Via Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star with a hat tip to Peter Abraham -

Should the Royals send pitcher Brian Bannister back to New York if offered outfielder Melky Cabrera or another run-production bat in return?

Such an offer might be forthcoming, because the Yankees appear determined to boost their rotation and are showing increased interest in Bannister as an alternative if ongoing efforts to acquire Seattle’s Jarrod Washburn reach an impasse.

Nothing appears imminent, but the framework for a deal seems to exist because New York has already shown a willingness to part with Cabrera. Add this: The Royals nearly obtained Cabrera in a trade-deadline swap two years ago for veteran outfielder Reggie Sanders before Sanders suffered an injury.

The Yankees, like several teams, previously contacted the Royals regarding pitcher Zack Greinke. One major-league source said New York had offered Cabrera and second baseman Robinson Cano in exchange for Greinke and a position player thought to be outfielder Mark Teahen.

Discussions fizzled when the Royals showed little willingness to trade Greinke.

Brian Bannister? Sounds like this is out there just to light a fire under the Mariners. Either that, or, Bob Dutton of the Star just had some column to fill today. Bannister is just another version of Darrell Rasner – and, the Yankees already have that.