AL East Notes: Yankees Third Basemen, Orioles Targets, James Shields Rumors

Here's the latest out of the America League East:

New York Yankees (60-39)

Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez suffered a broken bone on his left hand, but the team has said it is content with using Eric Chavez until A-Rod returns. There are question as to whether or not Chavez can handle playing everyday for eight weeks, so the team is looking into a backup plan/insurance policy, such as the Philadelphia Phillies' Ty Wigginton.

Andrew Mearns of Pinstripe Alley shared his thoughts on Ty Wigginton:

"If the Yankees can pry Wigginton from the Phillies for not much, he might be a better option than Nix even though he's not good in the field. Nix has never played very well as a regular, while Wigginton has had some success. It would not be the first time the Yankees acquired a poor fielder for his platoon splits (see: Ibanez, Raul). Considering the starting role would probably only be for about a month and a half, it's certainly not a move they need to make, but it's a viable option."

Baltimore Orioles (52-48, -8.5 in East, -2.5 in Wild Card)

Among the starting pitchers the O's have interest in are Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Ahtletics and Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins. Baltimore has also shown interest in third baseman Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies infielder Placido Polanco and Chicago Cubs first baseman/left fielder Bryan LaHair.

The Orioles are also in the mix on Josh Johnson, though the asking price from the Miami Marlins may have increased with Zack Greinke off the market.

Tampa Bay Rays (51-49, -9.5 in East, -3.5 in Wild Card)

James Shields has become a hot commodity with the starting pitching market shrinking. The latest rumors have linked the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals to the 30-year-old right-hander.

The team is also rumored to be listening to offers for Jeremy Hellickson and Wade Davis.

Toronto Blue Jays (50-49, -10 in East, -4 in Wild Card)

Toronto is on the long list of team who have shown interest in Josh Johnson but they're also listening to offers for shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Boston Red Sox (49-51, -11.5 in East, 5.5 in Wild Card)

-The Boston Red Sox are in the market for a first-division shortstop, and put a feeler out to the Miami Marlins concerning a Carl Crawford for Jose Reyes swap. Those talks never gained any traction, and the team is is playing wait and see as they prepare for the deadline.

From Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com:

"The Sox, say those sources, are waiting to see where they stand in the playoff race early next week before determining whether to buy or sell. Between Wednesday afternoon and next Tuesday, the Sox play five games against three of the better teams in the American League (Texas, New York, Detroit) and how they fare -- and how others in the race with them also fare -- will be a key factor in the approach."