Bronx Bench Building

As Major League Baseball's trading deadline approaches, the New York Yankees have some work to do. Yes, they do still have the best record in baseball. But have you seen their bench lately? Or the back end of their bullpen?

The bench: Ramiro Pena, Kevin Russo, Chad Huffman and Colin Curtis.

The pen: Chad Gaudin, Chan Ho Park, Sergio Mitre and Boone Logan.

Ok, so maybe the bullpen isn't the worst in the world, but it certainly could be better. And the young, inexperienced bench needs some major fortifications.

Brian Cashman, are you listening? Here are a few suggestions:

Lance Berkman: In a perfect world, this is the guy the Yankees get. He wouldn't be added to the bench, but he would be added to the now vacant DH spot, and lengthen the Yankees line-up considerably. Imagine this: Jeter, Swisher, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Cano, Berkman, Posada, Granderson, Gardner. Not bad, eh?

Xavier Nady: With the release of Randy Winn last month, it's clear Cashman blundered signing him instead of bringing Nady or Eric Hinske (who's been great for the Braves) back. Hinske's not going anywhere, but Nady could be reacquired. If the Cubs fall further out of it, he could be had rather cheaply, and would be a welcome addition to Joe Girardi's bare bench.

Ty Wiggington: Baltimore's jack of all trades may be the perfect addition for the Yankees. He's having a great year, with 13 home runs, a .270 average and 40 RBI. He can fill in a DH, first, second, third and in both corner outfield positions. The problem is, the division rival Orioles aren't likely to trade Wigginton to the Yankees. Long shot for sure...

Johnny Damon: The Yankees need a DH, and Damon is slowly being relegated to the bench in Detroit with the emergence of rookie Brennan Boesch. Could he return to the Yankees? Absolutely, but the Tigers would likely need to fall out of the division race first.

Trevor Hoffman: The major league's all-time saves leader is now the set-up man for John Axford. (Who? Exactly.) As terribly as Hoffman began the season, that's got to stick in his craw. Would Hoffman be willing to make the move to the Bronx to set up for the greatest closer in history, Mariano Rivera? And perhaps have a shot at winning his first World Series? You bet he would. For the Yanks, his experience would be an upgrade over Joba Chamberlain in the 8th, and would move Joba to the less pressurized 7th. For Hoffman, it's a no-brainer, and it sure beats setting up for Axford in Milwaukee.