According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Yankees have a scout in Philadelphia today which could signify interest in Michael Young or Carlos Ruiz. The team has previously been rumored to have interest in Young, who is batting .284/.337/.409 in 81 games for the Phillies this season. The 36-year-old has played first base, second base, shortstop, and third base in his career.
Carlos Ruiz posted a 151 wRC+ for Philadelphia last year, but missed the start of the 2013 season by serving out a 25-game suspension for amphetamines. The Phillies catcher is batting .267/.327/.297 in 32 games this season in which he has also spent time on the DL with a hamstring injury. With Austin Romine putting up historically bad offensive numbers as Chris Stewart's backup and Francisco Cervelli experiencing a setback in his return from a broken hand, the Yankees could use Ruiz to bolster their production behind the plate. The Yankees do not viewMiguel Olivo, who was recently cut loose by the Marlins, as a replacement for Romine.
The Yankees claimed Russ Canzler from the Indians back in January before designating him for assignment to make room on their roster for Travis Hafner. Canzler spent 86 games in the Orioles' system this year, hitting .276/.369/.430 with 11 home runs for the Norfolk Tides before being DFA'd yesterday. Joel Sherman writes that the Yankees could have interest in a reunion with Canzler if he clears waivers. In a very limited sample of 28 at-bats this season, Canzler has hit .393 off right-handers, which could work as a possible platoon with Lyle Overbay at first base with the versatility to also play some outfield if necessary.
Do you view any of these guys as upgrades over what the Yankees currently have, and what would you be willing to give up to obtain their services?
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