Yankees Trade Rumors: Cervelli For Beckham?

Sep 27, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman

(15) hits a home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Francisco Cervelli for Infielder X trade rumors won’t be going away anytime soon. The newest name came courtesy of the NY Post‘s Joel Sherman in his latest column:

"Scouts are definitely focusing on Yankees catchers. Francisco Cervelli is having a strong camp. His reputation already was for strong defense and he has three homers this spring. Catching is in short supply and he could start for some teams, including the White Sox. A deal built around Cervelli and Chicago’s Gordon Beckham is not impossible."

Look, are the Yankees going to need some infield help? Yes, but I’m not too sure Gordon Beckham is the way to go. He’s a career .249/.314/.380 hitter. He hit .267 last year in 103 games, but had just five homers  after hitting 16 in 2012. He would clearly be in a better lineup which could help his numbers improve.

Beckham isn’t eligible for free agency until 2016 on the plus side, but for all the injury concerns the Yankees have on the infield, it’s not like Beckham has been Cal Ripken Jr.

The question the Yankees would have to ask themselves is this: Is it better to have Cervelli and sign Stephen Drew or have your draft pick and Beckham? Beckham isn’t exactly a Gold Glove winner on defense either, committing 12 errors.

If the Yankees want an infielder so badly, then go get Drew. He’s out there still and even on a 1-year deal, he’s a better option than Beckham.

Trading Cervelli for an infielder does make sense. I just don’t think Beckham is the right guy.