The "American Idle" Carl Pavano Strikes Again

I know this is not really Yankees related but when I read this story about the most recent Carl Pavano injury I just could not resist. Carl Pavano was being coveted by teams, including the Colorado Rockies as the front runners and the Mets as another potential suitor, but that interest has subsided after Carl Pavano ruptured his spleen after a fall at his home while he was shoveling snow. Really Carl? You must have the worst luck in the world! It will take Carl six to eight years months weeks to recover according to initial reports. He already missed the last four months of the 2012 season with a shoulder injury and now that he will miss most, if not all, of Spring Training I cannot see him signing any time soon. Best of luck Carl and I really mean that because luck is something you truly need.

Yankees Sign Dan Johnson To Minor League Deal

The Yankees have announced that they have signed 1B Dan Johnson to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Dan is entering his age 33 season and will earn 900K if he makes it to the big leagues at any time in 2013. I cannot see him as anything more then our starting first basemen for the Scranton Rail Riders because of his lack of speed, batting for average, or anything productive like that. Cannot go wrong with a minor league deal though in my opinion.

Justin Upton Traded

It's a sad day for Yankee fans like myself.

Justin Upton has been traded... to Atlanta.

The Braves will reportedly send Martin Prado, prospects Nick Ahmed and Brandon Drury, and young right-handers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill. Along with Upton, the Diamondbacks will send third baseman Chris Johnson to Atlanta.

I was really hoping Cashman had a deal in the works, and the news was going to come out of nowhere for us. It turns out that the Yankees never really had much interest in dealing for Upton, which is a real shame. Maybe there's something else being talked about, but this is not news I wanted to wake up to.

Scott Hairston Comes Off Board, Signs With Cubs

The Yankees had some interest in the best right handed hitting outfielder on the market Scott Hairston but he came off the board early this morning when he signed a two year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Scott's deal is worth $6 million over two years if all his incentives are met. Last week we were told that he was choosing between only the New York teams, the Mets and the Yankees, so this signing comes as a surprise to many. The happiest people alive this morning have to be Matt Diaz and Russ Canzler because one of them is almost guaranteed a roster spot now.

Yankees Not Interested In George Kottaras

The New York Yankees have announced that they have no interest in recently designated for assignment catcher George Kottaras. The left handed former Oakland Athletic was DFA'd last week when the A's acquired Jon Jaso in the Michael Morse trade. I cannot for the life of me understand why the Yankees would not be interested in this guy especially with him making $1 million and still under team control with arbitration. Real head scratcher here if you ask me.

Yankees To Invite Tyler Austin To Spring Training

The Yankees have not officially announced their list of Spring Training invites for the 2013 season but Tyler Austin, the Yankees super prospect, has announced that he has been invited to Spring Training camp. Tyler told MiLB.com in an interview, seen here, that he was excited to be invited to the camp and it will be an "unbelievable experience that I will never forget." Click the link for the full interview.

Nobody Interesting This Offseason

From MLB Trade Rumors, here's something that can be filed under "Bull****"...

The Yankees intend to lower their payroll below $189MM by 2014, but the financial incentives in place for doing so might not be as strong as initially anticipated. The team could end up obtaining less than expected from the new market-disqualification revenue-sharing program, as Rosenthal explains. However, Yankees officials say the team’s offseason strategy has been influenced by available players rather than maneuverings based on the sport’s collective bargaining agreement.

I'm assuming that un-named Yankee official is only referring to this offseason, which I can kind of understand. I wasn't dying to get Josh Hamilton or Zack Greinke, and seeing what happened between the Red Sox and Mike Napoli has changed my mind completely on that player. I keep reading that the austerity budget could be thrown out should the team not be up to snuff, but I guess we'll have to wait another year to see for sure.

Youkilis And His New Batting Stance

I read some news regarding Kevin Long working with Kevin Youkilis on his batting stance, and trying to get Youk back to the all-star caliber player he once was. Well, instead of reporting it here, and possibly because I'm lazy, I'm going to advise everybody to click here and read the article posted by Mike over at River Avenue Blues. He did an excellent job of going over the changes, and why they are being made.

By the way, don't forget to read Daniel's interview with Dante Bichette Jr. right here.

T.G.P Exclusive Interview With Dante Bichette Jr.

The Greedy Pinstripes present to you our latest exclusive interview, this time with Yankees third base prospect Dante Bichette Jr. Our first round pick in the 2011 MLB First Year Players Draft finished last season in High A with the Charleston Riverdogs and looks to be in Trenton or even Scranton by seasons end. I hope you guys enjoy reading this interview as much as I enjoyed conducting it. A big thank you goes out to Dante for taking the time to do this for us, you're the best D!!

The Greedy Pinstripes: Was your dream as a child always to be a baseball player? If not then what did you want to be when you grew up?

Dante Bichette Jr: I grew up around the game since my dad played. So naturally I always thought it would be awesome to play on the same stage, but I knew for sure i wanted to be a Major Leaguer when i was about 16.

TGP: What team did you root for growing up as a kid?

DB: I was always a Yankees fan as a kid. I had to keep it a secret though since my dad played for the Red Sox for a couple years.

TGP: Favorite player(s) growing up?

DB: My favorite players have stayed the same since as long as I can remember. Manny Ramirez and Derek Jeter.

TGP: Your biggest inspiration when it came to baseball?

DB: I am extremely self-driven, so it is enough for me to just try and really be the best I can be.

TGP: How is it like to grow up with a dad as a Major League player?

DB: I dont think there is a better way to learn about the game than to be around it, so it definitely is something I am lucky to have been blessed with.

TGP: Was your dad one of the crazy parents that would ride you hard in little league or coming up?

DB: This is funny because I have been around more crazy little league, travel ball, and high school coaches than you can imagine! But no, my dad has always had my best interest in mind which keeps him at a good intensity level.

TGP: Favorite moment as a Yankees prospect?

DB: I have two. One was when i was called up for a Big League game last spring training and hit two homers. The other was winning the GCL finals my first year.

TGP: Who was the best prospect in the Yankees system that you ever played with?

DB: Oh man! I cant single one person out, because I am surrounded by a bunch of guys that are awesome. I would definitely say that Ive been playing with a few future stars the past couple years.

TGP: Do you keep in touch with any other current or former Yankees prospects or coaches?

DB: I do. I stay in touch with a bunch of players and a few coaches via text, twitter, or visits over the offseason.

TGP: Hardest part of being a prospect?

DB: I would be ungrateful to say there is a hard part of being a prospect. Its exactly what everyone wants, and it only means you need to work harder.

TGP: What do you plan to do to bounce back and replicate your 2011 season?

DB: This year will be very simple. I am going to stick to an approach and I am confident everything that is supposed to happen by the end of the year will happen.

TGP: Were you always a 3B? Did you ever want to try another position?

DB: I played SS growing up and through high school. I love shortstop, but now watching guys like Cito Culver I see why I am moved to the hot corner haha!

TGP: Not really a question but your mom is awesome! We love reading and replying to her tweets. She is the mold of how every baseball mom should be!!!

DB: She is great! Everything that has happened in my life or my brothers life should be credited to my mom.

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?

DB: haha! Oh definitely my little Brother Bo! Or at least he will be the most famous.

TGP: Most embarrassing song/artist in your ipod?

DB: Possibly "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber. Im not particularly embarrassed by it, but it usually brings on a few laughs.

Yankees Sign Thomas Neal To A Minor League Deal

The Yankees have added more scraps depth to the minor leagues and more competition in Spring Training by signing former Cleveland Indian Thomas Neal to a minor league deal. Neal was moved off the 40 man roster to make room for former Yankees player and recently acquired Nick Swisher. The only reason he was signed is because he is a right handed out fielder who holds a triple slash of .316/.382/.412 against southpaws the last two seasons. This will be Neal's age 25 season so let us hope that Brian Cashman has found lightning in a bottle once again.