Yankees Trade Cabrera for Vazquez

Early last week the Yankees decided to pull the trigger and make a trade for a possible number four starter. The Yanks came to agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a five-player trade that sent Melky Cabrera,two minor-league pitchers and $500,000 in cash to the Braves for right-handed pitcher Javier Vazquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan.

Why did the Yanks make this move? The top two free agents available, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee had both signed; Halladay signed with the Phillies and Lee with the Mariners. The Yanks were left with a shortlist that consisted of the Reds' Aaron Harang, the Cubs' Victor Zambrano and the Atlanta Braves' Javier Vazquez.

According to sources, the Yanks tried to make a deal with the Cubs for Carlos Zambrano but the Cubs refused to pick up any of the $53 million owed to him over the next three years.

Brian Cashman then proceeded to his next option and completed the deal for the former Yankee. Javier Vazquez pitched in 2004 for the Yankees and had a great first half - even making the All Star Team. He had a disappointing second half due to shoulder problems. He is best known for giving up a grand slam to Red Sox Johnny Damon in game 7 of the 2004 Championship Series.

As it looks now, Vazquez is touted to be the number 4 starter with either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain in the number 5 spot.

If Javier produces like the Yankee management expects, the Yankee pitching staff could be the best in baseball in 2010.