Yankees rumors: NY pessimistic about Scott Hairston

The New York Yankees are not optimistic about their chances of signing free-agent outfielder Scott Hairston, reports Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York:

The Yankees are pessimistic about signing free agent Scott Hairston, a source with knowledge of the club's thinking said...

The source said Hairston will be able to get more at-bats elsewhere so it is unlikely he will sign with the Yankees.

It was reported earlier this week -- by Hairston's agent, no less -- that the competition for the veteran outfielder was down to the two New York squads, but that does not appear to be the case if Marchand's source is correct.

The 32-year-old Hairston is not only looking for a multi-year deal, but he is also looking for a starting job somewhere, neither of which he is likely to receive in the Bronx. The veteran could potentially get both of those things if he elects to play a little further south in Queens, where the Mets would likely start him at a corner spot.

If the Yankees do indeed decide to pass on Hairston, their fourth outfielder spot would likely come down to a competition between recent waiver claim Russ Canzler and veteran Matt Diaz, both righty bats.