By: Matt Rappa, managing editor 
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Even with the Phillies' first game of spring training just days away—an exhibition contest against the University of Tampa Spartans this Sunday at Bright House Field— trade rumors are continuing to make its rounds throughout Major League Baseball.
Phillies' utility players Cody Asche and Andres Blanco are among the names being included in discussions, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The New York Yankees, according to Sherman, have lacking confidence in third baseman Chase Headley "on both sides of the ball," and that they could soon be targeting a replacement in the near future.
Headley said the defensive issues bothered him most. He committed 23 errors, mainly on throws. He spoke often about footwork, but it looked at times as if he had the yips. On offense, he managed just 11 homers and a .693 OPS and continued to look as if 2012, when he hit 31 homers for the Padres and finished fifth in the NL MVP voting, was a fluke high point.
This offseason, the Yankees have explored "Plan B" options, or a backup third baseman, in the event they choose to look elsewhere at the position. Despite Starlin Castro being listed on the depth chart behind Headley, Sherman believes it is a bad idea and that he is "still trying to learn second base and a new team."
Failing to sign infielder Juan Uribe to a minor-league deal, who later reached an agreement with the Cleveland Indians to a major league pact on Feb. 19, pending a physical, Sherman believes the Yankees could look at either Asche or Blanco, among others, as further viable options.
I continue to believe the Yankees’ backup third baseman, essentially their 25th man, is not yet in this camp. I suspect their scouts will be armed with a list of likely available guys who are out of options or have no real roles on their current teams — players such as Philadelphia’s Cody Asche, Milwaukee’s Hernan Perez, Cleveland’s Giovanny Urshela, Miami’s Derek Dietrich, Oakland’s Danny Valencia and Philadelphia’s Andrew(s) Blanco. Former Yankee, Eduardo Nunez of the Twins, might even be a step up, as would Wilmer Flores if the Mets and Yankees could ever make a deal. David Freese also remains a free agent.
Both Asche, 25, and Blanco, 31, do not appear to currently be in the Phillies' long-term plans, with rising prospects such as Maikel Franco and J.P. Crawford filling out the infield.
Asche is currently listed as the backup to Aaron Altherr and Franco at left field and third base, respectively, on the Phillies' depth chart. While Blanco is listed as the backup to Freddy Galvis at short, he is listed as the third tier at both third base and second base positions.
What the Phillies could receive in return for either Asche or Blanco would be similar to what they gave up to acquire infielder Taylor Featherston from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Feb. 10: a "player to be named later," likely a low-level prospect, or cash considerations.
While the Yankees appear to need immediate help to land a backup option for Headley, there is no need for the Phillies to give up on Asche just yet — and they have shown that so far this camp by giving the St. Charles, Missouri, native reps at first base.
For Asche and Blanco to receive a significant amount of at-bats during the Phillies' "retooling" process this upcoming season, they must impress down in spring training.
