Earlier in the offseason we heard how the Yankees were standing firm to keeping their payroll at 2010 levels. Depending on how you look at it, that meant it was a tight squeeze fitting in their own free agents (Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte), and Cliff Lee. There are reports the Yankees will meet with Carl Crawford next week. Knowing the Red Sox pursued Mariano Rivera, possibly involved in discussions regarding Adrian Gonzalez, and looking at one of the big outfielders for themselves (Crawford, Werth), it’s hard to see the Yankees just making Lee their offseason.

A healthy Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis immediately improves on the 89 win Red Sox team from a year ago. Possibly signing one of Crawford/Werth, and acquiring Adrian Gonzalez without giving up any major league talent would put the Sox at the forefront of the American League East. That is why I could see the Yankees battling for one of the big outfielders despite the fact it could bring their payroll to over $230 million dollars.

We reported a few weeks back it wasn’t out of the question the Yankees would import a bat. The reports of a hard line payroll ended much of that talk, but I don’t think a meeting with Crawford is a courtesy call. The Yankees will be much improved if they sign Cliff Lee, but their offense does have some age. I have a hard time believing they will sit back and watch the Red Sox beef up their offense while they stand pat.

That’s why I wouldn’t be surprised there is a push for Crawford or Jayson Werth during the Winter Meetings. Two years ago we got a Christmas Eve surprise with the signing of Mark Teixeira. Last year there were reports the Yanks tried to vulture a value agreement from Matt Holliday at the eleventh hour. Don’t discount them from signing both Cliff Lee and an outfield bat.

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: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox, Carl Crawford, Cliff Lee, Jayson Werth, New York Yankees