(The Spread) – As the trade deadline nears, the New York Yankees are hoping to make one big splash before heading into their second half run.
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthall tweets that the Bronx Bombers are in talks with the Astros in regards to starter Wandy Rodriguez. Houston is the in the midst of purging its roster, as the Stros just parted with outfielder Hunter Pence in a deal that sent him to Philadelphia for prospects. Rodriguez, who is 7-7 on the year with a 3.47 ERA, would be a nice coup for a New York team that needs pitching.
It’s unclear at this point whom the Yankees would have to part with in exchange for Rodriguez, but there has been speculation that Houston would have to eat a large portion of the left-hander’s contract. The 32-year-old is due $7 million in 2011, $10 million in 2012, $13 million in 2013 and has a $13 million vesting option with a $2.5 million buyout in 2014.
The Yankees came into the week with 13/2 odds to win the 2011 World Series according to oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog. They were 3/1 to win the American League Pennant, which ranked them among the favorites. (The Red Sox opened the week with 5/4 odds to win the AL pennant.)
We’ll see if the Yankees stand pat at the trade deadline or make a move. They’re never afraid to add more salary but it’ll be interesting to see whom they give up if they do pursue Rodriguez.
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