Yankees made offer to Lance Berkman, still seeking DH?

The New York Yankees may have made an offer to veteran switch-hitter Lance Berkman before he signed his one-year, $10 million contract with the Texas Rangers, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

Two sources tell me #Yankees made offer to Berkman. Third source says two sides simply talked. Either way, they were in.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 7, 2013

The news is a bit of a surprise considering the 36-year-old Berkman's first go in the Bronx three years ago -- when he put up the worst numbers of his career -- but demonstrates how desperate New York may be to find a suitable designated hitter for 2013.

Had the Yankees succeeded in re-signing Berkman, he would have continued their recent trend (market inefficiency?) of signing old players. The Big Puma would have been the club's third youngest signing of the offseason, which boggles the mind.

At the moment, recent waiver claim Russ Canzler -- who has all of 29 games experience in the big leagues -- is at the top of the Yankees' depth chart at designated hitter. This is sure to change before the season starts up in April, but it is unclear who else the Bombers can acquire that will be a serviceable DH before spring training begins next month.

Luke Scott and Travis Hafner are probably the best free-agent DH names left, but club could take second chances on Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, or Nick Johnson as well.