Did Yankees Leak Trade Rumor?

Several sources seem to be reporting that the New York Yankees are close to making a trade for a starting pitcher, yet none of them seem to have any names. This is a bit unusual isn't it? Usually a trade rumor has at least one name attached to it, no? This leads me to believe that the team might have leaked the trade rumor in order to get a free agent starter to lower their price.

The story had the Yankees making the deal as early as last night, but certainly by the end of the year. Earlier in the day on Monday, there was a rumor of a possible deal with the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano, however, was quick to say that he was not interested in waiving his no trade clause.

GM Brian Cashman is reportedly looking at free agent starting pitchers Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer, but one must assume that he does not want to spend a lot on damaged goods. Neither player pitched in 2009, due to injury.