Baseball Rumors - Phillies Included

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Yanks definitely cooking up Sheff deal?

Oct 31 - The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday.

But Cashman isn't quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield, who is set to make $13 million in the final season of his contract in 2007, with at least $4.5 million deferred. The Yankees have until Sunday night to officially pick up Sheffield's option, and they are expected to do so shortly after agreeing to a trade, according to the newspaper.

As long as the Phillies don't go signing him to huge deals that ruin the team in future years, like say Pat Burrell then I guess it might work out. We aren't exactly in need of an outfielder though. We do need protection for Burrell though so I guess thats what this is good for.