Record Last Week: 5-1 (24 RS, 15 RA)
Season Record: 23-13 (157 RS, 138 RA, 20-16 pythag. record), 1.0 games up in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ Indians (doubleheader, Mon.), vs. Mariners (three games, Tues. to Thurs.), vs. Blue Jays (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• Following Monday’s off-day, the Yankees opened a three-game interleague series with the Rockies in Colorado. Hiroki Kuroda made one bad pitch in Tuesday loss, but Brennan Boesch‘s late-inning hit gave the team a win the next day. New York took the finale following a lengthy mid-game rain delay.
• The Yankees went to Kansas City for a three-game weekend series next, and they put a hurtin’ on the Royals in the series opening win. They hung on for another win on Saturday, then completed the sweep yesterday.
• Injury News: Alex Rodriguez (hip) has resumed baseball activities. Frankie Cervelli (hand) is still five weeks away from doing anything baseball-related. Curtis Granderson (forearm) has started playing in minor league rehab games with Triple-A Scranton. Ivan Nova (triceps) made a minor league rehab start in Extended Spring Training, but he felt something in his side yesterday and has been shut down. Joba Chamberlain (oblique) will make a minor league rehab appearance on Tuesday. Eduardo Nunez (ribcage) was placed on the DL. Robinson Cano (foot) is fine after x-rays showed no break following a foul tip. David Robertson (hamstring) has since returned to action. Last year’s first rounder Ty Hensley (hip) is expected to miss the season following surgery.
• Infielder Alberto Gonzalez was acquired from the Cubs and subsequently called up when Nunez hit the DL. They Yankees are planning to call up David Adams on Wednesday, the first day he is eligible to join the big league team.
• Dellin Betances has been permanently shifted to the bullpen. A slew of minor leaguers were released, including Gil Velazquez, Cody Johnson, Ryan Pope, Juan Cedeno, and Shaeffer Hall.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 3-3 (21 RS, 26 RA)
Season Record: 18-12 (133 RS, 123 RA, 16-14 pythag. record), 1.5 games back in AL East
Opponents This Week: Mon. OFF, @ Rockies (three games, Tues. to Thurs.), @ Royals (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with a three-game set against the Astros, who came to the Bronx and blew the Yankees out in the first game on Monday. The team had to grind for a win on Tuesday, then they held on to take the series finale the next day.
• Following Thursday’s off-day, the Yankees were shutout by the Athletics in the opener of their three-game series. Phil Hughes dominated in Saturday’s win, but a late-inning homer sent them to a loss yesterday.
• Injury News: Alex Rodriguez (hip) has been cleared to begin baseball activities. Michael Pineda (shoulder) is throwing in the mid-90s during Extended Spring Training games. Curtis Granderson (forearm) has started playing in Extended Spring Training games. Mark Teixeira (wrist) has started taking batting practice. Kevin Youkilis (back) and Joba Chamberlain (oblique) were placed on the DL while David Robertson (hamstring) and Eduardo Nunez (rib cage) are day-to-day. Ivan Nova (triceps) feels no pain and has started playing catch. Jose Campos confirmed he missed most of last year with a small fracture in his elbow.
• The Yankees are looking for a right-handed bat. They acquired infielder Chris Nelson from the Rockies in a minor trade, but he doesn’t satisfy their needs against left-handed pitchers. Nelson replace Corban Joseph on the roster, who was optioned back to Triple-A after being called up when Youkilis was placed on the DL.
• Cody Eppley was designated for assignment to clear room on the roster for Preston Claiborne, who was called up to take Joba’s spot on the roster. Eppley has since been outrighted to Triple-A.
• Chien-Ming Wang did not exercise the first opt-out clause in his contract. He has four more opt-out dates coming.
• Robinson Cano confirmed his new agents have yet to talk to the Yankees about a new contract.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 5-2 (24 RS, 24 RA)
Season Record: 15-9 (112 RS, 97 RA, 14-10 pythag. record), 2.5 games back in AL East
Opponents This Week: vs. Astros (three games, Mon. to Weds.), Thurs. OFF, vs. Athletics (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with three games against the Rays in Tampa, and the Yankees dropped the opener because they couldn’t hit Matt Moore. Ichiro Suzuki got the big hit in Tuesday’s win, but they couldn’t do anything offensively in the series finale loss.
• The division rival Blue Jays then came to the Bronx for a four-game weekend set. Robinson Cano gave the Yankees a win with a go-ahead homer in the series opener, then they came back for another win on Friday. Travis Hafner carried the Yankees to their third straight win on Saturday before Lyle Overbay helped the team complete the rare four-game series sweep yesterday.
• Injury News: Frankie Cervelli (hand) will miss at least six weeks after suffering a fracture on a foul tip. Michael Pineda (shoulder) pitched in a simulated game and reportedly hit the low-90s. Ivan Nova (triceps) was placed on the 15-day DL with inflammation. Curtis Granderson (forearm) has started taking full swings. Mark Teixeira (wrist) is still limited to dry swings. Kevin Youkilis (back) returned to the lineup for one game but has since been sidelined with more stiffness. He will go for an MRI today. Triple-A outfielder Thomas Neal (hamstring) was placed on the DL. Minor league righty Nick Goody (elbow) had Tommy John surgery.
• Left-hander Vidal Nuno was called up from Triple-A to replace Nova while Austin Romine took Cervelli’s spot. Derek Jeter was placed on the 60-day DL to clear a 40-man roster spot for Nuno.
• There were further indications the Yankees may scrap the plan to get under the $189M luxury tax threshold in 2014 and beyond. The team did not offer Jose Valverde a contract this offseason.
• MLB is reportedly investigating Cano for some loose connections to Biogenesis. Top outfield prospect Mason Williams was arrested on a misdemeanor DUI charge.
• Eduardo Nunez is expected to fall just short of the Super Two cutoff after the season.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 4-2 (28 RS, 26 RA)
Season Record: 10-7 (88 RS, 73 RA, 10-7 pythag. record), 2.5 games back in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ Rays (three games, Mon. to Weds.), vs. Blue Jays (four game, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week started with an off-day before the Diamondbacks came to town for the first interleague series of the year. The Yankees won both the first game and the second game of the series in come-from-behind fashion, but they were unable to complete the sweep on Thursday.
• The Yankees then headed up to Toronto for a three-game set with the new-look Blue Jays, and they blew their division rivals out in the series opener. They took the second game of the series in extra innings but couldn’t finish the sweep yesterday.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) has a new fracture and will be out until after the All-Star break. He does not need surgery. Both Curtis Granderson (forearm) and Mark Teixeira (wrist) have been cleared to swing a bat. Michael Pineda (shoulder) is scheduled for his first simulated game since surgery this week. Kevin Youkilis (back) is day-to-day with some stiffness. Cesar Cabral (elbow) and Clay Rapada (shoulder) continue to rehab in Tampa.
• The Yankees will stick with their internal infield options following Jeter’s setback.
• The NHL is planning to have two outdoor games at Yankee Stadium next January.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 4-1 (36 RS, 14 RA)
Season Record: 6-5 (60 RS, 47 RA, 7-4 pythag. record), 1.0 game back in AL East
Opponents This Week: Mon. OFF, vs. Diamondbacks (three games, Tues. to Thurs.), @ Blue Jays (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with a four-game series in Cleveland. The Yankees won the series opener as Robinson Cano finally broke out of his slump, then they won the second game in blowout fashion. The final two games of the series were rained out and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on May 13th.
• The Yankees returned home to play the Orioles in a three-game set, and they took the opener thanks to an Adam Jones error and a triple play on Friday. Phil Hughes got pounded in Saturday’s loss, but Hiroki Kuroda threw a shutout in yesterday’s win.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) is taking batting practice and doing some light running. Michael Pineda (shoulder) faced hitters in a live batting practice session for the first time since surgery. Curtis Granderson (forearm) has resumed throwing. Mark Teixeira (wrist) has not yet been cleared to swing a bat. Andy Pettitte (back) had his start pushed back to Friday. Alex Rodriguez (hip) has been cleared to run slowly on a treadmill. Eduardo Nunez (wrist) is day-to-day after being hit by a pitch. Cesar Cabral (elbow) was scheduled to pitch in game this weekend.
• The Yankees re-signed Clay Rapada to a minor league contract, and he recently threw a simulated game as he works his way back from shoulder bursitis. The “top of the Yankees hierarchy” was behind the Ichiro Suzuki re-signing.
• MLB suspects A-Rod of purchasing documents from the South Florida clinic Biogenesis regarding performance-enhancing drugs, but they don’t have any actual evidence.
• The Yankees will have between $1.18M and $1.88M to spend on international amateur players this year, depending on whether there is a worldwide draft or regular old free agency.
• Yankee Stadium is the “preferred venue” for an NHL game next January.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 2-4 (24 RS, 33 RA)
Season Record: 2-4 (24 RS, 33 RA, 2-4 pythag. record), 2.0 games back in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ Indians (four games, Mon. to Thurs.), vs. Orioles (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The regular season finally got underway, but the Red Sox spoiled the Opening Day by beating CC Sabathia on Monday. Boston took the second game of the year following an off-day before Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera gave the Yankees their first win of 2013 on Thursday.
• The Yankees traveled to Detroit for a three-game weekend series, but both Ivan Nova and the bullpen got smacked around in Friday’s loss. Phil Hughes was activated off the DL and returned in Saturday’s game, but again the pitching was not good enough. Sabathia carried the team to a much-needed win yesterday.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) started taking ground balls and hitting off a tee over the weekend. Mark Teixeira (wrist) was given the okay to remove his brace. Hiroki Kuroda (finger) is scheduled to make his next start after getting hit by a line drive. Eduardo Nunez (biceps) is day-to-day after being hit by a pitch. Ty Hensley (hip) will miss 2-3 months after having surgery.
• Robinson Cano fired Scott Boras and hired CAA Sports and Jay-Z’s new Roc Nation Sports agency. It’s unclear how (or if) the change will impact extension talks, but you have to think hiring Jay-Z increases the likelihood Cano will remain in New York.
• The Yankees officially released both David Aardsma and Clay Rapada, who were removed from the 40-man roster before the season. They never discussed Joba Chamberlain in a trade with the Rangers. Cody Eppley was optioned to Triple-A to clear room on the roster for Hughes.
• The Yankees set an all-time record with a $230.4M Opening Day payroll. Their draft pool will be worth a touch less than $8M this summer.
• Right-hander Rafael DePaula struck out 11 in his long-awaited U.S. debut as the minor league season got underway.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Spring Training Record: 14-18 (140 RS, 156 RA)
Regular Season Record: 0-0 (0 RS, 0 RA)
Regular Season Schedule This Week: vs. Red Sox (three games, Mon. to Thurs.), @ Tigers (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees made a flurry of moves before finalizing their 25-man roster yesterday, most notably acquiring Vernon Wells from the Angels in exchange for two non-prospects. New York will pay $13.9M of the $42M left on his contract, and the money is structured so the outfielder counts as $0 for luxury tax purposes in 2014. The Yankees also signed Lyle Overbay to a minor league contract.
• David Aardsma and Clay Rapada were designated for assignment in part because the team doesn’t want relievers who are unable to throw multiple innings. Juan Rivera was released while David Adams was released and re-signed to a minor league deal to clear another 40-man roster spot. Sam Demel was outrighted to Triple-A after being claimed off waivers, though Dan Otero was lost on waivers after being claimed a few days earlier.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) took the last few days off to get rid of lingering soreness and could resume activity today. Mark Teixeira (wrist) has been taking ground balls and swinging a bat one-handed, and he could get the okay to lose his brace during Monday’s checkup. Curtis Granderson (forearm) is healing well but is still a ways off from resuming baseball activity. Phil Hughes (back) will open the season on the DL and could rejoin the rotation the second time through. Michael Pineda (shoulder) will face hitters in two weeks for the first time since surgery. Travis Hafner (general stiffness) missed Saturday’s game but is expected to be fine for the regular season. Boone Logan (left fat) is fine after being hit by a line drive. Slade Heathcott (knee) has resumed baseball activity. Ronnie Mustelier (knee) will miss the start of the season.
• Russell Martin offered to sign a one-year deal worth $9-10M to return to New York this offseason, but the Yankees passed. The World Baseball Classic will cover Teixeira’s salary while he is on the DL since he got hurt while with Team USA.
• The Yankees placed 11th and 14th in Baseball America’s and Baseball Prospectus’ farm system rankings, respectively.
• The 2013 draft order is finally set, and the Yankees will own three of the top 33 picks and north of $7M in draft pool room.
• The Yankees are now worth $2.3 billion according to Forbes.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Spring Training Record: 12-17 (120 RS, 140 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: Mon. OFF, vs. Astros (Tues. on YES), @ Orioles (Weds. on MLB.tv only), vs. Pirates (Thurs.), @ Nationals in Nationals Park (Fri. on YES), @ Army in West Point (Sat. on YES), Sun. OFF

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees signed old friend Chien-Ming Wang to a minor league contract that will pay him $3M at the big league level. He’ll head to Triple-A and serve as veteran rotation depth at least until his opt-out clause kicks in. Wang auditioned himself at the team’s complex in Tampa before signing.
• The deal is not complete yet, but the Yankees are on the verge of acquiring Vernon Wells from the Angels for a low-level prospect. They will reportedly pay him between $10-13M over the next two years. The trade could be wrapped up today.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) received a cortisone shot but is likely to start the year on the DL with continued soreness and inflammation. They are targeting an April 6th return. Mariano Rivera (headaches) is reportedly okay to pitch but is awaiting treatment. Boone Logan (elbow) has returned to game action. Clay Rapada (shoulder) will start the season on the DL and Phil Hughes (back) is likely to join him. Brennan Boesch (stiff left ribcage) will be out until Tuesday or Wednesday. Slade Heathcott (knee) has resuming running the bases but has not returned to game action. David Adams (back) and Jose Campos (elbow) both started playing in minor league games.
• Before the Wells (imminent) trade, the Yankees were looking for outfielders and “asking around about anybody” in trades — they have not called about Ramon Hernandez, however — but Brian Cashman said he isn’t looking to move David Phelps. Yuniesky Betancourt isn’t on their radar “at this time.”
• MLB in targeting Alex Rodriguez (and Ryan Braun) for potential discipline as part of their investigation into the South Florida anti-aging clinic Biogenesis.
• MLB and the MLBPA are hoping to implement a worldwide draft by June 1st.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Spring Training Record: 9-14 (92 RS, 107 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: Mon. OFF, @ Phillies (Tues. on ESPN), vs. Red Sox (Weds. on YES and ESPN), vs. Twins (Thurs. on YES), @ Twins (Fri.), @ Tigers (Sat.), vs. Rays (Sun. on YES)

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees added two new outfielders last week: left-handed hitting Brennan Boesch (one-year, $1.5M plus incentives) and right-handed hitting Ben Francisco (minor league deal). Matt Diaz was released.
• Injury News: Mark Teixeira (wrist) has an injury to his tendon sheath and there’s a 70% chance he will not require season-ending surgery. Phil Hughes (back) threw live batting practice and will throw a simulated game on Monday. Boone Logan (elbow) threw a simulated game over the weekend and could appear in a game next week. Clay Rapada (shoulder) isn’t scheduled to appear in a game anytime soon and could miss the start of the season. Michael Pineda (shoulder) has resumed throwing sliders as he rehabs from shoulder surgery. Slade Heathcott (knee) is out indefinitely with patellar tendinitis. Ronnie Mustelier (contusions) is day-to-day after running into a camera well.
• Among the players the Yankees had interest in last week in the wake of the injuries: Derrek Lee, Scott Rolen, and Chipper Jones. Lee already told the team no and the other two are also very unlikely to happen. Carlos Lee’s agent contacted the team as well. The Yankees didn’t like what they saw out of Bobby Abreu in winter ball and they haven’t contacted Aubrey Huff.
• The Rangers have been scouting Joba Chamberlain, but there’s no indication a deal is imminent or even being discussed.
• Gary Sanchez topped Baseball Prospectus’ list of the top ten Yankees prospects.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Spring Training Record: 4-11 (56 RS, 64 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: vs. Cardinals (Mon. on YES/ESPN), @ Rays (Tues.), vs. Phillies (Weds. on YES), @ Blue Jays (Thurs.), vs. Marlins (Fri. on YES), vs. Phillies (Sat., split squad on YES), @ Braves (Sat., split squad on MLB.tv), @ Pirates (Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The day we all knew was eventually coming finally arrived: Mariano Rivera announced the 2013 season will be his last as a player. He said “the tank is almost empty. The little gas that I have left is everything for this year. After this year I am empty.”
• Both Rivera (knee) and Derek Jeter (ankle) returned to game action over the weekend following their season-ending surgeries. Everything went fine and both are on track to play again this week.
• Injury News: Mark Teixeira (wrist) will miss 8-10 weeks after hurting himself during batting practice with Team USA. Phil Hughes (back) has started throwing bullpen sessions. Boone Logan (elbow) was pain-free following his latest bullpen session. Clay Rapada (shoulder) has been shutdown for 7-10 days. David Robertson (shoulder) will return to game action “shortly.” David Aardsma (groin) has already resumed throwing bullpens. Slade Heathcott (thumb) has returned to game action. Adonis Garcia (wrist) will be out 6-8 weeks. Brian Cashman (leg and ankle) did some major damage to himself while skydiving to raise awareness for charity.
• In the wake of Teixeira’s injury, the Yankees are looking at first and third basemen and have inquired about the availability of Chase Headley. They will also give Ronnie Mustelier a look at third base in camp.
• The Yankees signed right-hander reliever Chris Bootcheck to a minor league contract.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.