Yankees rumors prove latest lineup suspicions weren't so crazy after all

Over the weekend, the New York Yankees showed off the fruits of their recent developmental bragging, starting Ben Rice behind the plate in an ongoing effort to comfortably shuffle the roster around Giancarlo Stanton in the DH spot. On Sunday, with Marcus Stroman's return from injury finally upon them and in need of a good shepherd behind the plate to attempt to coax something serviceable out of the righty, they turned to their pitcher whisperer ... whoa, Rice again.

Twice in one three-game series certainly raised a few eyebrows, affirming the Yankees' belief in Rice's ability to both call a game and hold up in the scorching summer heat while wearing the tools of ignorance. He did come up as both a catcher and a first baseman, but the Yankees' long-term need at first is clearer than behind the dish, where Austin Wells resides and where competent backups seemingly grow on trees, as Boston will tell you.

So why is he now being used so consistently as the captain of the defense, rather than just as a party trick to improve the team's flexibility portfolio. Are they less sold on Wells than they used to be? Do they just want to ensure Paul Goldschmidt plays close to everyday while he's still around? Or are they considering deploying another catcher in a midsummer trade? Is JC Escarra available?

According to Yankees insider Mike Axisa, there's reason to wonder about that final point. Escarra's led Yankees pitchers through four 1-0 wins already, and there's thunder in his bat, even if it's more theoretical than literal at this point. Are the Yankees itching to trade him? Unlikely. But would they consider it if somebody blew them away with a controllable reliever in exchange? They're hinting that they absolutely would.

Yankees could trade JC Escarra if they end up being overwhelmed by an Andres Muñoz-type return

A Muñoz type is more than likely not out there waiting for the Yankees to call. Teams are tighter-fisted than ever these days. The Yankees will have to be really confident they've out-scouted their trade opponent for an opportunity like this to materialize.

Their recent behavior has definitely hinted that they feel confident in their catching picture with and without Escarra, though, who hit the paternity list at a pretty turbulent time. Don't be stunned if they find a fit for one of their brightest offseason stories elsewhere.