Bye, bye, Brian Bruney

Brian Cashman swung into action immediately at the start of the winter meetings today, dealing right-handed reliever Brian Bruney to the Washington Nationals for a player to be named later.

It was clear the Yankees had soured on Bruney despite his blazing fastball. He was placed on the disabled list twice due to shoulder problems and was left off the postseason roster during the first two rounds. He pitched in Game 1 of the World Series and quickly turned a manageable 2-run deficit into an insurmountable hole against Phillies lefty Cliff Lee.

The Bruney trade could perhaps signal that reports of the Yanks' interest in Rafael Soriano may be accurate. The move clears a roster spot and some room on the payroll for Soriano (who will cost $6-$8 million) although Cashman is said to be reluctant to pursue a free-agent reliever who would force him to give up a draft pick. We'll see how the Yankee GM plays it.

Thanks to Keith Allison via Wikipedia for the photo.