Yankees Rumors: Zack Greinke, Cole Hamels and Matt Garza

Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal offer readers updates on the New York Yankees interest in several of the game’s top available starting pitchers, including Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels, Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, and Milwaukee Brewers ace Zack Greinke.

The facts, as far as the Yankees’ rotation is concerned, are these:

• Left-handers CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte are injured.

• Veteran right-hander Freddy Garcia and rookie righty David Phelps are two of the current starters.

• The Cubs are willing to trade righty Matt Garza, the Phillies are calling teams about lefty Cole Hamels and the Brewers are moving closer to listening on righty Zack Greinke.

Will the Yankees move on any of those pitchers?

Not necessarily, according to major-league sources. But the non-waiver deadline is July 31, and things can change over the next four weeks.

Greinke is a non-starter for the Yankees due to their concern over how he would adjust to New York, sources tell Rosenthal and Morosi.

Hamels would be a better fit. However, the Phillies southpaw is a free agent after the season and the Yankees may only view him as a rental if they decide to stay below the $189 million luxury tax threshold next year.

Garza appears to be the most realistic possibility. Sources tell Rosenthal and Morosi that New York likes the right-hander; his prior success pitching in the American League East and the fact that he is under club control through the 2013 season.

Rosenthal and Morosi add that the Yankees, who have most of their more talented prospects in the lower minors, would line up well with the Cubs, who have an eye toward the future, in that regard.

They conclude by saying while the Yankees are currently in a wait-a-see state, it could be changed by a push by their division rivals, the Boston Red Sox.

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Which pitcher would be the best fit for the Yankees; Greinke, Hamels or Garza?

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