Trade deadline open thread – Thursday

Update (12:44pm): The Tigers traded speedy outfielder Josh Anderson to the Royals for cash today. One less option for a Brett Gardner fill-in.

It’s going to be kind of hard to top yesterday, no? With Cliff Lee headed to Philadelphia, seven players changing hands between the Mariners and Pirates, and Freddy Sanchez headed to San Fran in exchange for a top pitching prospect, it would take quite a few moves — or a Doc Halladay move — to top it.

The Yanks weren’t quiet, slipping in an acquisition of Jason Hirsh under the radar. I’ve always been a fan of Hirsh, but I don’t expect him to contribute this year. Hopefully he can work back into shape in Scranton, get a few big league innings in September, and help the team next year.

As far as new rumors go, we heard yesterday that the Yankees were interested in Josh Anderson to help fill in for the injured Brett Gardner. Today we learn that they’re also interested in Corey Patterson. The Yanks have an abundance of potential 40-man roster spots, so they can afford to take a gamble. Xavier Nady and Chien-Ming Wang are both on the 15-day DL and could clear up spots with moves to the 60-day. Sergio Mitre didn’t cost a 40-man spot, because the Yankees DFA Brett Tomko to call him up, so Jose Veras’s vacated spot is still there. Kevin Cash is also out for the season, and although I’m not exactly sure of the rules, they could probably release him and free up a spot.

That might be unnecessary, though, as the Yankees could call up Austin Jackson. I’d still call the move unlikely. WIth the available 40-man spots, Patterson might be a better option right now, since his primary role would be replacing Johnny Damon late in games for defensive purposes. The lack of a true backup center fielder does make it tough to give Damon a day off, because that would put both Eric Hinske and Nick Swisher in the outfield.

Apparently, the Blue Jays have been scouting the Yanks minor leagues, though that would appear to be in preparation to trade a reliever, not Halladay. Mike talked about Scott Downs over the weekend.

That seems to be about it for now. As yesterday, this is a trade deadline open thread. We’ll update it with any big stuff, or Yankee-related stuff, as it comes along.