Dakota has a decade of experience covering a variety of sports, including a four-year stint as a New England Patriots beat reporter. He also is passionate about covering baseball, especially the Red Sox, and finding creative ways to weave in his interests from across the pop-culture spectrum.

The New York Yankees are dealing with a few potentially big problems: They need help at third base; they're concerned about Giancarlo Stanton's elbow injury; and they have a disgruntled starting pitcher in Marcus Stroman.

Could they kill all three birds with one stone?

During an SNY-TV segment on Wednesday, commentator and former MLB general manager Jim Duquette urged the Yankees to trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.

"I like that as an option for the Yankees," Duqette said. " ... He's already said he's willing to go to the Yankees. You could do a swap between Arenado and Stroman. ... From the Yankees' side of things, they need a third baseman more than they need the sixth starter in Stroman. Plus, we know Stroman won't be happy in that position. ... I think this is one to keep an eye on later in the spring."

Stanton's status for opening day is in doubt as he deals with a " very painful " elbow injury that cropped up last season. And, given his age (35) and recent decline, it's fair to wonder what he'd be able to offer this season even if he were healthy.

As for Arenado, he's been named in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Many reports indicated he would land with the Red Sox, but those hopes were dashed when Boston signed Alex Bregman.

In 152 games last season for the Cardinals, Arenado hit .272 with 16 homers and a .719 OPS.