Even though there is still no official word on where Nomar will end up in 2006, rumors are swirling that it is likely that he will sign with the Dodgers rather than the Yanks. The Yankees were hoping to sign Nomar as an all-around infielder and DH, but if they can’t acquire him it looks like they may turn to one-time Yankee Miguel Cairo to fill the same holes.

Cairo was the Yanks’ everyday second baseman in 2004 and hit .292 in 122 games. Last season with the Mets he didn’t do as well; he hit just .251 with a miserable .296 OBP. He may not be a power hitter or the speediest guy on the bench, but as a cheap backup infielder he may be just what the doctor ordered. Rather than paying eight million dollars for Nomar, the Yankees could conserve their assets and would likely be able to acquire Cairo for more like one million dollars. Unlike Nomar, who has played almost every game of his career at shortstop, Cairo has played every position from first base to the outfield. For what the Yankees are looking for in Nomar, Cairo could actually be an even better choice.

Labels: rumors