New York Yankees Trade Rumors

Hendry to join Yankees as assistant
February 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Former Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will be announced as a new special assistant to Yankees' GM Brian Cashman, a source confirmed Tuesday. Hendry, who was fired by the Cubs in August, will not only help the Yankees scout major league talent, but will be involved with grading the minor league system and helping the team with the draft."
Yankees ink two; Ibanez on radar
January 27
New York Post
 
"The Yankees have their pitching pieces in place, now it's time to come up with one more left-handed bat. The Yankees officially announced yesterday the signing of free agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal worth $10 million with another million in incentives. They also announced they had come to a settlement on their last arbitration case, agreeing to a one-year contract with lefty reliever Boone Logan worth $1,875,000, just below the midpoint between the $2.1 million he had asked for in arbitration. Logan could add another $25,000 if he appears in 55 games."
Posada expected to formally announce his retirement at Yankee Stadium this week
January 23
New York Daily News
 
"Jorge Posada is expected to hold a news conference at Yankee Stadium early this week, likely Tuesday, to formally announce his retirement, according to a person familiar with the plans. Earlier this month, it was widely reported that the Yankees great, 40, had decided to end his career. Those plans did not change when the Yankees later agreed to trade Jesus Montero - slotted to be the designated hitter in 2012 - to Seattle for pitcher Michael Pineda."
Yankees avoid arbitration with Brett Gardner as left fielder agrees to one-year deal worth $2.8 million
January 21
New York Daily News
 
"The Yankees and left fielder Brett Gardner avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract on Friday. Gardner, who tied Coco Crisp for the AL lead with 49 stolen bases last season, will reportedly get $2.8 million in 2012. Gardner earned approximately $530,000 last season, when he batted .259 with seven home runs, 36 RBI, 87 runs scored and a .345 on-base percentage. When arbitration figures were due, he sought a $3.2 million salary this coming season and the Yankees countered with $2.4 million. In a postseason marked by the Bombers failures at the plate in a five-game division series loss to the Tigers, Gardner was a bright spot. He hit .412 and drove in five runs, second"
Yankees might bring back Hideki Matsui
January 17
CBSSports.com
 
"In an interesting twist of fate, the Yankees are going to limit spending. Yes, when it comes to grabbing a designated hitter -- to put in the spot vacated by the now-traded Jesus Montero -- the Bronx Bombers are only going to spend between $1 million and $2 million on a DH, reports CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman. Heyman also notes that won't be enough to get Carlos Pena and probably can't grab former Yankee Johnny Damon either. One guy they could probably afford? The 2009 World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui. And Heyman reports there has been some contact between Matsui's representatives and his former ballclub."
Yanks upgrade rotation twice, seek hitter (Pena?)
January 14
CBSSports.com
 
"The Yankees revamped their rotation by acquiring Michael Pineda in a big trade of fine young talents for Jesus Montero and seemingly seconds later coming to terms with Hiroki Kuroda on a one-year deal for about $10 million. And they don't appear to be done yet. The Yankees turned a weakness into a strength with those two big moves but now are in need of a hitter. With Montero going to Seattle, and they are calling around for offense. One player now on their radar is the power hitter Carlos Pena, but there may be others, as well."
Yankees trade Montero for Mariners' Pineda; sign Kuroda separately
January 14
New York Post
 
"You didn't really believe the Yankees were going to stay quiet all offseason, did you? With a pair of moves last night, the Yankees renovated their rotation, surrendering top offensive prospect Jesus Montero in the process. The Yankees shipped Montero and right-handed pitcher Hector Noesi to Seattle for 6-foot-7 right-hander Michael Pineda and pitching prospect Jose Campos. In addition, the Yankees signed former Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda for one year at $10 million. Both moves are not finalized until physicals are completed and approved. Montero had long been the prize of the Yankees' farm system and he honored some of the hype with a 61-at-bat cameo last year in which he hit .328"
Sources: Yankees sign Hiroki Kuroda
January 13
ESPN.com
 
"The New York Yankees completed another roster move Friday night, signing former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year contract worth $10 million, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney."
Yankees agree to trade slugger Jesus Montero to Seattle Mariners as part of multi-player deal to land Michael Pineda
January 13
New York Daily News
 
"So much for the Yankees' quiet winter. With the team still needing pitching help, the Yankees Friday agreed to trade their top prospect, slugger Jesus Montero, to the Mariners as part of a multi-player deal that will land gifted starter Michael Pineda in the Bronx. The Yankees are sending Montero, who shined last year during a September callup, and Hector Noesi to the Mariners for Pineda, an All-Star last year, and Jose Campos, a right-handed pitching prospect, a baseball source said."
Yankees not likely to sign Cuban OF Cespedes
January 13
New York Post
 
"The chances of Cuban outfielder Yoennis Cespedes signing with the Yankees continue to appear slim. Not only have the Yankees been reluctant to add a long-term deal to their payroll this offseason, they don't have an ideal fit for him on the roster, because they likely would have to move Nick Swisher to put Cespedes in right field. Friday, Cespedes told The Associated Press the six teams who have shown the most interest in him have been the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Indians. Cespedes is in the Dominican Republic and has not yet become a free agent, but that is expected to happen soon. He made his debut in the Dominican Winter League on Thursday night and struck out three"
Yanks may make pitch for Jackson
January 12
New York Post
 
"The Yankees may open their wallet again this offseason, after all. A source confirmed that team owner Hal Steinbrenner met with Scott Boras, the agent for Edwin Jackson, about potentially working out a deal for the right-hander. If that sounds familiar, the two also talked last year around this time and the result was the acquisition of Rafael Soriano, who had an ugly first season in The Bronx. Both Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman have said they would like to upgrade the starting rotation, which still has considerable question marks after CC Sabathia, whom the Yankees signed to an extension after the season."
Brian Cashman says he's still 'interested' in acquiring a starter and bench help
January 7
New York Daily News
 
"Brian Cashman says he is "staying engaged with teams and agents and my owner" about possibly improving the club's rotation or bench, but he hasn't found anything alluring yet. "I'd be interested," Cashman said Friday. "If something makes sense, pursue it." The problem for Cashman is that he and the rest of the Yankee hierarchy believe that free agents are looking for more money than the Yanks are willing to pay and opposing teams are seeking too much on the trade market in return for pitching. The Yankees are known to be interested in a reunion with Eric Chavez, who provided capable backup at third base and first last season when healthy."
Yankees can't reach agreement with Nakajima
January 5
New York Post
 
"The Yankees failed to reach an agreement with Japan's Hiroyuki Nakajima before their exclusive 30-day negotiating window ended. The Yankees won the posting for the 29-year-old middle infielder last month with a $2 million bid. Reports said Nakajima wanted a multi-year deal, but the Yankees were only willing to offer him a one-year contract."
Yankees likely to pass on signing Japanese SS Hiroyuki Nakajima, may re-sign Eric Chavez
January 5
New York Daily News
 
"The Yankees have until Friday to agree to terms with Hiroyuki Nakajima, but the team is unlikely to sign the shortstop, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The Yankees last month placed a winning bid of approximately $2 million for the right to negotiate with Nakajima, 29, the starting shortstop for the Seibu Lions. Per the Japanese posting process, the Yankees will pay that fee only if they sign Nakajima."
Time running out for Yankees to sign Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima
January 4
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Time is running out for the Yankees to strike a deal with Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima. Technically, Nakajima and the Yankees have until Friday at 5 p.m. to reach an agreement. But according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who requested anonymity because talks are ongoing, the deadline is much sooner. Not only would Nakajima have to agree to terms but he'd also have to pass a physical by Friday's deadline. Meanwhile, the contract talks themselves seem to be slow. The Yankees seem to be holding firm on paying Nakajima like a backup infielder, which would be a major shift for Nakajima, a starting shortstop and team captain with the Seibu Lions. "I don't see anything"
Could EJax be a fit for the Yankees?
January 2
ESPN.com
 
"As we head into the final weeks before the arrival of pitchers and catchers, Edwin Jackson is one of the few free-agent pitchers left on the market. Over nine seasons, the 28-year-old righty is a .500 pitcher -- 60-60 --with a fair-to-middling 4.46 ERA. But Jackson had a good season in 2011 despite switching teams, and leagues, moving from the White Sox the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, going 12-9 with a 3.79 ERA overall and 5-2, 3.58 with the Cardinals. Perhaps more importantly, he racked up his third straight season of 200 innings (he fell 1/3 of an inning short in 2o11) so he's not only improving with age, but getting more durable. So it would appear Jackson would be an"
Don't put out the welcome Matt for Garza just yet
January 2
ESPN.com
 
"The Yankees have been mentioned as prominent players in the scramble to obtain Matt Garza from the Cubs, who have made it clear they are open for business on the 28-year-old righthander. But the word out of Yankeeville-- also known this winter as The Land of No -- is that the asking price is out of the question. The problem is not money this time, at least not immediately -- Garza will make about $8 million this year and is not eligible for free agency for two more season -- but prospects; like everyone else in baseball, the Cubs are demanding at least two, and possibly all three, of the Yankees Holy Trinity of Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances."
Yankees re-sign outfielder Andruw Jones
December 31
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Yankees took a step to fortify their bench for next season, re-signing veteran outfielder Andruw Jones today, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who requested anonymity because the deal is pending a physical. The Yankees made no secret about their desire to bring back Jones, and he made it known he shared an interest in a reunion. According to the person, Jones signed a one-year, $2 million contract, though he can make an additional $1.4 million in incentives. In 77 games last season, Jones hit .247 with 13 homers and 33 RBI. The 34-year-old primarily came off the bench to face left-handed pitching, against which he hit .286."
Yankees nearing deadline for Hiroyuki Nakajima negotiations
December 29
Hardball Talk
 
"In bidding $2 million for exclusive negotiating rights to Hiroyuki Nakajima the Yankees were given a 30-day window in which to work out a contract with the Japanese infielder. The deadline is January 6, so as Bryan Hoch of MLB.com writes: "One way or the other, Nakajima will be resolved next week." New York doesn't have much of a role to offer Nakajima, but expectations for his performance are very low and he might fit best as a utility man anyway. There's also been some speculation that they could work out a sign-and-trade with another team."
A-Rod undergoes experimental knee treatment
December 28
MLB.com
 
"Alex Rodriguez recently traveled to Germany for an experimental treatment on his troublesome right knee, the New York Post reported on Wednesday. According to the newspaper, citing multiple sources, the Yankees third baseman followed a recommendation from Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and pursued an innovative procedure called Orthokine. The Yankees approved the treatment, which was performed within the last month, and cleared Rodriguez's procedure with the Commissioner's Office to avoid the appearance that Rodriguez might be receiving impermissible treatment."
Yankees bluffing on Kuroda?
December 27
ESPN.com
 
"It has been reported in several places that the Yankees and Red Sox are actively pursuing free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, but the baseball sources I have spoken with over the past week say it is unlikely the Yankees will make a bid on the 37-year-old former Dodger. The reason? Once again, the luxury tax. Kuroda is known to want in the neighborhood of $12 million or $13 million for a one- or two-year deal, which may not seem like much when you consider the Yankees are paying A.J. Burnett $16.5 million a year for each of the remaining two years on his contract. But when you add in the 40 percent luxury tax surcharge, that pushes Kuroda's price to around $17 million a season, which may"
Report: Rays may be interested in Posada
December 26
MLB.com
 
"The Tampa Bay Rays appear to have interest in signing free-agent catcher/designated hitter Jorge Posada, according to a report from ESPN Deportes. Posada could serve as a backup at first base, DH and catcher, the story states, which potentially would give the Rays a 36-year-old starting catcher in Jose Molina and a 40-year-old reserve in Posada. During the 2011 season, the final year of a four-year, $52.4 million deal with the Yankees, Posada played just six innings behind the plate."
Cespedes, the latest international sensation
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Cespedes, the talented Cuban defector, is expected to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and be cleared to play by US officials soon after the New Year. And then he's likely to sign for more than the $30.25 million countryman Aroldis Chapman received from the Reds, according to nearly all of the dozen executives I polled. The reasons for such a large contract, according to one team official, include a lower injury risk than Chapman, a larger number of interested teams, the new CBA and hype created by YouTube videos showcasing Cespedes' superlative athletic ability. Baseball officials with expertise in Latin America believe the Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Blue Jays, Rangers, Tigers,"
Could Swisher be option for Indians?
December 22
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cleveland Indians are one of several clubs that have called the New York Yankees about right fielder Nick Swisher, according to major-league sources. But at this point, Swisher does not appear to be a realistic alternative if the Indians fail to sign free agent Carlos Beltran. For the Yankees to trade Swisher, they would need a player to replace him in right field. They lack a major-league ready outfield prospect such as the Phillies' Domonic Brown. And though they would shed Swisher's $10.25 million salary in a trade, they probably could not find as productive a player on the free-agent market."
Darvish announcement likely Monday night
December 19
MLB.com
 
"All of the speculation surrounding Japanese phenom Yu Darvish is expected to end on Monday night. Darvish's agent, Don Nomura, sent out a tweet on Monday morning saying an announcement will be made on the winning bid late Tuesday morning in Japan, or around 9 p.m. ET on Monday. SI.com has reported that the bid for the right-handed Darvish, currently with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, exceeds the Red Sox's $51.11 million bid for Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006 as the highest in the history of posting of Japanese players."
Japanese officials: Winning bid for Darvish to set posting record
December 18
SI.com
 
"Contrary to published reports, the top sealed bid submitted for star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish on Wednesday was the highest in the history of the posting process, exceeding the record $51.1 million fee that the Boston Red Sox paid the Seibu Lions for the rights to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006, according to Japanese league officials. Though the identity of the major league franchise that won exclusive negotiating rights to the 25-year-old right-hander has yet to be revealed, Japanese league officials say that the offer to Darvish's team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, is higher than the $40-48 million range that has been reported in the U.S. and Japan."
Hot stove about to get red hot
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Marlon Byrd, CF: There hasn't been much trade buzz surrounding Byrd, which is hard to figure. Byrd is entering the last year of his contract, and prospect Brett Jackson should be ready to start in center field for the Cubs in 2013. The Nationals, looking far and wide for an everyday center fielder, could be a fit; Washington has good organizational pitching depth, which is precisely what the Cubs need. The Marlins are an intriguing possibility, if they trade Hanley Ramirez and move Emilio Bonifacio to third base. The Reds, Giants, Cardinals and Mariners could upgrade in center field this offseason. Matt Garza, RHP: Few available pitchers can match Garza's track record in the American"
Jays frontrunners for Darvish?
December 16
Toronto Sun
 
"Where will free agent Yu Darvish land? Someone in the commissioner's office in New York knows for sure. Right now, the perception is that the Blue Jays have outbid both the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers for the Japanese right-hander, according to industry sources on Wednesday night. That view is shared by half a dozen front offices, but no one at 1 Blue Jays Way is talking. Not even a puff of smoke from the CN Tower. How much did the Chicago Cubs bid remains to be seen. New Cubs president Theo Epstein won the bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006 when Epstein was with the Boston Red Sox. "I was told Rogers Communications said: 'Whatever it costs, sign him,' " said one"
Blue Jays believed to outbid Yankees, others for Darvish
December 16
New York Post
 
"Having made a posting bid above $40 million and possibly close to $50 million, the Blue Jays are the favorites to land the negotiating rights to Yu Darvish. There is a belief the Cubs also made a large bid on the right-handed pitcher but a number hasn't been attached to their bid. The Yankees made a bid Wednesday night, but it's not expected to top what the Blue Jays submitted. The Rangers are also believed to have bid. According to several sources with knowledge of the situation, the Blue Jays made the monster bid on orders from owner Rogers Communications."
Darvish's fate now in hands of Japanese team
December 15
MLB.com
 
"The 5 p.m. ET Wednesday deadline for Major League teams to submit their bids for Japanese star pitcher Yu Darvish has come and gone. Now, clubs will wait for Darvish's Japanese club, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, to review offers for the right to exclusively negotiate with the prized 25-year-old right-hander. At the conclusion of what amounts to a four-day silent auction, the team with the highest bid will have 30 days to reach an agreement with Darvish. If a deal is reached, the winning club will pay the posting fee and Darvish will have free reign to play stateside. Should no deal be finalized, Darvish's rights will return to the Fighters. There is mystery surrounding the submissions"
Yankees consider Martin for long-term deal
December 13
New York Post
 
"A borderline Hall of Famer and developing Yankees icon is in the not-so-distant past. The "Next Big Thing'' leads a group of catchers lurking ahead. Say hello to Russell Martin's world. Having already capably replaced Jorge Posada and knowing that if Jesus Montero proves he can hit and catch the Yankees will have to make room for him behind the plate, Martin is in the middle — though it's not a bad spot. The Yankees tendered Martin, who will turn 29 in February, a contract for 2012 last night and have entertained thoughts of negotiating a multi-year deal with him before the start of the season."
Yankees not high on pricy Yu
December 13
New York Post
 
"Major League clubs have until 5 p.m. tomorrow to submit a posting bid for Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish. And all signs point to the Yankees sitting this one out. Although Yankees scouts are high on the 25-year-old's ability, the total cost of landing Darvish is considered too high even for the Yankees. According to MLB sources, it could take close to $30 million to win the posting process. The same source indicated Darvish will then want a five-year deal in the area of $75 million. That's more than $100 million for a pitcher who has done very well facing hitters in Japan, but those hitters aren't major league caliber."
Yanks willing, waiting to make a deal
December 10
New York Post
 
"It makes no difference if they're in a hotel room in Dallas or their Yankee Stadium offices: the Yankees aren't abandoning their patient approach to altering the roster. Brian Cashman departed the Winter Meetings Thursday not optimistic about signing a free agent or making a trade to upgrade the starting rotation. According to the general manager, progress wasn't made yesterday, a day after he admitted, "I am ready to rock and roll. The Yankees are open for business.'' But the Yankees believe the price on free-agent arms such as Edwin Jackson is too high and teams with hurlers to deal are asking for too much. Thus, the lack of movement. In the aftermath of the Angels signing Albert Pujols"
Yankees deny any interest in Japanese righthander Hiroki Kuroda
December 10
New York Daily News
 
"The Yankees denied a report on Friday that they had extended an offer to free agent Japanese righthander Hiroki Kuroda, who pitched the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The report, from Japanese news outlet Sponichi, said the Bombers had proffered a one-year offer that would pay the 36-year-old $12 million. But a club official said "there has been no offer." That the Yankees might be interested in Kuroda is no surprise. Before the non-waiver trading deadline, they engaged in talks with the Dodgers about a trade for him at a time when he was still owed about $6 million of his $12 million salary. However Kuroda said he would not waive his no-trade clause, and all talk of a"
Yankees haven't offered contract to Kuroda
December 9
MLB.com
 
"The Yankees have not made an offer to free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, according to a person with knowledge of the club's thinking. A report by the Japanese news outlet Sponichi suggested that the Yankees had already presented a one-year, $12 million offer to the hurler, who turns 37 in February. The Yankees continue to look for ways to add starting pitching that could slide behind ace CC Sabathia, and they did show a level of trade interest in Kuroda last summer when he was with the Dodgers. But the person said that the report of an offer is not true. Kuroda finished 2011 with a 13-16 record and a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts, striking out 161 and walking 49 in 202 innings. In four Major"
Cashman says Bombers' closer is 'fine' after vocal cords surgery
December 9
New York Post
 
"Speaking for the first time about Mariano Rivera's vocal cords problem, general manager Brian Cashman gave a positive account of the Yankees' closer recent surgery. "I have been told everything is fine,'' Cashman said of the all-time saves leader. Rivera had polyps removed from the vocal cords last week and the tissue was sent for a biopsy."
NY Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese is on Yankees' shopping list
December 8
New York Daily News
 
"As of Wednesday night, the Mets had not decided whether to trade Jonathon Niese, but according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation, the Yankees were one of four or five teams that had asked about the lefthanded starter. San Diego, Boston, Colorado and Toronto were among the other clubs said to be expressing interest, although one source said that San Diego, after initially considering the idea, had decided not to pursue the 25-year-old. Although the Mets are not actively shopping Niese, they are willing to seriously consider any proposals. One team insider described the asking price as high, and said the Mets were looking for major-league ready players, in addition to"
Yankees trying to trade A.J. Burnett
December 8
New York Post
 
"The Yankees have inserted A.J. Burnett into the trade market at the Winter Meetings, The Post has learned. According to multiple teams, the Yankees have let it be known they will listen to offers for Burnett and are willing to pay $8 million of the $33 million Burnett is owed over the next two seasons. "We will listen on anybody,'' GM Brian Cashman said without getting specific. Even with the Yankees swallowing about a quarter of Burnett's contract, they haven't gotten a nibble. First, Burnett, who will be 35 in January, would still be owed $12.5 million this coming season and next. Secondly, Burnett hasn't pitched well (21-26) the past two seasons and has suffered a dip in velocity."
Yankees possible spot for Mets' Wright
December 7
New York Post
 
"The future is not bright for the Mets, but it is glowing for David Wright. Sure, this upcoming season is a year in baseball purgatory for Wright, if the Mets keep him the entire season. Perhaps, though, the Mets learned their lesson from misplaying the Jose Reyes situation and will trade Wright for prospects. The Mets are in a prospects' world right now, and the sooner they accept that and get the fans thinking of the future, 2014 and beyond, instead of the ugly present, the better off they will be in the long run. Wright has many intriguing possibilities in front of him. If he is traded, he can void the $16 million club option on his contract for 2013 and become a free agent after this"
Suitors for potential Gio trade increasing
December 7
MLB.com
 
"While Albert Pujols stole all the overnight buzz at the Winter Meetings, talks of a trade involving A's hurler Gio Gonzalez were picking up steam by the time the sun came up in Dallas on Wednesday morning. The 26-year-old Gonzalez, already known to have drawn interest from teams including the Marlins and Yankees, reportedly added the Tigers and Phillies to his list of suitors. Next to free-agents C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle, the A's southpaw appears to be the most sought-after pitcher this week. Miami's interest in local product Gonzalez has been well documented, and on Tuesday Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record noted that the A's asked the Yankees for power bat Jesus Montero, along with"
Yankees win negotiating rights for Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima
December 7
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Yankees have won the right to negotiate with Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who requested anonymity because talks are ongoing. The team has 30 days to work out a deal with Nakajima, a 29-year-old shortstop who last season hit .297 for the Seibu Lions. The Yankees view Nakajima as affordable "good middle of the diamond talent," the person with knowledge. Just as attractive might be the shortstop's price tag. The Yankees won negotiating rights for a modest bid of about $2 million, according to the person with knowledge."
Whole new game if Darvish is involved
December 7
MLB.com
 columnist Anthony Castrovince
"Part of the private art collection housed in the Hilton Anatole are two life-sized, three-ton elephant statues that stand in the tower lobby -- eight-foot creatures looming over all the Hot Stove hubbub of these Winter Meetings. They are the actual elephants in the room, though there are, of course, figurative ones in play here, too. The first, undoubtedly, is Albert Pujols, and the Marlins' reported 10-year offer for his services had the lobby buzzing early Tuesday and through the night. Pujols' next move is going to have a big bearing not only on the Fish and Cardinals, but also on many free-agent moves to follow. But another elephant in the room -- one not drawing nearly as much focus"
Yankees one of many possible landing spots for Mets' Wright
December 7
New York Post
 columnist Kevin Kernan
"The future is not bright for the Mets, but it is glowing for David Wright. Sure, this upcoming season is a year in baseball purgatory for Wright, if the Mets keep him the entire season. Perhaps, though, the Mets learned their lesson from misplaying the Jose Reyes situation and will trade Wright for prospects. The Mets are in a prospects' world right now, and the sooner they accept that and get the fans thinking of the future, 2014 and beyond, instead of the ugly present, the better off they will be in the long run. Wright has many intriguing possibilities in front of him. If he is traded, he can void the $16 million club option on his contract for 2013 and become a free agent after this"
Yankees pitch A.J.
December 7
New York Post
 
"The Yankees have inserted A.J. Burnett into the trade market at the Winter Meetings, The Post has learned. According to multiple teams, the Yankees have let it be known they will listen to offers for Burnett and are willing to pay $8 million of the $33 million Burnett is owed over the next two seasons. "We will listen on anybody,'' GM Brian Cashman said without getting specific. Even with the Yankees swallowing about a quarter of Burnett's contract, they haven't gotten a nibble. First, Burnett, who will be 35 in January, would still be owed $12.5 million this coming season and next. Secondly, Burnett hasn't pitched well (21-26) the past two seasons and has suffered a dip in velocity."
Colon may return to Yankees
December 6
New York Post
 
"While Brian Cashman has five starting pitchers and is looking for an arm to fall in behind ace CC Sabathia, the general manager hasn't ruled out Bartolo Colon returning to the Yankees. "He would be in the same category as [Eric] Chavez and [Andruw] Jones,'' Cashman said of the veteran right-hander who went 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA in 29 games (26 starts) a year ago. "He did a good job last year. I have discussed it with [agent] Adam [Katz.].'' Cashman didn't rule out Colon being part of the Yankees' bullpen, as he was at the start of last season."
GM: Bombers won't overpay for pitching
December 3
New York Post
 
"Yankees general manager Brian Cashman's thought process about the upcoming Winter Meetings didn't change while he was rappelling down a building in Stamford, Conn., yesterday morning practicing for tomorrow's "Heights and Lights'' celebration — an annual event that features a rappelling Santa Claus. The GM's message remained the same as it has been since free agency opened shortly after the Cardinals won the World Series: More arms would be nice, but not at the current prices. "[We want to] try to improve our pitching, but it's easier said than done. If we can continue to try and reinforce our pitching we'll do so, but it's really hard to do,'' Cashman said. "We'll have our conversations."
Robinson Cano would welcome David Ortiz on Yankees
December 3
New York Daily News
 
"The two lefty-hitting sluggers embraced in the shadows of the sprawling outdoor patio of The Fishing Lodge resort here, the high-profile free agent greeting the All-Star Yankee second baseman on neutral ground in their native Dominican Republic. But make no mistake, Robinson Cano said he would welcome David Ortiz switching sides in the storied baseball rivalry between New York and Boston. "It would be a good idea, having another lefty on the team," Cano told the Daily News while in attendance at Ortiz's fourth annual charity golf tournament. "We all know he's a great hitter. Last year, a lot of people were saying, 'He's done.' He proved a lot of people wrong. I like people, when they're"
Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz doesn't rule out Yankees
December 3
New York Daily News
 
"Last year, Yankee fans suffered through a small period of the offseason where the Red Sox courted Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter's contract feud left open the idea that he could slip into another uniform. This winter, it's Boston's turn to wait and see whether a Red Sox icon is bound for another city, whether Big Papi will be swatting homers in a home park other than Fenway. Maybe the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium would be a nice change of scenery? "I don't know," David Ortiz told the Daily News Friday with a hearty chuckle when asked if he'll wear pinstripes for 2012. "I haven't heard my agent talking to me about any of that. It's something that, for me to play for the"
Freddy Garcia signs one-year deal to stay with the Yankees
November 25
New York Daily News
 
"Freddy Garcia celebrated his Thanksgiving with a new contract. Garcia, signed a one-year deal Thursday worth between $4 million and $5 million, perhaps tripling his $1.5 million base salary from last season. Garcia earned more than $3 million including incentives, going 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA in 25 starts. The Yankees offered Garcia arbitration late Wednesday night, assuring themselves of a compensatory draft pick if he signed elsewhere. It never came to that, as the two sides hammered out a deal, bringing the 35-year-old back to the Bronx."