Yankees Eye Barry Bonds At High-Level Meetings
TAMPA, Fla. - Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees plan to talk about it.
Yankees officials gathered for high-level meetings at their spring training complex Thursday, a day off for the team before it begins an important three-game series at Boston.
Missing injured sluggers Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Yankees plan to consider ways to improve the team for the stretch run before next Thursday's trade deadline. They've already added first baseman Richie Sexson, who was released by the Seattle Mariners.
Co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner acknowledged he'd mention Bonds, the indicted home run king who became a free agent when the San Francisco Giants did not bring him back.
"I'll mention it. We'll cover everything," Steinbrenner said before the meetings began. "No stone will be left unturned."
In addition to Hank Steinbrenner, his brother, co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman and special adviser Gene Michael were among those at the meetings.
Matsui has been on the disabled list since June 23 with a balky knee that could require season-ending surgery. Posada could also be looking at surgery for his right shoulder, after an MRI exam showed fraying in the tendons around the labrum.
Both are trying to rehab, and their progress over the next week could go a long way toward helping the club decide what moves to make before the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31.
The recent play of the Yankees, who have won six straight since the all-star break, could also play a role in what moves they make. New York started the day 3 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Tampa Bay.
"We're playing great. That's the key thing," Steinbrenner said. "Considering we're not 100 per cent because of the injuries, it's pretty impressive. Where we can add, we'll look into it."
AP | July 24, 2008 07:38 PM