Washburn Deal Dead

"It's dead," a source in touch with the Yankees and Mariners said late yesterday afternoon. "They want quality and want (the Yankees) to pay all the money, too. And that's not going to happen.

That's the news according to this morning's New York Post. The Yankees talks with the Mariners for Jarrod Washburn is, currently, dead in the water.

Could it change before Thursday? Sure. The Mariners are in a salary dump and a pitcher who is owed $10.35 million for next season and roughly $3.28 million for the remainder of this one doesn't fit into their long-range program.

Nevertheless, general manager Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner didn't paint a positive picture before their club was punished, 13-4, last night by the Orioles at Yankee Stadium.

"It's all cold right now," Cashman said a little after 6 p.m. "Anyone who thinks something is hot should check their sources. You are always a phone call away, but it's frigid out there."

It's complete and utter nonsense that the Mariners want a top prospect when the Yankees are willing to absorb what is owed to Washburn the rest of this season, plus pick up his contract of $10.9 million for next season.

Time to move on. Though that move won't be to Francesa's favorite boy, Bronson Arroyo. The Reds say they will not deal the right-hander, who stands to make $26 million over the next 2 years. Just as well, we can't stand him.