Rosenthal: Yankees are frontrunners for Dan Haren (WITH UPDATE)

Update, 10:15 - Frankie Piliere of AOL FanHouse hears that talks are moving forward and that secondary players are being discussed, with pitcher Joba Chamberlain headlining the package that would be sent to Arizona. He also reports that top Yankees' prospect, Jesus Montero, who was almost traded for Cliff Lee almost two weeks ago, is not in the trade. Piliere says that pitching prospect Ivan Nova, who is 8-2 with a 3.06 ERA in Triple-AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and fellow pitching prospect Zach McAllister, whose father works for the Dbacks as a scout, are most likely in the deal, with Nova being the key piece and pitcher the Dbacks want says Ken Rosenthal.

As for me, I'm shocked that the Yankees are ready to give up on Joba already. I know he's struggled early in his career, but he's just 24 and could be fixable and become a reliable reliever or starter. Anybody remember those "Save the Big 3" t-shirts that were made when the Yankees were willing to give up one of Phil Hughes, Joba, and Ian Kennedy for Johan Santana? If Chamberlain is traded, he will join Kennedy in Arizona (who went over in the Curtis Granderson deal), leaving Hughes the only member of the Big 3 still on the Yankees. Weird.

It looks like this deal could be done as soon as tomorrow. Keep it here.

p.s. When looking at the big three shirt, #65 is Hughes, #62 is Joba, and #36 is Kennedy. That shirt was made prior to the '08 season. We all know how that went...

6:54 - According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the New York Yankees, who were yesterday just rumored to be interested in Arizona Diamondbacks' ace RHP Dan Haren, are moving closer to a deal to acquire the starting pitcher.

According to Rosenthal, "the defending World Series champions believe they have the necessary pieces to obtain Haren, according to a major-league source.

The Diamondbacks are telling interested clubs that they are in advanced negotiations with one club, though they are not identifying that team, sources say."

Rosenthal, MLBTradeRumors and Riveraveblues also indicate that the package will be focused on "pitching, pitching and more pitching" as the Dbacks have said they would require an "A+" package for Haren due to his age and long term, team friendly contract. The Dbacks initially said that they wanted two major league pitchers and a bullpen arm in order to trade Haren.

The Yankees it seems, however, will be sending at least two pitchers and some prospects for Haren. Growing speculation, as reported by Riveraveblues is that former Yankees' top prospect RHP Joba Chamberlain, who has worked as both a starting pitcher and relief pitcher, would headline the deal that would send Haren to the Yankees. If a deal for Haren would cost Chamberlain, another pitcher and a few prospects not named Jesus Montero, that would be an absolute steal.

Acquiring Haren would give the Bronx Bombers the best rotation in the league.

Another reason as to why this deal makes sense is because Phil Hughes' innings limit will kick in around September. Hughes, the Yankees' future ace and best young pitcher, has been placed on an innings limit in order to rest his arm. Many have wondered how the Yankees will fill the void once Hughes is sent to the bullpen when he hits his limit. Acquiring Haren would do just that. As well, Andy Pettitte is currently on the DL, and it's been reported he'll be on it for at least four-to-six weeks, meaning a mid-to-late August return, just about when Hughes will hit his limit. Until Pettitte returns, Haren would take his spot and then Hughes' spot once he hits his limit.

Haren, just 29, would be the co-ace to CC Sabathia and is signed for three more seasons. A trade for Haren most likely means that the Yankees will not sign Cliff Lee during the off season.

CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett, Javy Vazquez and Haren all in the same rotation? Can you say repeat?