The lure of adding outfielder Jason Lane to an imposing first base platoon that already includes outfielder Shelley Duncan, designated hitter Jason Giambi and third baseman Wilson Betemit might be too tough for the New York Yankees to pass up.
"Why have three guys that aren't comfortable playing the position when you can have four?" asked the fiery yet confusing Hank Steinbrenner. "We picked up Betemit last year for the sole purpose of helping out at first even though he's a third baseman and that worked out awesome. Why not throw Jason Lane in there? He hit .178 last season, so putting him in an unfamiliar position defensively will likely translate into a monster year at the plate."
Steinbrenner was later overheard repeating the exact same comment Isiah Thomas used when he acquired Steve Franics saying, "this is just crazy enough that it might work."
The Yanks are also reported to have heavy interest in several other guys with little to no experience at first who, like Lane, seem to have their best playing days behind them. According to sources, those on the short list include Matt Williams, Benny Agbayani and former Bomber Shane Spencer.
