Lawton to the Yankees - Fire Brand of the American League

The New York Yankees are close to a deal to acquire outfielder Matt Lawton from the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN.com%u2019s Jayson Stark.

The Cubs would recieve not a player to be named %u2026 not a minor league player to be named %u2026 but a YANKEES minor leaguer to be named. Ouch. Jason Dubois to Jody Gerut to Matt Lawton to a Yankees minor league player to be named?

Lawton is pretty decent offensively, hitting .268/.366/.412. That%u2019s all - decent. I%u2019m not quite sure why the Yankees would want him over Matsui, Bernie Williams, or Sheffield. He could be a fourth outfielder which would help but quite frankly %u2026 he doesn%u2019t fit in the fourth OF role, which is more defense, speed, and pinch-hitting.

Matt Lawton this year played for the Pittsburgh Pirates as well. From Pirates fan (and occasional Fire Brand columnist) Frank Palmieri comes a scouting report:

One of the worst defensive outfielders in the league. Has the ability to consistently turn popouts into doubles. Has an average arm but won%u2019t throw many runners out. Average contact/power at the plate %u2026 little too much of a free swinger at times. One of the worst base runners in the league. Falls asleep when taking a lead and tends to get picked off quite a bit. Always gets a late jump when trying to steal a base.

To temper our giddiness though, comes the words of Mario Scalise who has seem Lawton up and close as a member of the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, and Chicago Cubs.

I%u2019m actually a fan of his. He%u2019s not the fastest guy out there, but he%u2019s an above average leadoff hitter who will take pitches and get on base. Defensively, he%u2019s best suited for LF. He%u2019s supposedly a quality guy in the clubhouse and from what I know he%u2019s a consistent player, so I can%u2019t see him struggling. Considering he%u2019ll be a backup, I can%u2019t see the Yanks giving up much, which would make it pointless for the Cubs. I could see Lawton DHing, or have him rotating with Matsui in LF/DH, with Williams as well. Lawton can bat leadoff and put Jeter second, allowing them to move Cano down in the order where he is better suited.

My take? Since they%u2019re giving up so little, it%u2019s sure better than nothing, but I doubt Lawton won%u2019t really impact their playoff hopes - just add a bit of depth.