Yankees, Mariners Faceoff Over Jerrod Washburn

The Yankees and Mariners stand face to face in a standoff over, with the first one to blink likely to be the lose the services of left-handed, flyball starter Jerrod Washburn.

A decision must be made by the July 31 trading deadline, or both teams come up empty.

The Mariners desperately need to dump the remainder of Washburn's approximate $50 million, five-year contract but are holding out for a prospect, and the Yankees are refusing to give up anything of significant value but cash, according to WFAN 660 Radio reporter Sweeny Murti speaking live from Yankees batting practice Tuesday for the SNY television network.

Meanwhile, various other media outlets speculate that crafty, left-handed Japanese strikeout artist Kei Igawa -- so far a bust against major league pitching but currently pitching relatively well for Triple A Scranton-Wilkes Barre -- is the most the Yankees would be willing to give up, plus pay part of his contract.