The Sunday Yankeeland - 7/27

New title, what the heck.

In case you missed yesterday's roster moves, Brett Gardner was optioned to Scranton and LaTroy Hawkins was, at last, designated for assignment. Justin Christian will now serve as the extra outfielder and pinch-runner.

The Yankees also had to make room on the 40-man roster and they did so by putting Kei Igawa on waivers. Unfortunately, no one claimed him.

Carl Pavano threw batting practice yesterday and is scheduled to pitch for the GCL Yankees on Tuesday.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star is reporting that the Yankees are taking a serious look at starting pitcher Brian Bannister. Bannister pitched well last year and started out '08 in the same manner, but currently has a 5+ ERA. The Royals are reportedly interested in Melky Cabrera, which really doesn't make a lot of sense for their team.

Melky's been a big disappointment at the plate this season, but we wouldn't mess with the outfield defense right now, nor with Robinson Cano's psyche by trading his best friend. If you want to upgrade the offense in center field, wait until the off-season.

The Yankees could end up souring on Jarrod Washburn due to reported monetary demands he's making to waive his no-trade clause. According to the Seattle Times, Washburn and agent Scott Boras worked out scenarios as rumors began to fly that he would be dealt. Washburn is already set to make 10.9 mill next year.

Goose Gossage, at long last, getes inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame today.

The Boston Globe has a piece on today's starter Sidney Ponson and the happiness he has found in Pinstripes.

One of our fave's, Mike Vaccaro, has a feature on the Yankees put the pedal to the metal.