Let's start a rumor: Ten reasons why the Yankees are covertly trying to trade Giancarlo Millstone

Been quiet lately. Too quiet... 

Something's up. Can you feel it? When asked about DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees slouch and stare at their shoes. They use qualifier words like "hopefully..." and "maybe..." We should hire those guys who broke the Zodiac killer's cypher code. They'd interpret the Yankee response as, "He's gone, muthafukkas..." 

But strangely, nobody mentions the alligator in the pool: Giancarlo Stanton. If and when the Yanks lose LeMahieu, they will - (in whispers, of course) - blame Giancarlo. For the next eight years, every Yankee move will be affected - if not dictated - by Stanton's contract: $198 million through 2028 (including buyout.) It is the lizard crushing Tokyo, the mother ship attacking DC. It is Cloverfield, and it's so ubiquitous that, like Voldemort, the Yankees try to never even mention it. 

But here's a thought: If we know anything about Brain Cashman, it's that he almost never flags a deal in advance. Two years ago, LeMahieu arrived out of nowhere. Three years ago, nobody foresaw the Stanton trade. So, the absence of rumors? It means nothing. 

Here are 10 reasons why, in the coming weeks, the Yankees could shock the world and trade Giancarlo. You read it here first.

1. For a trade, it's now or never. At 31, he probably has a couple good seasons left. Next year... um...

2. In the recent post-season, he frickin' killed: Six HRs in seven games, with 13 RBIs. There can be no doubt: When healthy, he can still bring it. 

3. He still might accept a trade to the West Coast. The more entrenched he becomes in NYC, the less likely he'll be to okay a deal. Three years from now... um...

4. The NL seems to be moving toward the DH. (Right now, it's up in the air for 2021.) For now, Stanton might be able to play LF. The Yankees could even argue that, the more he's out there, running around, the less likely he is to tweak things. 

5. The Angels look particularly desperate. They are on the verge of squandering the careers of Mike Trout and the Japanese Babe Ruth. Also, the Dodgers rule LA. If the Yankees were to, say, pay Stanton's fare for two seasons - $58 million - the Angels could make a run. Same with the Mariners, Padres and even - gulp - Dodgers, who might seek a dynasty. 

6. Stanton is coming off a season that's impossible to assess. In 94 at-bats, he hit 4 HR and batted .250. Meh. But once again: When healthy, he hits. There is no sign of a Bobby Bonilla/Mo Vaughn/George Scott instant self-immolation.

7. Last year he actually looked svelte and in great shape. He'd lost a few pounds, seemed to be feeling good. A hamstring took him down - no broken bone or surgery. Say what you will: Hammies are a part of life.

8. For the Yankees, trading Stanton - for anything - makes sense. They can keep Clint Frazier and Miguel Andujar, either of whom could mitigate whatever Stanton does for another team. If Stanton stays, however, the Yankees have to trade one, or both... 

9. The Yankees don't need much, talent-wise, in return. A couple low-level prospects, who don't need to be protected in next year's Rule 5.

10. With the money they eventually save, they can re-sign LeMahiue, or Kyle Schwarber, or Sir Didi, or - imagine this: a pitcher! They can actually build a team from the ground up. 

The key is timing. If Stanton suffers another injury-plagued season, well, say goodbye to trade opportunities. He's coming off a surge - rather than surgery. 

Now is the time. 

So, fire the rumor cannons. You heard it here first.