Or they could trade the high picks for proven veterans.

With Menke, a proven veteran, playing third, Perez could move to first, thus strengthening the left side of the field.

Now with Menke, a proven veteran that could play third, Perez could move to first, thus strengthening the left side of the field.

So, they would rather go with a proven veteran in Clifton, even if he doesn't have all the physical skills that Jones has.

The statistical slate is wiped clean, and for proven veterans, failure in exhibition games is meaningless.

The emphasis toward youth is a distinct departure from Steinbrenner's philosophy, which has been to sign proven veterans.

"The ideal way to improve our club is to find a proven veteran who's pitched at the major league level," Duquette said.

They should trade the No. 1 pick for a proven veteran (or two) from a winning program.

What concerns Green is the absence of a proven veteran in the clubhouse.

The offensive line is young, and the only proven veteran is center Brian Williams.