By Jon Schuppe
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The Yankees have closed on a deal to bring pitcher Javier Vazquez back to the Bronx while dealing popular outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Atlanta Braves.
Vazquez, a right-hander who last pitched for the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, was second in the National League in strikeouts last year while going 15-10. He will join a 2010 rotation of starters that includes C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte.
By trading Cabrera, the Yankees now have a slot in left field. That could open the possibility of re-signing Johnny Damon, now a free agent, to a new contract. Damon’s chances of remaining with the team eroded when the Bombers signed designated hitter Nick Johnson, another former Yankee, last week.
There are several other available outfielders who the Yankees could go after, including Matt Holliday. They could also stick with who they have: Brett Gardner.
The Vazquez deal also includes the Yankees obtaining left-handed reliever Boone Logan and giving up left-hander Mike Dunn and a minor-league prospect.
The New York Post reports that the prospect is Arodys Vizcaino, a 19-year-old right-handed pitcher who played for the Yankees’ minor league club in Staten Island.
Earlier this month, the Yankees acquired outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers in a three-team trade.
