08/29: Source: Yankees Negotiated with Paul Byrd; Told They Were First Choice
Posted by: Patrick
Mike Puma and Joal Sherman at the Post report that, according to a source, the Yankees were negotiating with free agent starter Paul Byrd, before he signed with the Red Sox, and that Byrd informed the team that he preferred the Yankees over any other team. However, Brian Cashman and co. were unwilling to comply with his request of a guaranteed 40-man roster spot.
When he signed with the Red Sox, believing that they likely had to have agreed to the request, the Yankees placed a claim on Chris Carter, which will force the Red Sox to put Carter on their 40-man for the rest of the season. The aim is decreased roster flexibility for the Sox who had to add Billy Wagner and also have Daisuke Matsuzaka due back soon.
When he signed with the Red Sox, believing that they likely had to have agreed to the request, the Yankees placed a claim on Chris Carter, which will force the Red Sox to put Carter on their 40-man for the rest of the season. The aim is decreased roster flexibility for the Sox who had to add Billy Wagner and also have Daisuke Matsuzaka due back soon.
