The New York Yankees have some injuries in their infield that could leave Joe Girardi and company looking for other options to help with depth. Mark Teixeira is on the disabled list, but expected to return on Sunday. Brian McCann is out. Francisco Cervelli replaced him, but exited Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. That could force the Yankees to make a move, but instead the team will look from within first.
No one is wishing for an injury more than Stephen Drew. The free agent shortstop has been patiently waiting for some interest to pick up around him. However, according to ESPNNewYork.com, Drew is of no interest to the Yankees, nor is Kendrys Morales. The issue is of course money. Drew earned $9.5 million with the Boston Red Sox and is currently requesting a multi-year deal worth upwards of $14 million a season. Morales eared $5.25 million with the Mariners last season and wants something in the same range with another team. Every club has turned down their offers despite injuries depleting rosters and the Yankees are just another name on the list.
ESPN continues to report that right now, Russ Canzler and Scott Sizemore will likely be recalled from Triple-A to help fill the void of Teixeira. Austin Romine or John Ryan Murphy could be recalled to placed Cervelli and McCann. Carlos Beltran has done some work at first base, but refuses to make that change permanent.
"If he said go to first, I might have told him I have a hurt leg," Beltran said, via MLB.com. "I hope I never have to do it again."
That lack of enthusiasm might start shifting the interest level back to Drew or Morales in the near future depending on just how healthy Teixeira keeps himself. Given the veteran's injury history, he could be on the disabled list more times than not. New York could easily move Kelly Johnson to first base, place Yangervis Solarte at third and put Drew at second, but until contract demands get lowered, that will not happen.
If Drew wants to place this season, he would be wise to lower his demands. Right now, plenty of teams could use help in the infield and no one is looking his direction.