Yankees News: Ichiro press conference, Chamberlain getting closer and Swisher progressing

The big news surrounding the New York Yankees is of course the acquisition of Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners which went down hours before he was set to take the field against the Bombers. Ichiro went 1-for-4 in his Yankees debut with a stolen base while wearing number 31 in road grays.

The trade was more or less out of nowhere as the Yankees continually stated that they were not very interested in pursuing an outfielder and seemed content in trying to make it through the remainder of the season with Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones comprising a platoon in left field. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman provided some insight on the change in mindset after the announcement of the trade.

Cashman was not interested in the high price tags, in terms of both salaries and the prospects required to land such players as, Philadelphia Phillies OF Shane Victorino, Arizona Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton or Minnesota Twins OF Denard Span, all of whom were linked to the Yankees.

"“My discussions led me a lot of different ways, but the price tags in those discussions didn’t match up with us,” Cashman said. “Randy Levine [Yankees’ president] approached me during the conversations that he had with Chuck Armstrong [Seattle’s president] that there might be an opportunity here to pursue. We started focusing on that.” – Brian Cashman on trade talks moving to Ichiro."

Cashman went on further to suggest that despite Ichiro’s struggles this season (.261/.288/.352) he could help the Yankees reach the playoffs.

"“We believe that this is a player that is an asset that can certainly assist this team in its efforts,” Cashman said. “We wouldn’t have pursued it and concluded it if we didn’t think that.”"

Chamberlain set for next rehab appearance

Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to pitch for Class-A Tampa today, his fifth rehab appearance. In his first outing with Tampa, he allowed his first runs of rehab including a home run. It is possible that the Yankees have Chamberlain back at the beginning of August barring any setbacks.

Swisher out through Seattle series

Nick Swisher‘s strained hip flexor is better, but the Yankees will remain cautious with getting him back on the field. They do not want to cause further damage by rushing him back in the lineup. They are looking for Swisher to be ready for Friday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.