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Yankees interested in free agent infielder Jeff Keppinger
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Yankees have renewed their “
longstanding interest” in free agent infielder Jeff Keppinger. The Yankees
have Eduardo Nunez and Jayson Nix on their roster, but they are currently
seeking a veteran infielder who can play third base and fill in at shortstop
with Derek Jeter coming off ankle surgery.
Keppinger isn’t a perfect fit for the role described by Rosenthal, as he hasn
’t played shortstop since 2010 as a member of the Astros, but the Yankees
have tried to acquire him on two previous occasions. The 32-year-old batted
.325/.367/.439 with nine home runs, 40 RBI and an .806 OPS in 115 games with
the Rays this past season while making starts at first base, second base and
the hot corner.
At the very least, Keppinger would fill the void left by free agent Eric
Chavez, who filled in at third base and first base at various points this
year. Rosenthal has heard some scuttlebutt that the Yankees may be “laying
the groundwork” to use Rodriguez as their primary designated hitter next
season, but general manager Brian Cashman has refuted any such claims.
“There is no discussion whatsoever about Alex transitioning from third base
to DH, part-time DH, first base or any other position on the field,” Cashman
said.
“As we approach anyone in the free-agent market or anyone in trades, we’re
making sure we have insurance policies, (asking) our what-ifs?”
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported earlier this week that the Yankees could
consider free agent Stephen Drew for a super-sub role while Rosenthal
speculates that free agent Marco Scutaro and Tigers’ shortstop Jhonny
Peralta could also fit the bill.