New York Yankees Trade Rumors

Alex Rodriguez, feds work on scheduling meeting
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March 11
Bergen Record
 
"Lawyers for Alex Rodriguez are working toward getting the slugger together with federal investigators seeking information on a Canadian doctor suspected of distribution of human growth hormone. "My attorneys are working with authorities right now on scheduling issues," A-Rod said Wednesday morning at Yankees camp. "And I intend to cooperate in this matter.' A-Rod would not answer specific questions about Dr. Tony Galea, who told The Associated Press that he treated Rodriguez with anti-inflammatory medication, not HGH, following A-Rod's hip surgery 12 months ago. Rodriguez did not know where or when federal investigators would meet with him. "I'm hoping that it's here," Rodriguez said. "The ..."
Yankees star Alex Rodriguez says meeting with feds coming soon
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March 10
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"As Alex Rodriguez briefed reporters on Wednesday morning about his upcoming interview with federal investigators, the cell phone sitting on the top shelf of his locker buzzed. "Is that them?" an observer asked. Rodriguez, who has maintained that he's at peace with the matter, let out a laugh. Not them. Still, he expects for his meeting with federal agents investigating a controversial doctor suspected of breaking anti-doping laws to take place soon. "I think sooner rather than later," said Rodriguez, whose attorneys have been working over the last few days to schedule a sit down. "I don't want to say exactly when but they're having healthy talks and we're going to address this." Rodriguez ..."
Rangers obtain reliever from Yankees
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March 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Rangers added another arm to their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Edwar Ramirez from the New York Yankees for cash considerations. The Yankees had designated Ramirez to clear a roster spot for Chan Ho Park. Ramirez, who turns 29 on March 28, split the 2009 season between Triple-A and the Yankees. With New York, he appeared in 20 games and was 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA."
Tight-lipped A-Rod gives skeptics something to talk about
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March 10
New York Post
 
"Alex Rodriguez refused to get into how Dr. Anthony Galea treated him and with what drugs while he was recovering from last spring's hip surgery, which leaves the feeling that Rodriguez and the doctor have something to hide. Monday, the Canadian doctor admitted he treated Rodriguez with anti-inflammatory medication while the Yankees' cleanup hitter was recovering from hip surgery. Even if Galea, who has admitted using human growth hormone, is telling the truth, there are a lot of questions to be answered. Before yesterday's 12-7 loss to the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field, in which Rodriguez went 0-for-2, Rodriguez did nothing to help clear the fog that has been getting thicker ..."
Adeiny Hechevarria Free to Sign, Yankees Interested
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March 7
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"According to Jorge Arangure of ESPN, Cuban shortstop Adeiny Hechevarria has been "unblocked" by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and is now free to sign with any major league team. The consensus right now is that the 19-year-old could earn as much as $10 million, which would be more than the $8.2 million the Red Sox recently paid Jose Iglesias this winter. A number of teams have expressed interest in signing Hechevarria, but Arangure identifies the Yankees and the Cubs as teams with heavy interest in him. Here is a scouting report on Hechevarria comparing him to Iglesias: Hechevarria has the power potential to hit 15-20 home runs, and the range and arm to win a Gold Glove in the MLB. ..."
Cuban shortstop Hechevarria free to sign
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March 6
MLB.com
 
"Top Cuban shortstop prospect Adeiny Hechavarria is now unblocked by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control and can sign with any team, ESPN.com reported on Friday. Hechavarria's agent, Bart Hernandez, told ESPN that the 20-year-old will not hold any more showcases and is ready to sign with a club. Hechavarria has been compared to Red Sox shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias, who signed for $8.2 million earlier this offseason. The two played together in 2007 on the Cuban National Junior team with Hechavarria getting the nod at shortstop and Iglesias playing second base. The Angels, Blue Jays, Cubs and Yankees are all reportedly interested in Hechavarria, who hit .262 with a .302 on-base ..."
Nick Johnson's lower-back pain gives Yankees reason for worry
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March 5
New York Post
 
"Two days into the exhibition season Nick Johnson's body betrayed him. Again. Johnson's foolish decision to wear cleats during batting practice, when artificial turf covers the dirt in the batter's box, proved to be a bad idea yesterday and added another small chapter to a career filled with injuries that kept the left-handed hitter with a sharp eye from becoming an elite player. Instead of hitting at Bright House Field in sneakers, which all players do, the 31-year-old Johnson donned spikes. When he caught a cleat in the carpet, Johnson felt discomfort in the back and was scratched from the lineup against the Phillies. The official reason was a stiff lower back. "I never did that," Johnson ..."
A-Rod may discuss doctor with FBI
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March 2
MLB.com
 
"Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has been contacted by federal agents regarding a Canadian doctor under investigation for alleged drug violations not limited to professional athletes. Rodriguez could join Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, as well as other non-baseball clients, among those who have spoken to authorities about Anthony Galea, a Toronto-based sports medicine doctor who has also worked with golf icon Tiger Woods. "I'm aware of an investigation, and I plan on cooperating," Rodriguez said at George M. Steinbrenner Field after the Yankees' workout. Rodriguez declined to comment when asked about the nature of his relationship with Galea, who faces charges in Canada of conspiring to ..."
Report: NY Yankees star Alex Rodriguez may speak to federal agents investigating Canadian doctor
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March 1
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Yankees star Alex Rodriguez did not speak with reporters on Monday morning after a report in morning editions of the New York Daily News indicated that he could be the latest athlete interviewed by federal agents investigating a Canadian doctor accused of violating anti-doping policies. Citing an anonymous source, the Daily News reported that the same federal agents who spoke with Mets shortstop Jose Reyes on Thursday regarding Toronto-based sports medicine doctor Tony Galea, could also interview Rodriguez. Among other charges, Canadian authorities have accused Galea of attempting to smuggle human growth hormone (HGH) into the U.S."
A-Rod, Tiger Woods may face query about doctor Tony Galea from feds who interviewed Jose Reyes
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March 1
New York Daily News
 
"Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods may be on deck to be questioned by the federal agents who interviewed Mets shortstop Jose Reyes last week about a Canadian doctor who is under investigation for alleged drug violations, a source closely involved in the case told the Daily News Sunday. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agents have indicated that they will continue talking to other athletes about a Toronto sports medicine doctor named Tony Galea, and may issue subpoaenas for the grand jury investigating Galea. Galea faces charges in Canada of conspiring to smuggle HGH and the drug Actovegin into the U.S., conspiracy to smuggle prohibited goods into Canada, unlawfully ..."
Derek Jeter makes the first move in contract year
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February 25
Bergen Record
 columnist Bob Klapisch
"Let's drill down to the core of Derek Jeter's impending free agency to this irrefutable fact: The Yankee captain isn't leaving town, not now, not ever. Jeter will finish his career in pinstripes, a fact that's so universally accepted in the industry, rival executives don't even consider him a potential target. But that doesn't mean Jeter and the Yankees are necessarily heading for a smooth negotiation. There are hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, and if we've learned anything about the new-age Steinbrenners – Hank and, specifically, Hal – it's that the bottom line supersedes nostalgia. Jeter found out firsthand this winter, when his agent, Casey Close, called GM Brian Cashman for an ..."
Derek Jeter set to talk on walk year
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February 24
New York Daily News
 
"Derek Jeter is expected to discuss his contract situation Wednesday morning when he meets the media at Steinbrenner Field, then not address the topic again until the end of the season. Jeter is entering the final season of the 10-year, $189 million deal he signed in 2001, putting him in position to become a free agent for the first time in his career. "I'm sure he doesn't want to answer those questions all year," said Joe Girardi, who is also in a contract year. "Derek is prepared every day, he has a great attitude and he loves to play. I don't think it's going to be a distraction for Derek." The Yankees are holding firm to their policy not to negotiate with players until their contracts ..."
Not just Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes vying for Yankees' No. 5 starting pitching spot
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February 22
New York Daily News
 
"There are no T-shirts with catchy slogans around Steinbrenner Field trumpeting Alfredo Aceves, Sergio Mitre or Chad Gaudin, no Alfredo Policy, Sergio System or Chad Chart to define how much Mitre or Gaudin can be used. Most of the chatter about the battle to be the Yankees' fifth starter centers on Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes. But if you believe the Yankees' brass, Aceves, Gaudin and Mitre are competing for the job, too, regardless of the heavier attention paid to the two highly touted righthanders. "They're kind of under the radar," Joe Girardi said of the unheralded trio. "They don't have to talk about it; they can just go out and do the best that they can. The Yankees have shown ..."
Cuban shortstop could be cleared to sign next week
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February 20
New York Post
 
"Cuban defector Adeinis Hechavarria could be cleared to sign with an MLB club next week when the Office of Foreign Assets Committee approves his paperwork. At that point, many baseball sources believe the Yankees will land the 21-year-old shortstop. "He will definitely be in a (spring training) camp,'' agent Bart Hernandez said. "There has been a lot of interest in the kid. He is excited to get to camp.''"
Report: Former Yankee with Tigers wants Damon on board
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February 19
New York Post
 
"New Tigers pitcher Phil Coke wants someone else to join him in Detroit: former Yankees teammate Johnny Damon. Since turning down a Yankees offer and the team moving on, Damon's pursuit of a new team has lingered up to the start of spring training. The 36-year-old outfielder is seemingly deciding between the Tigers and White Sox. Coke told MLB.com he wants him to pick the Tigers. "I wish I had his number," Coke said, "because I'd be like, 'Hey, man, quit messing around.' "I mean, I love Johnny. He's an amazing person, on and off the field. It doesn't matter where he's at. He's the same guy. He's a great clubhouse guy. He's a great dude to go hang out with, on and off the field. He's an ..."
Sox closing in on Damon
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February 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have gained ground on the Tigers in the Johnny Damon sweepstakes nearly as quickly as the Twins did in surpassing the Tigers for last year's American League Central title. As a result, the Sox could enhance their chances for the 2010 division title if they can agree to terms with Damon. "I think we have a good shot to get him now,'' a team source said Wednesday night. As recently as Monday, the Sox were considered a long shot to acquire Damon, 36, who has a career .355 on-base percentage. But the Tigers, who were reported to be the favorite as early as last week because of the proximity of their Lakeland, Fla. spring training facility to Damon's Orlando home and a reported ..."
White Sox moving closer to landing Damon
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February 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"It looks like general manager Ken Williams is moving closer to completing that ''one move'' that he talked about last month at SoxFest. The Sox are gaining momentum toward landing left-handed free-agent hitter Johnny Damon, according to a team source. ''I think we got a good shot to get him now,'' the source said early Wednesday night. Landing Damon, 36, would give the Sox a more balanced lineup as well as enhance the profile they seek in getting away from a power-dependent team. Damon has a career .355 on-base percentage, and he batted .288 while tying his career high with 24 home runs and stealing 12 bases without getting caught in helping the New York Yankees win the World Series."
Johnny Damon-Tigers deal closer, but nothing's imminent
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February 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Tigers reportedly are getting closer to signing free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon, although nothing is imminent. Damon's agent, Scott Boras, did not return calls to the Free Press seeking comment Tuesday. "We're continuing to negotiate and move forward," Boras was quoted as saying about Damon and the Tigers on the twitter account of MLB.com writer Jason Beck. Foxsports.com reported that the sides exchanged proposals in the past several days. The Tigers reportedly have offered Damon, 36, a two-year, $14-million contract that is believed to be the richest offer he has received."
Tigers, Damon exchange proposals but no deal is imminent
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February 16
Foxsports.com
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"There is now only a "very small" difference of opinion between the Tigers and Johnny Damon as to what the outfielder's salary should be, one major league source said Monday. The sides have exchanged proposals within the last several days, but the source said a deal is not yet imminent. A one-year, $7 million deal is possible, as is a two-year contract worth $14 million. But the source downplayed the chances of a one-year deal with a player option for 2011 — similar to the contract that Adrian Beltre, another Scott Boras client, signed with the Red Sox."
Yankees target Cuban SS as Jeter's heir
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February 14
New York Post
 
"Do the Yankees have their sights on Derek Jeter's eventual replacement, who also could be a future center fielder who nudges Curtis Granderson to left? According to the multiple members of the international scouting community, the world champions will be serious bidders on Cuban defector Adeinis Hechavarria when the Office of Foreign Assets Committee (OFAC) allows him to sign with MLB clubs. MLB sent a letter to teams on Jan. 22 telling them Hechavarria and other Cuban defectors have not been "unblocked" by OFAC. OFAC has to verify his age, identity and residency -- in this case, Mexico. It is believed OFAC might have everything done next week. "The Yankees have been on him for a while," ..."
Damon in no rush to sign deal
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February 13
MLB.com
 
"Johnny Damon, at last check, was vacationing in Hawaii, among the palm trees and the beach bums. It's a place where a man can get some thinking done, and it appears several teams have given Damon plenty to think about. The Damon signing soap opera, which has dragged out all winter, appears to be winding to a close here in the waning days before Spring Training camps open in Florida and Arizona. But while the activity on Damon heated up this past week, it doesn't appear as though he'll sign his name on the dotted line until next week. What we know is that the Tigers, Braves and White Sox are all in on Damon, to some degree, but the extent of that courtship seems to differ from club to club."
Damon decision could drag into next week
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February 12
New York Post
 
"Without mentioning teams by name, Johnny Damon said the number of clubs he his considering signing with isn't limited to the Braves and Tigers. "We have others,'' Damon told The Post today. Asked if he was ready to decide by the end of the week, the former Yankees favorite said, "I don't know.'' The Braves train in Orlando, Fla., Damon's hometown, and the Tigers use nearby Lakeland as their spring training base, making each club desirable to Damon, who also attracted attention from the Rays and White Sox. FOXSports.com reports the Tigers are willing to hand out a two-year, $14 million deal to the 36-year-old outfielder, with a one-year, $7 million offer also on the table. The Braves ..."
Sources: Chien-Ming Wang to decide
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February 10
ESPN.com
 
"Chien-Ming Wang, arguably the most intriguing free agent pitcher still unsigned, will make his decision about which team to sign with in the next week to 10 days, according to sources. According to a baseball source who has spoken with Wang, the field has been narrowed to the Washington Nationals and one other unidentified team. Two months ago, Wang's agent, Alan Nero, indicated there was a chance Wang wouldn't sign until spring."
Nationals making push for Chien-Ming Wang
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February 10
SportingNews.com
 
"MLB.com reports the Nationals are among the finalists for free-agent right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, but it's unclear if they are one of the two teams that reportedly have made him an offer. Washington is "aggressively pursuing" Wang, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and is likely to begin the season on the disabled list, according to MLB.com."
Wang sweepstakes heat up
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February 10
Foxsports.com
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"If the Dodgers or Mets intend to sign free-agent right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, they will need to accelerate their pursuits. Wang, 30, has received offers from two other, unidentified clubs, according to a major-league source. He likely will make a decision within 7 to 10 days, the source said. Various teams are at different points in the process with Wang. The Dodgers are lagging, the source said, and the Mets are further behind."
Damon stands firm on demands
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February 10
Foxsports.com
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"Even with pitchers and catchers set to report next week, free agent outfielder Johnny Damon hasn't moved off his demand of a two-year deal, several major league sources said Tuesday. A number of people in the industry have said in recent days that they expect Damon to sign with the Tigers, Braves or Rays. But if his asking price drops, other teams could enter the market. It didn't appear that a deal for Damon was imminent as of Tuesday evening. The Tigers probably have the greatest interest — and greatest need — but club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski hasn't spoken publicly about Damon."
Damon says he may not be done with Yankees
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January 30
New York Post
 
"Not so fast. Johnny Damon says he could be playing for the Yankees again, if not this season then maybe next year. "I'm not ruling out not being in New York, whether it's not this year, or whenever it is, whether I start the season with them, or whether they trade for me at the deadline, or if they sign me next year, or what not. I love New York," Damon said this afternoon on WFAN. It was thought the outfielder and the Yankees had parted for good when the team signed outfielder Randy Winn this week. After a he said-he said exchange between GM Brian Cashman and agent Scott Boras, Damon confirmed today that he turned down a two-year, $14 million offer from the team. Still without a team for ..."
Yankees GM Cashman conjures budget woes to demonize Johnny Damon
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January 29
New York Daily News
 
"The headline of the baseball offseason isn't that the Yankees have Curtis Granderson now, that they have Nick Johnson and Javy (Game 7) Vazquez back, that they now have Randy Winn, who hit a total of two home runs last season, to share time in the outfield with Brett Gardner, who hit three. The headline is that the Yankees have a budget. We are supposed to believe that this budget is the reason that Johnny Damon goes now. Sure it is. Now you can take the Yankees at their word, buy this notion that they can't spend $200 million on baseball players anymore. But if you do, you sort of have to wonder if the team really is rolling in dough, the way we're constantly told. Printing money like ..."
Sources: Yankees, Winn agree to deal
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January 27
ESPN.com
 
"The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with free agent outfielder Randy Winn on a one-year contract, pending a physical, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. The contract is worth in the neighborhood of $2 million. The deal, in all likelihood, ends any chance that Johnny Damon will return to the Yankees. The Yankees now seem set with their outfield for the 2010 season. The 36-year-old Winn hit .262 in 149 games last season for San Francisco. Damon and his agent Scott Boras are trying to engage the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds as possible alternatives, a baseball source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Boras has been successful placing many of his clients in Detroit, and ..."
Girardi on Damon : Never say never
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January 27
Bergen Record
 
"Joe Girardi has kept open the personal lines of communication with Johnny Damon, though the Yankees' manager isn't optimistic about writing Damon's name into his lineup again. "I don't see it getting done," Girardi said Tuesday. "But you never say never." Girardi was representing the Yankees at the Baseball Assistance Team dinner in midtown, and accepted the award named for his friend Bobby Murcer. Since 1986, BAT has raised more than $19 million for needy members of the baseball community. The manager described Damon's spirits as "great" during a recent phone conversation. "If he's not going to be here, we're definitely going to miss him," Girardi said. "But I thought Johnny was in a good ..."
Damon still a possibility for Yankees
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January 27
The Journal News
 
"Johnny Damon is still looking for a team, the Yankees are still looking for an outfielder, and the free-agent market is finally developing less than a month before spring training. But a reunion might be in the works just yet. "I don't see it getting done," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said on Tuesday. "But you never say never." Beyond premier left fielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay, the market for free-agent outfielders has been at a near standstill this winter, but it has shown recent signs of moving. Center fielder Rick Ankiel signed with the Royals on Monday, and former Yankees right fielder Xavier Nady reportedly signed with the Cubs — pending a physical — on Tuesday. The Yankees, ..."
Damon's return to Yanks highly unlikely
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January 27
MLB.com
 
"Johnny Damon was hoping to find his team by the end of this week, and it appears that his employer will not be the Yankees. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman all but closed the door on Damon's four-year tenure in pinstripes on Tuesday, telling MLB.com that the free-agent outfielder remains out of the club's financial reach. "I'm not having any discussions on him," Cashman said in a telephone interview. "His abilities exceed the money that I have." Cashman said the Yankees' main priority for the remainder of the offseason is acquiring a right-handed bat to help their outfield mix, which will likely send Damon in search of a new home."
Source: Cubs reach agreement with OF Nady
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January 26
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cubs are close to a one-year deal with free-agent outfielder Xavier Nady, according to a major-league source. Nady, 31, would will play right field against left-handed pitching and also spell Alfonso Soriano in left. However, the deal is contingent on Nady passing a physical, which is "not a foregone conclusion," the source said. Nady is coming off his second Tommy John surgery. The Cubs want to be satisfied that he can throw adequately before agreeing to the deal."
Yankees' door all but closed on Johnny Damon
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January 26
Bergen Record
 
"Johnny Damon's potential pool of suitors might have dwindled to a precious few, but the Yankees can't be considered a player for his services. Well, at least, not at these prices. Unless he's willing to take a drastic pay cut from the $13 million he earned last season, it would seem that Damon has played his last game in pinstripes. For now, he's no match for the Yankees' limited budget, and club ownership hasn't given any indication it would extend its payroll parameters. Without revealing any figures, general manager Brian Cashman said Monday that he has "very little dollars I can spend with" at this point. The club has penciled in Brett Gardner as its starting left fielder, though other ..."
Damon-NY talks may be soon resolved
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January 24
MLB.com
 
"It turns out talks between the Yankees and Johnny Damon are not totally dead yet. But it seems the free-agent outfielder now has a weekend deadline. SI.com reported Saturday that the two sides spoke again "within the past few days," and Damon has now been given the weekend to decide whether he wants to return to the Bronx on what would be a bargain deal. The Web site said Damon would probably have to accept a contract of no more than $5 million guaranteed and said the chances of that happening "still appear slim," meaning this on-again, off-again drama could officially come to a close by early next week. When they traded Melky Cabrera to the Braves for Javier Vazquez in December, the ..."
No deadline, only $2M for Damon
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January 24
New York Post
 
"Johnny can come marching home again, but only on the cheap. The Yankees have spoken with Johnny Damon's agent, Scott Boras, in recent days about the possibility of a Bronx encore for the outfielder -- even though club officials aren't exactly holding their breath. With only $2 million or so remaining in the Yankees' budget (perhaps a few extra dollars would be available in incentives), Damon is expected to say "No" one final time and hope for a better offer elsewhere. An Internet report yesterday indicated Damon had been given the weekend to decide on returning. However, general manager Brian Cashman denied that was the case."
New York Mets might make pitch to ex-Yankee pitcher Chien-Ming Wang
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January 22
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets are scouring the pitching market and have been in touch with Ben Sheets since they watched him at his throwing session in Louisiana on Tuesday. Another possible starting option is Chien-Ming Wang, who has been throwing for nearly seven weeks and could be pitching in the majors by May 1. The Mets are among 15 teams with interest in Wang, according to Alan Nero, who along with Alan Chang represents the former Yankee. Wang, who won 19 games in 2006 and 2007, is coming back from shoulder surgery and was non-tendered by the Yankees. Nero says Wang "has worked very, very hard and is in the best shape of his life. "He's been under the very watchful eye of Dr. (James) Andrews," Nero ..."
Johnny Damon running out of options; weighing retirement possibility
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January 20
Bergen Record
 columnist Bob Klapisch
"Slowly but surely, one closed-out roster at a time, Johnny Damon's horizons keep shrinking. On Tuesday, he found himself squeezed out from the Giants, who signed Bengie Molina and have officially exhausted their off-season treasury. That's troubling news for Damon, who's been counting on either the Giants, Braves or Yankees to rescue him from a gross miscalculation of the free-agent market. Remember back in November, when Damon refused to give the Bombers a hometown discount? Remember when he said that unless Brian Cashman was ready to pay $13 million a year, don't bother making an offer? Damon should've been careful for what he wished. No one has called, no one has that kind of money ..."
Dye, Nady drawing interest from Cubs
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January 19
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs are looking at free agents Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady as possible fourth outfielders. A high-placed team official confirmed that both Dye and Nady are on the team's radar. Dye, who turns 36 on Jan. 28, is coming off a season in which he belted 27 homers and 19 doubles for the Chicago White Sox while driving in 81. His average, however, dipped to .251. A career .274 hitter, Dye could play both corner-outfield spots as well as first base if needed. Nady, 31, missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in July. A career .280 hitter, he has played for San Diego, Pittsburgh and both New York teams, most recently with the Yankees. He was ..."
Tigers have not shown interest in Johnny Damon
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January 16
Detroit News
 
"This one lasted less than a day. Some rumors are legit -- such as the Tigers having interest in Jose Valverde. Some aren't. Less than 24 hours after it was first reported that the Tigers were talking to free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon, it turned out they weren't. According to a Tigers spokesman, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said the team "has not expressed interest" in Damon, MLB.com reported. Where there was smoke, in other words, there wasn't any fire. And frankly, there wasn't all that much smoke. It was never confirmed that the two sides were seriously talking. In fact, at least one media outlet reported Thursday that it was unknown if the "talks were serious.""
Shopping list down to LF after Yanks get Javier Vazquez
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December 23
Bergen Record
 
"In this winter following their world championship, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman hasn't been afraid to import and export some significant pieces toward a title defense. It's about upgrading for 2010, with a keen eye on the big free agent class of 2011. "Essentially, we're a lot better equipped as we move forward," Cashman said after bolstering the starting rotation with Tuesday's trade for right-hander Javier Vazquez. Since the winter meetings, Cashman significantly has upgraded center field with Curtis Granderson and he's improved a World Series rotation with Vazquez — who slots in as the No. 3 starter, in front of the re-signed Andy Pettitte. That has opened up a competition for ..."
Yankees acquire pitcher Javier Vazquez from Atlanta Braves in five-player trade
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December 22
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Pitcher Javier Vazquez will return to the Bronx for his second stint as a member of the Yankees after the team acquired the right-handed starter in a deal that has outfielder Melky Cabrera headed to the Atlanta Braves. Vazquez went 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA for the Yankees in 2004, before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a deal to acquire pitcher Randy Johnson. Last season in Atlanta, Vazquez garnered Cy Young Award consideration in perhaps his best season in the big leagues. He went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA, and his 238 strikeouts were the fourth-most in the majors. Vazquez will provide durability and consistency to the Yankees rotation. He has thrown at least 198 innings and won at ..."
Vazquez deal may open door for Damon
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December 22
MLB.com
 
"The news that Javier Vazquez has become a Yankee came with the realization that Johnny Damon's time in pinstripes may not be over after all. The Yankees, once with a surplus of experienced outfielders, now have just two. And Damon is still searching for a job. The Tuesday trade that sent Vazquez to the Yankees in exchange for Melky Cabrera and two Minor League pitchers may wind up having additional Hot Stove ramifications. Cabrera, after all, was to be the team's starting left fielder, moving there to accommodate newly acquired center fielder Curtis Granderson. But now he is a Brave, and unless the Yankees plan on having Brett Gardner start in left, they will have to reenter the free-agent ..."
Yanks have deal with catcher Rivera
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December 22
Foxsports.com
 
"The Yankees have agreed to a minor league contract with catcher Mike Rivera, according to one major league source. Rivera, 33, will be invited to the team's major league spring training. New York currently has two catchers on its 40-man roster, Jorge Posada and Francisco Cervelli. Rivera batted .228 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 41 games for the Brewers this year. He was non-tendered by Milwaukee earlier this month."
Yanks, Braves chasing same free agents
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December 22
Foxsports.com
 
"The Yankees and Braves, after completing the five-player Javier Vazquez trade, likely will compete for the same free agents as they try to fill their remaining holes. Both clubs are interested in Mark DeRosa, who plays infield and outfield. Marlon Byrd, who plays all three outfield positions, also makes sense for both teams. The Braves' preference is a right-handed hitter such as DeRosa or Byrd, and they still need to address first base as well as left field. Right fielder Jason Heyward, one of the top prospects in the majors, figures to be in the majors this season, perhaps as soon as Opening Day. The Braves could go with an outfield of Heyward, Nate McLouth and Melky Cabrera. DeRosa ..."
Nick Johnson could join Yanks today
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December 22
Bergen Record
 
"Lefty-swinging free agent Nick Johnson could formally be announced as the Yankees' newest designated hitter as early as today, pending the results of a physical. Once that is officially resolved, the Yanks will resume their priority for a starting pitcher, though the price remains high for one-year targets such as Ben Sheets."
Braves trade Vazquez to Yankees for Melky Cabrera
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December 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"The Braves traded a pitcher they would've preferred to keep, sending Javier Vazquez to the New York Yankees today in a deal for outfielder Melky Cabrera and two minor leaguers including a top pitching prospect. The Braves also traded left-handed reliever Boone Logan to the Yankees in the deal for Cabrera, rookie left-hander Mike Dunn, promising right-hander Arodys Vizcaino and $500,000 in cash. Cabrera, 25, hit .274 with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs in 154 games last season for the Yankees, including 103 games in center field. Vizcaino, 19, was recently rated the No. 3 prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America. Vazquez had a career-best season in his first – and it turns out, ..."
Yankees GM Brian Cashman closing in on trade for starter
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December 22
New York Daily News
 
"According to a source, the Yankees' general manager was getting close to a deal late Monday night, but Cashman's target was unclear. With an uninspiring free-agent market to choose from, Cashman has apparently decided to turn his attention to the trade market. Cashman continues to be mindful of the Yankees' payroll, the source said. That would seemingly eliminate several potential targets, most notably Derek Lowe. The Braves owe the 36-year-old righthander $45 million over the next three years. The same could be said for others including Kansas City's Gil Meche ($24 million over two years). The Yankees checked in with the Cubs recently about Carlos Zambrano, but Chicago GM Jim Hendry isn't ..."