Pronk In Pinstripes?

According to Jon Heyman and Rob Bradford the Yankees and Travis Hafner are close to agreeing on a contract. No word on the details of the deal, but Pronk would be a pretty good DH against right-handed pitching.

Hafner was limited to only 66 games last season, but did put up a batting line of .241/.361/.437 against righties. It may not be the batting average I'd look for, but getting on base 36% of the time is a pretty good rate, not to mention the ability to hit 25+ home runs in a season.

Travis had surgery on the meniscus in his right knee last May, and seems to be okay as far as that goes. But it's his lower back that worries me, as he did have a bulging disc that cost him 40 games late last season. Actually, health issues have haunted him in 10 of his 11 MLB seasons, so it's really hard to count on him all season long. Perhaps being a platoon DH would help.

By the way, Pronk is strictly a DH, as he hasn't seen the field since playing 91 innings at 1B in 2007.

Michael Kay Signs Extension W/ The YES Network

The Yankee Entertainment Station, or more commonly known as the YES Network, has signed long time voice of the Yankees Michael Kay to a new deal. Kay has been with the network since its launch in 2002 and does not look to be going anywhere anytime soon. I know a lot of people tend to talk down about Michael Kay and his excitement for fly balls that do not even get close to leaving the yard but I have always liked Kay and enjoyed listening to his broadcasts.

Alex Rodriguez Linked To PED Use.... Again

I know that I am a little late to the party but early this morning Alex Rodriguez was once again linked to performance enhancing drug use when a probe over PED use in a Miami clinic called Biogensis has linked some baseball superstars to the use of illegal steroids. The stars besides Alex Rodriguez included former teammate and recently busted Melky Cabrera. Chad Jennings from Lohud has all the details as to what Alex supposedly bought how much he paid and when he did it so I will redirect you over there rather than try and explain it all because I cannot do it as well as he did.

A name that we all will be hearing a lot in the next coming season will be Anthony Boesch who ran the clinic in Miami and who's personal notebook has become the talk of the town today after the probe. A personal notebook containing around 50 Major League Baseball players names, what steroid they used, when they purchased it, and how much they paid that contained Alex Rodriguez's name a whopping sixteen times in it beginning in the 2009 season and all the way through last season in 2012.

The Yankees have responded with a generic company line of "no comment" but Alex Rodriguez has went on a full fledged denial of the accusations, which should come as no surprise to anyone. The Yankees are now reportedly looking into voiding the final 5 years and $114 million of his contract due to the allegations. In response to this and the PED probe Alex has hired a lawyer, Roy Black, to represent him in the cases to come.

My question is if this is Alex Rodriguez on steroids just how terrible is he going to be without them? Another question is will he ever play again? I am starting to wonder if he ever will. Only time will tell and I am sure this is far from the last thing that we will hear about this case.

Andy Pettitte Decided Not To Pitch For USA In WBC

Andy Pettitte has informed the New York Yankees and former Manager and Team USA Manager Joe Torre that he will not be pitching in this years World Baseball Classic. The Yankees were adamant in not wanting Andy to participate with his age and injury history as of late and Andy has obliged. Andy had until February 20th to make the decision but the decision came down rather quickly so now Team USA is hoping to get Justin Verlander to fill the last spot. Good decision in my eyes Andy!

Former Yankees Update : Chris Dickerson

As much as this saddens me to report former Yankee outfielder, and personal favorite of us at the Greedy Pinstripes, Chris Dickerson has signed a minor league deal with the rival Baltimore Orioles. This does not make much sense to me because he could have just signed another minor league deal with the Yankees and not be stuck behind fellow lefties Nick Markakis, Xavier Avery, Nate McLouth, and switch hitter Trayvon Robinson but what do I know?

Michael Pineda To Throw Off Half Mound

Michael Pineda will throw off of a half mound today for the first time since major surgery in his right throwing shoulder. Pineda will be entering his age 24 season in 2013 and has been throwing off of flat ground since September after his shoulder surgery way back in May of the 2012 season. We still should not be relying on him as reinforcements come mid season but progress is never a bad thing especially for a guy we gave up Jesus Montero for.

Former Yankees Update : Nick Johnson & Freddy Garcia

Former Yankees first basemen and designated hitter Nick Johnson has decided to call it a career at age 34. Right wrist and hand injuries really ended his career prematurely as he never could stay healthy and harness that high walk ability and hitting ability. This is a shame because I always really liked Nick Johnson and his awkward looking open stance. Good luck with the rest of your life Nick!

In other former Yankees news Freddy Garcia has signed a minor league deal with the San Diego padres according to reports. Freddy Garcia will be entering his age 36 season and the junk baller should benefit from Petco Park and the move to the National League. As long as he is not on the Yankees again I guess we cannot complain now can we?

Yankees Sign Juan Rivera To A Minor League Deal

The Yankees have announced that they have signed former Yankee and right handed outfielder Juan Rivera to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Rivera will be entering his age 34 season in 2013 and will be reunited with a Yankees team that signed him as an International Free Agent way back when he was 17 years old in 1997. Matt Diaz and Russ Canzler cannot be happy about this news as Juan is now direct competition to him for the platoon partner for Ichiro Suzuki.

Andy Has Until 2/20 To Decide On WBC

The Yankees have announced that Andy Pettitte had until February 20th to decide whether he is going to pitch in the World Baseball Classic this year. Joe Torre has come out and said that the option is still there for Andy to pitch hence why there is one open spot for a starting pitcher still on the roster. The Yankees have announced that they would not like to see Andy in the WBC because of his injury history and such and we have not heard much out of Andy yet. Kris Medlen can withdraw and be replaced from the event since he just had a baby so the decision will probably go down to the wire for Andy.

Jeff Baker Comes Off Board, Signs W/ Rangers

And yet another right handed option for the Yankees comes off the board without even an offer by Brian Cashman and company as Jeff Baker signed a minor league deal today with the Texas Rangers. The deal obviously includes an invite to Spring Training. Matt Diaz and Russ Canzler jump for joy once again.