Yankees Trade Rumors

Yankees won't be as aggressive in free agency as last season
Comment
November 20
New York Daily News
 
"Let the bidding begin. A year ago, Brian Cashman stormed out of the gate with a $140 million offer to CC Sabathia on the first day that teams were allowed to talk dollars with free agents from other teams. As of 12:01 this morning, teams are allowed to start making offers to all free agents, but the Yankees plan to let the market develop before showering players with lavish offers. That's especially true since Cashman has yet to speak with ownership to determine what the payroll will be next season. "I'm not in a position to move on anything just yet; this is a long process," Cashman said. "It took a while for us to get our guys done last year, but between now and spring training, we'll ..."
Yanks: Swisher staying put
Comment
November 20
New York Post
 
"The Yankees denied a published report they have let teams know right fielder Nick Swisher is available. According to a club official, the switch-hitting Swisher, who played a big part in the Yankees winning the AL East and struggled in the postseason, isn't being shopped. With Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, who combined for 52 homers this past season, free agents and their Yankee futures uncertain, it would seem unlikely the Yankees would entertain offers for Swisher before the team works through the free-agent process. If Damon doesn't return, the Yankees will need a left-fielder. If Matsui comes back, he won't be considered an outfielder. And Swisher's money isn't offensive. Twenty-nine ..."
Pettitte hits free-agent market
Comment
November 20
New York Post
 
"Andy Pettitte was among the last two of the 171 eligible players to declare for free agency yesterday. It was a foregone conclusion the veteran lefty would file and a strong indication the 37-year-old hurler isn't ready to retire. The belief in the Yankees organization is that Pettitte wants to continue pitching for the world champions, and the club would like him back. Now, the almighty question: For how much? Last winter, it took Mariano Rivera knocking on Hal Steinbrenner's door to get Steinbrenner to give GM Brian Cashman the $5.5 million for Pettitte. That was after Pettitte ended the 2008 season with a barking left shoulder, a 14-14 ledger and a 4.54 ERA. It was a career-high in ..."
Yankees haven't ruled out bringing back both Damon and Matsui
Comment
November 19
ESPN.com
 columnist Jayson Stark
"Sounds as if the Yankees haven't ruled out bringing back both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. But indications are that they're also going to take a hard line on both -- a one-year deal for Matsui, period, and no more than a two-year deal for Damon, with a preference for something shorter. At the moment, there are no signs the Yankees are in on either Matt Holliday or Jason Bay."
Yankees pitching plan is unclear
Comment
November 19
Foxsports.com
 
"There are a number of ways for the World Series champion Yankees to address their starting pitching. One would be to sign a free agent such as right-hander John Lackey or trade for an ace such as Blue Jays righty Roy Halladay. Another would be to strengthen the bullpen, allowing right-handers Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain to return to the rotation. The Yankees' direction, at this early stage of the offseason, is not clear. The team, according to one rival executive, plans to pursue free-agent relievers Rafael Soriano, a right-hander, and Mike Gonzalez, a lefty. The Yankees have liked both pitchers in the past. However, another source with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking says the team ..."
Roy Halladay sweepstakes could be just another Yankees-Red Sox bout
Comment
November 18
SI.com
 
"The Yankees recently called the Blue Jays to express interest in superstar pitcher Roy Halladay. And while the Yankees made the very same call last summer with no hope of acquiring Halladay, this time they have a real reason to believe they may actually have a legitimate chance to make a blockbuster trade. If that's a positive development for the World Series champs, the twist is that they might be battling the rival Red Sox for the star pitcher who's well-known as a Yankee killer, as his 18-6 record against the Bronx Bombers attests. Here is the most obvious reason the Yankees (or Red Sox) may now finally have a legit shot to trade for arguably baseball's best pitcher: New Toronto GM Alex ..."
Red Sox interested in Gonzalez and Soriano
Comment
November 18
New York Post
 
"If the Yankees return Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes to the rotation, they are going to need bullpen help. Should they be interested in free agent relievers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, late of the Braves, the Yankees are going to find their blood rivals in the race. According to sources, the Red Sox asked the Braves for the medical reports on Gonzalez and Soriano, neither of whom fits into the Braves' plans because they are too expensive. Gonzalez made $3.45 million this past season, Soriano $6.35 million. The left-handed Gonzalez, whom the Yankees attempted to acquire from the Pirates following the 2006 season, appeared in 80 games, going 5-4 with a 2.42 ERA, and converted 10 of ..."
Hollywood nights not in cards for Holliday
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"Here's a rundown of Tuesday's biggest Hot Stove news, rumors and rumblings. Holliday out in Anaheim? The big-ticket item of the day came from Angels general manager Tony Reagins, who told the Los Angeles Times that Monday's FOXSports.com report listing the only plausible suitors for free-agent slugger Matt Hollday as the Angels, Yankees and Red Sox was, well, probably slightly inaccurate -- at least the "Angels" part. Reagins told the paper that his "focus is not on" Holliday but rather on retaining his slew of free agents: starter John Lackey, third baseman Chone Figgins and, possibly, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver. Meanwhile, St. Louis chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. told ESPN radio that ..."
After top few free agents, expect bargains
Comment
November 18
Bergen Record
 
"What would happen if there were teams all set to spend to secure talent and there was little talent there to bid on? We will find out beginning Friday, when free agency begins, and the answer is most likely that a handful of players are going to find themselves the object of an intense bidding war with their price escalating. The flip side is that some baseball executives believe that the rest of the free agent crop will fall through the cracks, sitting and waiting unless they are willing to take a bargain deal. That means that Matt Holliday and Jason Bay will be the target of every team with an outfield or big bat vacancy. Chone Figgins will be pursued by teams with needs at third base ..."
Yankees decline option on Mitre
Comment
November 17
MLB.com
 
"The Yankees declined their $1.25 million option for right-hander Sergio Mitre on Tuesday. Mitre, who didn't make New York's postseason roster, is still under club control with less than five years of Major League service time. He is eligible for arbitration. Mitre underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in July 2008 and agreed to a Minor League contract with New York that November. He then sat out the first 50 games while serving a suspension for testing positive for a banned substance under Major League Baseball's Drug Policy."
Yankees in no rush to make free-agent moves
Comment
November 17
New York Post
 
"Brian Cashman is letting the free agent river run down River Ave. to his Yankee Stadium door. According to the World Champion Yankees' GM, he doesn't have concrete ideas about retaining his free agents or signing free agents from other teams. "Agents are calling me but I haven't returned their calls," Cashman said yesterday. "I haven't talked to agents about players. I saw Arn Tellem in Chicago (at the GM meetings) but I told him we had to wait to see about payroll." Tellem represents World Series MVP Hideki Matsui who, with Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte, is a free agent. The Yankees have exclusive negotiating rights to the trio until midnight Thursday. After that, any team can talk ..."
Matsui would like to stay a Yankee
Comment
November 14
New York Daily News
 
"Hideki Matsui  says his "feelings are still with the Yankees " but he doesn't know whether the Bombers will re-sign him. And, Matsui acknowledged, it would be disappointing if he did not play an eighth season in pinstripes. "If that happens, yeah, I think it would be," Matsui said Friday night through his interpreter before attending the dinner that benefits Joe Torre 's Safe at Home Foundation. "But on the other hand, it's something to look forward to, a new change, a new challenge for me. So in that sense, I'll definitely take it in a positive way. The Yankees have their own plans, too, and you have to respect that." As far as potential contract talks with the Yankees, Matsui said, ..."
Japan isn't option for World Series MVP Hideki Matsui
Comment
November 12
New York Daily News
 
"Hideki Matsui may or may not return to the Yankees next season, but according to his agent, the World Series MVP won't be heading back to his native Japan to play in 2010. Arn Tellem said his client will be playing in the majors next season one way or another. "The goal right now is finding the best place for Hideki to continue his career," Tellem said. "When I first met him, he wanted to play 10 years in the major leagues - and I believe he will." A report out of Japan yesterday tabbed the Red Sox as potential suitors for Matsui, saying Boston was preparing a multi-year offer. A Boston source called the story "highly unlikely," noting that unless the Sox were able to unload David Ortiz ..."
Yankees, Red Sox both shopping for Roy Halladay
Comment
November 12
New York Daily News
 
"The Blue Jays haven't decided whether or not to trade Roy Halladay this winter, but if they choose to move the former Cy Young winner, a bidding war could break out between the Yankees and Red Sox. According to a source, Blue Jays president Paul Beeston has not resigned himself to the seemingly inevitable move to trade Halladay, believing his team can still compete for a playoff spot in 2010. The circus that surrounded the Halladay situation last summer was one of the primary factors in the firing of former general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who made it clear he did not want to deal the ace within the division. Alex Anthopoulos appears willing to move Halladay to an AL East team, but before ..."
Braves fielding offers for starting pitching
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"Braves GM Frank Wren said they would look to field offers on a couple of their starting pitchers. That includes Derek Lowe, who could draw interest from the Yankees as an alternative to John Lackey. "We're in a position where people know we have an excess in starting pitching," Wren said. He said they could go use one of their starters in another role but that that's "unlikely." The Braves are looking for offense, and a corner outfielder with power would fit them."
Yankees could deal for Tigers' Granderson
Comment
November 11
New York Post
 
"In a cost-cutting frame of mind, the Tigers have let teams know that Curtis Granderson could be had for the right package, an NL executive told The Post. Granderson would be attractive to many teams, with the Yankees near the top of the list. They have long searched for a premium solution in center since Bernie Williams left his prime, but now they also face the loss of the lefty power of free agents Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last year. Brian Cashman met with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski at the now-concluded GM Meetings, but it is not believed the two did any more than discuss needs and available players. However, the two have a good relationship ..."
Guzman and Towers elect free agency
Comment
November 11
The Journal News
 
"The Yankees have made their first moves of the offseason, outrighting both Freddy Guzman and Josh Towers off of the 40-man roster. Brian Cashman said that both players have elected free agency. Guzman was perhaps the least likely player in the middle of the World Series celebration. Added to the Triple-A roster at the end of August, Guzman ultimately served as a pinch runner through part of the playoffs and had a spot in the victory parade, barely two months after he joined the organization."
Yanks' Hairston tops day's free-agent list
Comment
November 11
MLB.com
 
"Jerry Hairston Jr., the last remaining Yankees position player eligible for free agency, declared on Tuesday, one of three players to do so on a day the march of free agents slowed to a crawl. The only others to declare on Tuesday were right-hander Elmer Dessens of the Mets and veteran infielder Rich Aurilia of the Giants. The trio brought the number of players who have filed for free agency to 154 since the process began Thursday. The 22 remaining who are eligible but have yet to file have until Nov. 19 to do so. That group includes southpaw Andy Pettitte, the lone remaining member of the World Series champion Yankees qualified for free agency. The 2009 teams of at least two others who ..."
Damon pursuing Jeter-like payday
Comment
November 11
New York Post
 
"We now return to the business portion of the program. The Yankees were hoping all the joy associated with being a champion Yankee would motivate Johnny Damon to accept a one- or, at the most, two-year deal to return. However, his representative, Scott Boras, flushed the notion of a hometown bargain. Instead, he compared his client to Derek Jeter and sounded as if he wants a three- or four-year deal for Damon. Damon has just concluded a four-year deal worth $13 million per year, and generally Boras does not want his clients to take pay cuts. If that is indeed the case, then the Yankees and Damon are heading for divorce. The Yankees are concerned about how Damon's desire and body will hold ..."
Boras warns New York Yankees, suitors that age not a factor with Johnny Damon
Comment
November 11
New York Daily News
 
"Johnny Damon wants to return to the Yankees, but it remains to be seen whether they want him back - and if they do, how many years they want to commit to the 36-year-old. Although Damon has told friends that he would take a shorter deal to remain in pinstripes, agent Scott Boras didn't sound intent on settling for a one- or two-year contract. "His durability is off the charts," Boras said, referring to Damon's streak of 14 straight seasons with 140-plus games played. "Chronological age does not have anything to do with a player of his genetics. Certainly you have to look at the Yankees' history and what they've paid players of his like age who maybe did not have his genetics." Boras is ..."
Cashman says Chamberlain, Hughes likely starters for Yankees in 2010
Comment
November 11
New York Daily News
 
"Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain finished the season as relievers, but Brian Cashman believes the two youngsters will enter spring training as starting pitchers. "I look at them as starters that can relieve," Cashman said. "We haven't had our meetings, but I would anticipate going to spring training with as much starting depth as possible." Chamberlain made 31 starts and one relief appearance this season, going 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA while dealing with the infamous "Joba Rules" during the final two months of the season. Chamberlain finished the regular season with 157-1/3 innings, then threw another 6-1/3 in 10 postseason appearances out of the bullpen. The Yankees would likely allow ..."
Around the majors
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."
Yankees won't lack for Lackey, Mets hesitant
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"The Yankees are expected to make a play for top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, as was reported here on Monday, and there are indications that they are considering something in "the range of A.J. Burnett,'' which means $82.5 million over five years. Lackey is better than Burnett in many ways. But, considering a diminishing appetite for big contracts among other teams, one competing GM opined, "If the Yankees do that, they'll get him.'' Beyond Lackey plus outfielders Matt Holliday and Bay, the market is one of the weaker ones in years. Some very needy teams (i.e. the Mets) are generally unenthused about the market, especially from a starting pitching standpoint. "Some years are better than ..."
Yanks taking it 'slow' with Matsui
Comment
November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Yankees are "taking it very slow" with free agent Hideki Matsui, one person with knowledge of the talks said this morning. One thing to keep in mind: The Yankees have a number of sponsorships with Japanese companies — not to mention broad media exposure in the baseball-loving culture — tied into Matsui's presence on the team. The person believes Matsui and Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki could coexist on the same team. He downplayed the supposed rift between the two that dated to the start of their respective careers in Japan. The fact that both have achieved so much in the U.S. could make a union in Seattle more tenable, the person believes."
Figgins a tough decision for Angels
Comment
November 8
Orange County Register
 columnist Mark Whicker
"On July 14, 2001, the Register reported the Angels had traded Kimera Bartee to Colorado for an infielder named Desmond Figgins. Desmond DeChone Figgins, to be precise. None of his three names seemed destined for fame. Figgins had spent two years in the Carolina League. He did have a fanciful 34 triples that second year, but he was in Double-A when the Angels got him. It was hard to imagine that he would ever be a tough decision for the Angels. He is now. Assuming that he files for free agency, Chone Figgins is fixing to find out how much he is loved and, more important, valued. He is one of the best offensive players in this class. Even the most critical Angels fans must admit that Figgins ..."
Matsui makes it hard for Yanks to release him
Comment
November 5
New York Post
 columnist David Wells
"I'VE maintained for a while that the Yankees should get younger and let Hideki Matsui depart this winter, but how do you do that now? This wasn't Reggie Jackson hitting three home runs in one game, but what we saw last night by Matsui (six RBIs in the Yankees' 7-3 World Series-clinching victory last night in The Bronx) was one of the great performances in World Series history. The Yankees are champions, and Matsui was every bit deserving of the MVP.It just goes to show you what kind of hitter he is. He could hit lefties from the first at-bat I ever saw him. Just his ability to hit all types of pitchers is amazing. He's probably got another three or four years left in him. The Yankees will ..."
Johnny Damon limps off, hopes New York Yankee career isn't on last legs
Comment
November 5
New York Daily News
 
"In the end, Johnny Damon could only watch as he won his first World Series in pinstripes. In what might have been his last game as a Yankee, the left fielder came out of the game in the third inning with a strained right calf and was a spectator as his teammates closed out the Phillies with a 7-3 win in Game 6 to clinch the franchise's first title since 2000. "Any way we could get it, I am just happy we won it," Damon said. "I am just glad I got to contribute to a World Series and help bring a championship back to New York City." Damon, in the final season of his four-year, $52million contract, overcame a miserable division series and helped drive the Yankees to a championship. It was ..."
Yankees' Mariano Rivera finishes Phillies in World Series, says he's far from finished
Comment
November 5
New York Daily News
 
"Eight years to the day the Yankees' most recent dynasty died with Mariano Rivera on the mound in Arizona, the greatest closer in postseason history sealed the first title of what they hope will be their next run of multiple championships. Calmly and coolly and as dominant as he's always been, the 39-year-old Rivera recorded the final five outs of the Yankees' 7-3 victory Wednesday night to close out the Phillies in Game 6 and finish off the long-awaited first title in the Bronx since 2000. "All of them were great. But this one is special. It was a drought for nine years and we finally got one," said Rivera, who told the crowd from the podium during the presentation of the championship ..."
Losing Hideki Matsui after MVP World Series performance may be wrong move for New York Yankees
Comment
November 5
New York Daily News
 columnist John Harper
"If this turns out to be goodbye for Hideki Matsui, it goes down as the greatest exit since John Elway won a second straight Super Bowl and rode off into the sunset. It's not exactly the same, of course. Matsui would love to keep his pinstripes and return to defend the championship that he, more than anyone else, delivered for the Yankees Wednesday night with a game that lived up to his nickname of Godzilla. He just may not have a say in the matter. Only how do you cut ties with the MVP of the World Series? Matsui earned that distinction mostly with his eye-popping performance last night, slugging a home run, a double and a single and driving in six runs in the Yankees' 7-3 Game 6 ..."
Melky strains left hamstring in sixth inning
Comment
November 2
MLB.com
 
"Melky Cabrera may have to watch from the bench as the Yankees attempt to put the finishing touches on their 27th World Series championship. The 25-year-old outfielder suffered a slight strain of his left hamstring while running out a sixth-inning groundout in Game 4 of the Fall Classic on Sunday and might not be available as the Yankees look to defeat the Phillies and finalize their first title since 2000. Cabrera went to center field after the top of the sixth inning and tried to convince Yankees manager Joe Girardi and assistant trainer Steve Donohue that he could stay in the game."
Pedro twice rebuffed in bids to join Yanks
Comment
October 31
New York Daily News
 
"There were plenty of "Who's Your Daddy" chants at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night when Pedro Martinez was on the mound for the Phillies, and as usual the former Red Sox ace ate it up, smiling as he came off the mound even as he fell to 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA in four career playoff appearances in the Bronx . But it's worth pointing out that Martinez twice made a bid to join his "daddies" in the family business - once when he was a free agent after the 2004 season, and again earlier this summer when he was also a free agent and worked out for numerous major league scouts. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that in both instances, there was a slim chance that Martinez was ..."
Yanks mull adding Hinske or Bruney
Comment
October 27
New York Post
 
"Yankees brass and coaches met yesterday and discussed the possibility of adding left-handed hitter Eric Hinske to the World Series roster. They also talked about adding a 12th pitcher, which could be right-handed reliever Brian Bruney. "You could see us with 12 pitchers and you could see us change our roster," general manager Brian Cashman said yesterday. "We will talk about that again [today]." The Yankees and Phillies have until tomorrow at 10 a.m. to notify MLB of their rosters. Adding Hinske, who was dropped in favor of pinch-running specialist Freddy Guzman in the ALCS, would provide manager Joe Girardi a couple of options."
Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes
Comment
October 27
SI.com
 
"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."
Yankees and Red Sox are expected to battle for Aroldis Chapman
Comment
October 26
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"The Yankees and Red Sox are expected to do battle for talented left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector. While many other teams have shown interest, it's still hard to imagine anyone else plunking down $40 million-plus for a pitcher who's unproven at the big-league level."
Mets meet Cuban defector, 100-mph hurler Aroldis Chapman
Comment
October 24
New York Daily News
 
"Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman met the Mets at Citi Field Friday as part of his tour with agent Edwin Mejia to find a team for the 21-year-old lefthander. Chapman, whose fastball reportedly registers 100 mph, arrived in New York this week after establishing residency in Andorra , a European nation bordered by France and Spain , to avoid being subject to the draft. The Yankees have been tight-lipped about their interest in Chapman, but are thought to be more serious suitors than the Mets, and will meet with him this weekend before he talks with the Red Sox next week. It's unclear what type of contract Chapman will command as a free agent, but the interest of several ..."
Cuban star could be meeting with Yanks, Mets
Comment
October 22
New York Post
 
"Aroldis Chapman, the 21-year-old flame-throwing Cuban left-hander who defected during the summer, arrived in New York yesterday and is expected to meet with several teams over the next week. The Mets, Yankees and Red Sox are among the teams expected to have interest in signing him. Chapman, who established residency in Andorra after defecting while playing in the World Port Tournament in The Netherlands in July, was declared a free agent last month. He should find himself in a similar situation to that of Jose Contreras, who became the subject of a fierce bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox back in 2002. Contreras wound up with a four-year, $32 million contract from the Yankees ..."
Mattingly interviews with Tribe on phone
Comment
October 20
MLB.com
 
"Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly, presumably being groomed to take over when manager Joe Torre retires, interviewed for the vacant Cleveland Indians manager's job, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. Mattingly was reportedly one of eight to 10 candidates interviewed over the phone by Tribe general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant general manager Chris Antonetti last week, during the Indians' organizational meetings in Goodyear, Ariz. It is not known if Mattingly is one of the three to five finalists for the job who will have a more formal interview with the Tribe's higher-ups. Thus far, former Nationals skipper Manny Acta is the only confirmed finalist, as he was in Cleveland on ..."
Sabathia officially tabbed for Game 4
Comment
October 19
New York Daily News
 
"The worst-kept secret in baseball was made official today, as Joe Girardi officially named CC Sabathia as the Yankees' Game 4 starter. The move makes perfect sense, especially when you consider that the big fella won't have to pitch on short rest in Game 7 if the series goes that far. Why not give him a third start rather than using Chad Gaudin or Joba Chamberlain? Sabathia - who is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in two starts this postseason - worked out and played catch today at Angel Stadium, taking it easy with his next start only 48 hours away."
Mo absent, but ... it's just personal matter
Comment
October 16
New York Post
 
"Mariano Rivera was absent from a Yankees workout yesterday for the second straight day with the club's blessing, The Post learned. "It's nothing physical, it was for personal reasons, and he will be here [for tonight's game]," GM Brian Cashman said. Before Wednesday's workout at Yankee Stadium, Rivera threw 25 to 30 pitches off a mound and then left town to attend to a family matter that was nowhere near as serious as in 2004, when a relative was electrocuted in Panama. Five years ago, Rivera traveled to Panama between the ALDS win over the Twins and the start of the ALCS against the Red Sox."
Dr. Philippon believes Alex Rodriguez won't need surgery in offseason
Comment
October 10
New York Daily News
 
"After being examined by Dr. Marc Philippon, the Colorado-based surgeon who operated on his right hip in the spring, Alex Rodriguez received good news prior to Game 2 of the American League division series Friday. The prognosis: He likely won't need another surgery in the offseason. In the city for a convention of hip specialists, Philippon came to Yankee Stadium at A-Rod's request, examined the slugger and watched him take batting practice, then sat with his patient in the Yankees' dugout and exchanged a few laughs. "It's difficult to make a formal and definite statement right now, but the way things are going - clinically anyway, and the way I saw him in batting practice - there's no ..."
Posada not jumping for joy about taking seat
Comment
October 7
New York Post
 
"Just because Jorge Posada wasn't surprised doesn't mean he was happy. On Sunday, manager Joe Girardi let Posada know that Jose Molina would catch for A.J. Burnett in the ALDS, which begins tonight in The Bronx vs. the Twins. "I just hope we win that game," Posada said. "That's all. That's all I've got to say." Girardi is starting Molina because of the "rhythm" he believes Burnett shares with him. The last six times Burnett's pitched, Molina's caught him, and Burnett's gone 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA. "They've been in a real good rhythm when they've been working together," Girardi said. "And we just felt we would keep it that way." A dour Posada called it a "manager's decision." "It's not like I ..."
David Robertson almost back in the game
Comment
September 25
New York Post
 
"Considering the list of possible alternatives, tendonitis to Jerry Hairston Jr.'s left wrist doesn't sound like such a bad thing to general manager Brian Cashman. The Yankees received that diagnosis yesterday, a day after Hairston left a game against the Angels in obvious pain. Hairston yesterday underwent an MRI exam at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and received a cortisone shot. Cashman called it a relief that Hairston, who will rest for the next several days, will not need extended time off. "Without a doubt, because [Hairston] said he thought he heard a pop or felt a pop and you think the worst," Cashman said."
Pitcher Chapman awaits MLB's ruling
Comment
September 22
ESPN.com
 
"Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector considered to be one of the top pitching prospects in the world, petitioned Major League Baseball for free-agency status recently and is likely only weeks from becoming a free agent, according to his agent. Early Monday, Chapman's representatives announced that the left-hander has established residency in Andorra, a tiny country of about 84,000 that borders Spain and France. By establishing residency outside the United States, the 21-year-old Chapman avoids being subject to baseball's amateur draft. MLB must study his residency and legal paperwork before declaring him a free agent. "We chose Andorra because of its tranquility, its tax benefits for ..."
Guzman fills need for speed
Comment
September 15
New York Post
 
"Even with Brett Gardner back in the fold, a little extra speed certainly couldn't hurt the Yankees. With that in mind, and a possible eye toward the postseason roster, the team yesterday summoned outfielder Freddy Guzman from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre -- where he stole seven bases in six regular-season games. Guzman, 28, who had last appeared in the major leagues for the Rangers in 2007, would be eligible for the playoffs because the Yankees acquired him in an Aug. 31 trade with Baltimore. Manager Joe Girardi indicated Guzman will be given several pinch-running opportunities over the final three weeks to audition for a spot on the ALDS roster. "It's just an added dimension -- another speed ..."
Damon expects to return today
Comment
September 13
New York Post
 
"Johnny Damon believes he will be back in the Yankees' lineup today after missing the previous two games with a sore lower back that surfaced Friday morning and could have started in the hamstring area. "I expect to play," Damon said after the Yankees were spanked 7-3 yesterday by the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. "[Friday] I couldn't bend down or do any type of movement." Damon said muscle relaxers taken Friday helped and he spent most of yesterday receiving treatment. He felt enough improvement that he took a "few soft swings off a tee." Joe Girardi, who wanted to wait until today to decide if Damon was going to return, used Jerry Hairston in left and in Damon's No. 2 spot in the batting ..."
Damon expects to be back soon
Comment
September 12
New York Post
 
"When Johnny Damon bent over to pick something up yesterday morning, his lower back locked. And after a full day of treatment, the area wasn't much better by 6 o'clock last night. "It's still very locked up," said Damon, who wasn't in the starting lineup against the Orioles last night at Yankee Stadium, replaced by Melky Cabrera in left with Brett Gardner in center. Damon was in the dark about why the back put him on the shelf. "I don't know how it happened. I didn't do anything [Thursday]," Damon said. "The only thing I can think of is when [Jason] Bartlett hit that homer in the first [Wednesday], I stuck my foot in the wall and felt it slip a bit." Damon said he experienced discomfort ..."
Yankees' Robertson Out Indefinitely With Elbow Stiffness
Comment
September 9
New York Times
 
"Dave Robertson, the Yankees' bullpen strikeout specialist, said he was not worried about the tightness in his right elbow. But the Yankees have shut him down indefinitely, and he has an appointment Thursday with Dr. James Andrews, probably in Pensacola, Fla. "The stiffness has not went away in the last 10 days or two weeks," Manager Joe Girardi said. "It's a concern of mine, because he's been a huge part of our bullpen, and his ability to get a strikeout is important. He's been as good as anyone in baseball, really, at doing that." Robertson has 61 strikeouts in 41 innings, an average of 13.39 per nine innings. Among pitchers with 40 innings this season, only Jonathan Broxton of the Los ..."
Injured finger points to Yankees' Jorge Posada sitting out again
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August 30
New York Daily News
 
"Jorge Posada was slated to try out a finger guard - Joe Girardi called it a "contraption" - that would help him play comfortably with his banged-up ring finger on his catching hand. But he was not in the Yankee lineup against the White Sox Saturday as Jose Molina started for the third straight game. Posada said he could've played Saturday because the pain and swelling have gone down, but Girardi wanted him to rest for 24 more hours. "He wants to play, but we want to be on the safe side," Girardi said. Posada was scheduled to play catch Saturday for the first time since hurting the finger last week. He has been able to take some batting practice and noted that it "was not bad at all." ..."
Where's Johnny? Maybe back in the Bronx
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August 25
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"One Yankees official says that it is "very likely" the team will re-sign left fielder Johnny Damon — provided that Damon is willing to accept a paycut from his current $13 million salary as a free agent. The Yankees reduced their payroll from $209 million in 2008 to $201 million this season, and they expect to further reduce that number next season. Damon, though, still could fit, particularly if the Yankees do not make a run at Matt Holliday or Jason Bay; they figure to be in the mix for one or both, despite commitments of $164.9 million to 10 players in 2010. "A lot depends upon October," Damon says. "First, getting there, and maybe getting deep and winning the whole thing. If that ..."
Torrid Year Puts Jeter In MVP Mix
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August 25
New York Post
 
"Baseball is a game of threes: Three strikes, three outs . . . and three of the most solid stars you can find in the game to gether on the Yan kees. Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira are both MVP candi dates and CC Sa bathia, the first pitcher in the major leagues to reach 15 victories, is in the Cy Young mix. He showed that Sun day night, beating Boston ace Josh Beckett as the Yan kees won two out of three from the Red Sox to take full control of the AL East. With the Rangers coming to Yankee Stadium tonight for three games, this could be a preview of the first round of the playoffs. Texas trails the Red Sox by a game and a half in the wild card and will send Kevin Millwood against the ..."