teams won't want Haren.

Jonm - Agreed. However, I have to believe that Haren's pitching in the AL makes him a slightly more predictable get than Vazquez's transition from the NL.

I'd be ok with including Kennedy. If everyone says that Kennedy projects as a #3 then why not just get a #2/#3 type guy right now for this cheap? Haren won't be a #1 but it's hard to argue with a 28 year old arm that gives innings and is signed to a very reasonable deal.

You're right about the league effect, MJ. I just think that we have to be very gunshy about "sure thing" pitchers. I tend to agree with you about Kennedy. Plus, given what he did last season, his value might be at an all-time high now. It wouldn't be a bad thing to have a veteran to balance out Hughes and Chamberlain in the rotation.

It becomes tricky if the A's want more than Kennedy (e.g. Tabata). I bet that they would.

Yeah, you have to figure that the A's want more than just Kennedy and our C+/B- prospects. I'd hate to lose Tabata given how good people think he could be. But I also wonder if, since he's at least 2 years away, maybe its worth it to get Wang/Haren at the front of the rotation in front of the rookies, with Moose pushing them at #5. That way you have continuity in your rotation for the next three seasons...

I agree completely about "sure things." There's no such thing. That's why I'd take the risk on Haren. He's not blinding you with some spectacular seasons that make you dream unrealistic things about him. He's basically a solid operator. The Yanks haven't had enough of those recently and it wouldn't be bad to add some stability to the rotation with a guy like that.

The emergence of Austin Jackson may make the Yankees willing to gamble on trading away Tabata since Jackson still projects to be a corner outfielder anyway. Unlike the A's, there are no budgetary restraints to keep NY from signing a free agent impact outfielder. IPK and Tabata as 2/3 of a package might do the trick for Beane.

How about offering to take a bad contract? they happen to have a 3B with a big contract who i would imagine they'd like to rid themselves of.

Trade for Haren, but agree to take the majority of Eric Chavez's contract, and you can prob get away with giving them Tabata plus a couple of the second level arms like Horne, etc.

The Yankees have the freedom in the payroll to take certain advantages of the system. This stands out to me as one of those situations where they, like Boston did a couple seasons ago, can have the leg up on the rest of the teams vying for Haren's services.

>> Trade for Haren, but agree to take the majority of Eric Chavez's contract, and you can prob get away with giving them Tabata plus a couple of the second level arms like Horne, etc >>

Aha- an interesting wrinkle! Get a top starter and plug up the hole at third too.

I always liked Chavez, but felt like he never quite lived up to his potential. Maybe a change in scenery would be good for the guy.

Well that and he needs not to get hurt as much. ;)

Haren is a very interesting proposition for a trade,but Billy Beane won't accept some c-chip prospects either.Is there something wrong with Haren?I only say that because Billy Beane foists some of his own problems on other teams very knowingly and readily.Right now,the Yankees have somewhat of an upper hand over the As,that will greatly increase if Pettitte re-ups.However,it is imperative that the Yankkes keep the Young Three and if they make a trade, they make it to their advantage.

Do we know that Beane wants to rid himself of Chavez? He usually doesn't give away talent, even if it's expensive, unless he's got something in the pipeline (see Crosby). Would he value Tabata and one of the Yankees' 2nd tier pitching prospects enough to pull the trigger on a deal like this?

Why not go after Haren and Santana?

Pitching is the name of the game and if you have Santana, Haren, Wang, Chamberlain you should be pretty solid for some years since all are younger than 28.

I would assume it would take Hughes to get Santana. Maybe Kennedy to get Haren. There is no chance of trading Chamberlain for anyone. If you can get those two starters without dipping into Hughes/Kennedy, wow.

Wow, lots of ideas. My ideas might not be so popular but..
I am not immune to Haren's solid year on a mediocre team,and 3.07 ERA is sick in the AL, albeit AL West.. but he historically fades a little as the season wears on, he was 5-6 after the All Star break in 2007 for instance. Kennedy's pedigree includes coming up as a major beast in USC's college WS run, I know it aint the bigs, but the kid is cool as a cucumber, I am leary of giving up a home grown guy for a West Coaster. Kennedy's stint was short, but make up wise I feel good about him, does anybody know about Kennedy?
Chavez -I agree with "Pete", guy is hurt a lot, plus, again, not sure of his makeup.
Saw some ball at Trenton this summer, Austin Jackson reminds of Eric Davis, that Horne kid throws really hard, 94-96(I sat next to the gun guy), but oddly did not induce a lot of swings and misses, if they can get anything for him they should, he is better on paper.