The Yankees, who are pressing for pitching and have money to burn, have re-entered the
Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes, SI.com has learned. It had been presumed the Yankees were concentrating only on starting pitching for the moment. But sources tell SI.com that the Yankees aren't about to concede Teixeira to the rival Red Sox or anyone else. Word in baseball circles on Wednesday was that the Boston appeared to be the favorite to land the star free-agent first baseman.
The Angels, Nationals and Orioles are all pressing for Teixeira, as well, with the price likely to approach or hit the $200-million mark. There have been reports suggesting some Angels pitcher are discouraged, but it appears they remain very much in the picture.
There are some people who believe Teixeira would rather go to the East Coast, and if that's true the Yankees could be an interesting fit. The Orioles and Nationals are pressing hard, and while Teixeira is a native of Severna Park, Md., neither of his local teams appears ready to win.
The Yankees are also pushing for
A.J. Burnett, talking seriously to Derek Lowe and investigating whether to make a bid for
Ben Sheets. The Yankees' biggest need is pitching, and if they sign three more pitchers beyond
CC Sabathia, they can probably be counted out on Teixeira. But until that time, they should be considered to be in the Teixeira Sweepstakes. If they do sign Teixeira,
Nick Swisher would be switched to the outfield.