Earlier today Joel Sherman talked about the Yankees need for offense in a season where they have received it inconsistently. He discusses possibly bringing up Jesus Montero, not a terrible idea, but not the impact bat they need. For as much potential Montero has his line at Scranton (.251/.318/.417) translates into a pedestrian .622 OPS at the big league level. I also think his development should take precedence right now and apparently Brian Cashman agrees. It’s been discussed for a while the Yankees are looking for veteran bats like Eric Hinske and Jerry Hairston Jr., two they acquired mid season last year, to help give the offense a boost. Ty Wigginton is one name on their radar. Another name out of left field and, as of today, not likely available, but quite possibly could become in the near future is Jayson Werth. Would the Phillies consider trading Werth at the deadline if they are falling out of the Wild Card race? If he is available wouldn’t it make sense for the Yankees to bring him aboard?

Why would Werth be available? Even in a National League full of parity, the loss of Chase Utley till September puts a crimp on the Phillies offense. Their pitching, outside of their top two, remains very suspect and I never have loved the closer. Staying ahead of teams like the Braves, Mets, Reds, and even the Dodgers will be a tall task. Yes, they have Roy Halladay, but how did that work for Toronto? Many believe Werth will leave via free agency so why not try to deal him at the deadline?

We have been reporting that Werth is going to be a target of the Yankees this offseason. He is your typical Yankee offensive player in that hits for power and gets on base. Defensively he is far superior to Nick Swisher in right. Bringing Werth on would allow Joe Girardi to move Swisher to the DH spot and give the Yankees the best defensive outfield in baseball. Plus his right handed bat would balance out the lineup nicely.

What kind of package would this take? Who knows, but names like David Phelps, J.R Murphy, and Brandon Laird could comprise an interesting package. Laird would be perfect as the centerpiece since he could be the heir apparent at third base for Placido Polanco and even spell Ryan Howard at first against lefties.

Is this likely? Who knows? Remember, the Phillies traded Bobby Abreu in 2006 while they still were in the Wild Card race. Just because they deal Werth doesn’t mean they can’t compete this year, it just makes the task that much harder. Right now I would balance the needs of next year as well if I were Ruben Amaro Jr. Call the Yankees about Werth and they probably would listen very seriously.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Brandon Laird, Chase Utley, David Phelps, J.R. Murphy, Jayson Werth, Jesus Montero, New York Yankees, Nick Swisher, Philadelphia Phillies, Placido Polanco, Ryan Howard, Ty Wigginton