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The Yankees are "moving pretty rapidly" toward a trade for Astros switch-hitter Lance Berkman, a baseball official with knowledge of the team's plans told FanHouse."It's on its way, but it's not there yet," the official said.
Berkman can become the Yankees' primary designated hitter, a role that had been Nick Johnson's -- but Johnson has been out since early May with a wrist injury.
Like Roy Oswalt, who was dealt to the Phillies on Thursday, Berkman has spent his entire career in the Houston organization. The Astros' first-round pick out of nearby Rice University in 1997, the 34-year-old made five All-Star teams during his time with Houston.
What Berkman may not do is help the Yankees' lineup against lefties. Center fielder Curtis Granderson has continued his career trend of struggling against left-handers, but Berkman has just a .262 career average batting right-handed (.415 slugging compared to .592 left-handed).
Berkman is making $14.5 million this season and has the right to veto any trade, but he told reporters Friday he had approved a list of four potential destinations -- including the Yankees. Reports emerged Friday that Berkman had vetoed a potential trade to the White Sox, and Chicago general manager Kenny Williams confirmed that to MLB.com.
Berkman's contract includes a $15 million team option for 2011 that certainly will be declined, making him a free agent. He told reporters in Houston on Friday that he would re-sign with the Astros this winter if he could.
The New York Post reports the Astros would receive Triple-A reliever Mark Melancon and Class A infielder Jimmy Paredes in the deal, while also paying a portion of the money that remains on Berkman's contract this season.
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