The last time Chien Ming Wang faced the Astros, his season ended thanks to an awkward base running situation.

This time, Wang looked sharp tossing two innings, allowing only two hits.

The Yanks and Astros played to a tie, with each team scoring five runs.

Melky Cabrera, playing for a spot in the starting lineup, knocked in two runs and went 2-3 on the day (triple). Jorge Posada added another run and Angel Berroa homered.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	3	1	1	0	0	1	1	.143
Jackson, A, LF-CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Cabrera, M, CF	3	1	2	2	0	0	0	.273
Linden, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.125
Swisher, RF	2	1	0	0	1	0	1	.222
Curtis, RF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.200
Posada, DH	3	0	1	1	0	1	0	.625
a-Anson, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Ransom, SS	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.167
Pena, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Molina, J, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.143
Pilittere, C	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.500
Miranda, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.182
Leone, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.286
Berroa, 2B	3	2	2	1	0	1	0	.571
Russo, 2B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Bernier, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	2	1	.200
Nunez, E, 3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.400
Totals	34	5	9	4	1	8	8
a-Flied out for Posada in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Berroa (1, Hampton). 3B: Cabrera, M (1, Hampton). HR: Berroa (1, 4th inning off Ortiz, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Damon; Cabrera, M 4; Curtis; Posada; Molina, J; Pilittere; Berroa 6. RBI: Cabrera, M 2 (2), Posada (3), Berroa (1). 2-out RBI: Cabrera, M. GIDP: Ransom. Team LOB: 3. BASERUNNING CS: Curtis (1, 2nd base by Paronto/Quintero, H). FIELDING DP: 2 (Tomko-Ransom-Miranda, Berroa-Ransom-Leone).

According to various news sources, the Bombers and the Brewers are ready to swap outfielders Melky Cabrera and Mike Cameron.

This move is the second in as many days for the Yankees, as they upgraded their rotation yesterday by signing CC Sabathia.

Acquiring Cameron, a player who has proved he can play in New York, the Yankees have bought themselves a little more time in the "Developing Austin Jackson Department".


Editor's Note: Looks like this deal is dead in the water. The Brewers balked on taking on Kei Igawa's contract and the Yanks seemed to have wanted the Brewers to pay some of Cameron's contract. No talks since this was first reported have led Brewer GM Doug Melvin to say this deal is all but lifeles.....

According to MSN's Ken Rosenthal, the Bombers are talking trade with the LA Dodgers, and Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera seem to be the topic of conversation:

As the Dodgers try to resolve their infield, they are again talking to the Yankees about a trade for second baseman Robinson Cano. The teams have resumed their discussions about Cano at the winter meetings, according to one source.

The Dodgers also are interested in Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera, and the Yankees likely would want outfielder Matt Kemp and pitching in return.

The Dodgers' interest in Cabrera is a sign that they might not be confident of Andruw Jones making a strong return in 2009. The Dodgers also need to find a match for Juan Pierre, who has requested a trade.

In continuing with our Offseason 2009 analysis, we take a look at upgrading the Bomber's Roster via the trade market. We're only looking into feesable trade opportunities, ones that aren't far fetched (say Melky Cabrerra and a sack of potatoes for Carlos Beltran).

Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrerra for Brian Roberts and a low level prospect.

Why This Trade Works

If the Yankees are truly dedicated to getting to the World Series next season and are committed to making necessary organizational upgrades without sacrificing their untouchables (Hughes, Kennedy, Joba, etc) then this trade makes perfect sense (for both teams).

We understand that Cano had an off year in '08 and is likely to rebound next season. Melky, on the other hand, is a nightmare with an outfielder's glove.

Baltimore is a team that's preparing for the future, and they have to decide whether they are going to committ 100% to that rebuilding plan. Obtaining Cano and Melky provide a short term boost to the team's flailing existence while allowing their other components (Adam Jones, Matt Wieter, etc) to grow at a major league level.

Brian Roberts is a great fit for the Yankees. His consistency in the field and at the plate are a major upgrade over Cano and would be better suited to hit leadoff than Damon. Roberts hit 51 doubles last season and stole 40 bases. The year before, Roberts hit 42 doubles and stole 50 bases. His speed is sorely needed in the Yankees aging lineup.

By moving an underperforming Cabrerra, the Yanks would free up roster space to give Brett Gardner and extended shot at playing everyday.

Why This Trade Doesn't Work

Might be too early to give up on Cabrerra (although that ship has already sailed by our measure). His trade value plumetted this season, after a late season demotion to Scranton. Both Cano and Cabrerra are young, and this trade could come back to bite the Yanks in the ass down the road. Cano, again, had a rough season and should bounce back next year.

We're sure that there are Yankee fans who are fed up with Cabrerra, and wouldn't bat an eyelash if he were moved this offseason, but Cano is worth a lot more than a 31 year old second baseman who has never had to produce in a pressure situation.

The same thing, however, was said when the Yanks traded away Alfonso Soriano.

Andy Pettite pitched eight innings of four hit ball, striking out five Rays batters and walking none, leading the Yanks to a 5-0 victory over the AL-East leading Tampa Bay Rays.

Melky Cabrera hit his eight home run of the season and Derek Jeter added two RBIs in the win.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
M Cabrera CF	4	1	1	1	0	3	4	.247
D Jeter SS	4	1	2	2	0	1	2	.284
B Abreu RF	4	1	2	1	0	1	0	.274
A Rodriguez 3B	4	0	0	0	0	2	1	.318
J Posada DH	3	0	2	0	0	1	0	.288
W Betemit 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	4	.242
R Cano 2B	4	1	2	1	0	0	1	.255
J Molina C	3	1	2	0	1	0	0	.229
B Gardner LF	2	0	0	0	0	1	2	.130
Totals	32	5	11	5	1	11	14
BATTING 2B: J Molina (14, S Kazmir); D Jeter (17, S Kazmir); J Posada (13, S Kazmir); B Abreu (20, G Glover) HR: M Cabrera (8, 8th inning off G Glover 0 on, 0 Out) RBI: D Jeter 2 (39), M Cabrera (34), B Abreu (56), R Cano (38) S: B Gardner 2-out RBI: D Jeter 2, R Cano GIDP: D Jeter Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: R Cano 1 Team LOB: 6

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
A Pettitte (W, 10-6)	8.0	4	0	0	0	5	0	114-80	3.93
E Ramirez	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	12-7	2.81
Totals	9.0	4	0	0	0	6	0	126-87
PITCHING Batters faced: A Pettitte 28; E Ramirez 3 Ground Balls-Fly Balls: A Pettitte 10-9; E Ramirez 0-2

Scoring Summary
			TAM	NYY
	3rd	D Jeter doubled to deep right, R Cano and J Molina scored.	0	2
	8th	M Cabrera homered to right.	0	3
	8th	B Abreu doubled to right, D Jeter scored.	0	4
	8th	R Cano singled to center, B Abreu scored, J Posada to second.	0	5

The Yanks finally snapped their losing streak, edging out their AL East Rival, Boston Red Sox, 2-1.
Seven batters were plunked during the game, tying an American League record, with Manny Ramirez being drilled three times (also tying a major league record).
Mariano Rivera came in the ninth inning to close the door on the Sox, but struggled en route to earning his 23rd save. After giving up a run, Rivera escaped a no out bases loaded jam.
Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera each had an RBI in the victory.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
B Gardner LF	3	0	0	1	0	0	1	.063
D Jeter SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	2	.282
B Abreu RF	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.275
A Rodriguez 3B	2	0	1	0	1	0	0	.320
J Giambi DH	3	1	0	0	1	1	5	.259
W Betemit 1B	4	1	1	0	0	1	5	.255
R Cano 2B	3	0	1	0	0	0	1	.249
M Cabrera CF	4	0	2	1	0	0	1	.249
J Molina C	3	0	0	0	0	1	3	.225
Totals	29	2	6	2	3	4	18
BATTING RBI: M Cabrera (33), B Gardner (2) SF: B Gardner 2-out RBI: M Cabrera Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: D Jeter 1, W Betemit 2, J Molina 2, J Giambi 1 Team LOB: 10
BASERUNNING SB: A Rodriguez 2 (13, 2nd base off J Masterson/J Varitek, 3rd base off J Masterson/J Varitek)
FIELDING Outfield Assist: B Gardner (D Pedroia at 2nd base).

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
M Mussina (W, 11-6)	6.0	4	0	0	1	5	0	89-54	3.64
J Veras (H, 5)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	15-9	2.54
K Farnsworth (H, 10)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	15-11	3.79
M Rivera (S, 23)	1.0	2	1	1	0	2	0	25-16	1.17
Totals	9.0	6	1	1	1	9	0	144-90
PITCHING WP: M Mussina HBP: M Ramirez 3 (By M Mussina 2; M Rivera); K Youkilis (By M Rivera) Batters faced: M Mussina 23; J Veras 3; K Farnsworth 3; M Rivera 7 Ground Balls-Fly Balls: M Mussina 5-6; J Veras 0-1; K Farnsworth 1-2; M Rivera 0-1

Scoring Summary
			BOS	NYY
	2nd	M Cabrera singled to right, J Giambi scored, R Cano to third, M Cabrera to second advancing on throw.	0	1
	6th	B Gardner hit sacrifice fly to left, W Betemit scored.	0	2
	9th	M Lowell singled to right, J Drew scored, B Moss to second.	1	2