Yankees 'in on everybody,' ask about Justin Upton, Victorino, Span

Brett Gardner's elbow injury means the Yankees are looking for an outfielder.

The Phillies’ Shane Victorino is one of a few outfielders the Yankees may be interested in acquiring. (US Presswire)

In their search for an outfielder with Brett Gardner likely out for the year, the Yankees "are in on everybody,'' says a rival executive. That means they've checked in on Shane Victorino, Justin Upton and Denard Span, and presumably others.

But so far they have nothing going with any of those guys for a variety of reasons. Here's a rundown.

1. Victorino. Although the Phillies-Victorino marriage is unlikely to go into next season, the Phillies are shopping no one and instead concentrating on trying to keep star pitcher Cole Hamels with a long-term deal. One competing exec said he sees the Phillies even keeping Victorino through the season, then taking a draft choice when they lose him in the winter. (To get the draft choice, the Phillies would have to make a qualifying offer of about $12 million, but the exec thinks they'd make the offer if only because he sees Victorino getting a three-year deal elsewhere.) The Yankees do like Victorino, so if Philly starts to sell after settling the Hamels situation, they'd be happy to take the call.

2. Upton. He isn't going to the Yankees anytime soon for a many reasons, though not necessarily because they are one of four teams on his no-trade list. Other teams seem to like him more is one reason. Another is the growing sense that an Upton trade, a major untertaking, may wait for the winter.

3. Span. The Yankees like him, too. But one source said "the Twins are asking for a ton.'' That's probably not a shock considering the interest all-around in center fielders. The Twins seem more open to dealing him than Josh Willingham, for instance, but that doesn't mean they're completely open to it.

Andruw Jones and Raul Ibanez have played well for the Yankees but there is concern with their age as their playing time piles up. With Nick Swisher a free agent after the year, it wouldn't hurt to add an outfielder, anyway.

Of a more minor nature, the Nationals have called to see if the Yankees have interest in Rick Ankiel, who was recently designated for assignment. The Yankees are considering that.