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.

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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.

Spring Training Record: 3-7 (45 RS, 47 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: Mon. OFF, vs. Braves (Tues. on YES), vs. Dominican Republic (Weds. on YES), @ Cardinals (Thurs.), @ Marlins (Fri.), vs. Braves (Sat. on YES) @ Blue Jays (Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees have made a “significant offer” to Robinson Cano. A deal is not imminent and the two sides remain pretty far apart. It’s obvious the club would like to get this done before Cano hits free agency.
• Johnny Damon said he has “tons of interest” in returning to the Yankees following Curtis Granderson‘s injury, but the team is not interested. They also don’t have interest in Vlad Guerrero. The Yankees do, however, have interest in Chien-Ming Wang and had “major interest” in Javy Vazquez before he blew out his knee, but they don’t have interest in Kyle Lohse.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) has begun moving side-to-side during fielding drills. Phil Hughes (back) has resumed throwing, though he may not be ready in time for the start of the season. Kevin Youkilis (oblique) was shut down for a few days but has since returned to the lineup. Boone Logan (elbow) and Slade Heathcott (thumb) will but shut down for a few days even though MRIs came back clean. David Adams (back) has started swinging a bat and could soon begin more intense workouts.
• Gary Sanchez and Mason Williams both cracked Baseball Prospectus’ top 101 prospects list. Rafael DePaula and Abi Avelino were ranked among the top Dominican Summer League prospects by Baseball America. Dellin Betances will open the year as a starter with Triple-A Scranton.
• Joba Chamberlain still wants to be a starter. Melky Mesa withdrew from the World Baseball Classic because of the open left field job.

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: 1-1 (8 RS, 5 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: @ Orioles (Mon.), @ Phillies (Tues.), vs. Orioles (Weds. on YES), vs. Blue Jays (split squad, Thurs. on YES), @ Astros (split squad, Thurs), vs. Phillies (Fri. on YES), vs. Red Sox (Sat. on YES), @ Red Sox (Sun. on YES)

Top stories from last week:

• Hall Steinbrenner is reportedly “freaked out” over the reaction to his plan to get payroll under the $189 million luxury tax threshold by next season. The owner confirmed Scott Boras knows they’re willing to discuss a “significant” contract for Robinson Cano.
• Injury News: Curtis Granderson (forearm) will mess ten weeks following a hit-by-pitch. Derek Jeter (ankle) continues to ramp up his workouts. Phil Hughes (back) has a bulging disk and figures to miss at least two weeks. Michael Pineda (shoulder) will stretch out his bullpen sessions and begin throwing changeups soon. Mark Montgomery (back) has resumed throwing off a mound. Relief prospect Nick Goody (ankle) has been shut down following a car accident.
• Despite Hughes’ injury, the Yankees do not have interest in Kyle Lohse. They are also unwilling to give up a good prospect for Alfonso Soriano, though that as before Granderson’s injury.
• Mason Williams, Slade Heathcott, Gary Sanchez, and Tyler Austin all ranked among Baseball America’s top 100 prospects.
• Melky Mesa, Walt Ibarra, Gil Velazquez, Juan Cedeno, and Pat Venditte will all participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
• The Yankees are officially the Evil Empire, at least when the phrase is used in relation to baseball.
• David Price took back his comments after saying he wouldn’t sign long-term with the Yankees.
• Frankie Cervelli does not had an option remaining despite recent reports to the contrary.

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 Schedule This Week: @ Braves (Sat.), vs. Blue Jays (Sun. on YES)

Top stories from last week:

• Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training on Tuesday, though Alex Rodriguez will not be in with the team in camp. He’ll remain in New York to continue his rehab from left hip surgery. Joe Girardi discussed a number of topics during his start-of-camp press conference.
• There is a “significant difference” in valuation during talks between the Yankees and Robinson Cano about a long-term contract. The team has not yet discussed an extension with either Phil Hughes or Curtis Granderson, who would like to remain with the team. Andy Pettitte isn’t sure if he’ll pitch in 2014, though Mariano Rivera has already made his decision. He said he would have retired in the offseason had he been able to pitch in the playoffs. Rivera will let everyone know his plans before Opening Day.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) threw off a mound for the first time since having a bone spur removed. Derek Jeter (ankle) has started running and was given the “green light” to ramp up his rehab. He has a plate and screws in his ankle. Michael Pineda (shoulder) started throwing off a full mound and is on track to face hitters next month. The team is taking it easy on Boone Logan (elbow) early in camp. David Adams (back) is about a week behind. Cesar Cabral (elbow) continues throwing off a mound.
• The Yankees acquired reliever Shawn Kelley from the Mariners for Abe Almonte. Alex Rodriguez (hip) was placed on the 60-day DL to clear a 40-man roster spot.
• The Yankees continue to look for a veteran pitcher to stash in Triple-A, and they plan to scout Chien-Ming Wang in the World Baseball Classic. Frankie Cervelli withdrew from the WBC.
• The Yankees and Ticketmaster formed the Yankees Ticket Exchange.

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.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees signed Juan Rivera to a minor league contract, adding another body to the right-handed outfield bat Spring Training competition. Russ Canzler was claimed off waivers by the Orioles.
• Hal Steinbrenner confirmed there has been a “a conversation or two” about an extension for Robinson Cano. Felix Hernandez agreed to a monster extension with the Mariners, so he won’t be wearing pinstripes anytime soon.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) doesn’t expect to be far behind in Spring Training. Derek Jeter (ankle) expects to resume running in a few weeks. Michael Pineda (shoulder) continues to throw from a half-mound and could get up on a full mound by next week. Manny Banuelos (elbow) has started throwing as part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Jose Campos (elbow) has completed his rehab and will be ready for Opening Day. Mason Williams (shoulder) is close to 100%.
• Brian Cashman confirmed that catcher candidate Frankie Cervelli can be sent to the minors without having to clear waivers this year. Cervelli was connected to the South Florida clinic that alleged distributed performance-enhancing drugs.
• Gary Sanchez, Williams, Tyler Austin, Slade Heathcott, and Jose Ramirez all cracked Keith Law’s top 110 prospects list. Sanchez topped my annual Preseason Top 30 Prospects List. Law ranked New York’s farm system the tenth best in baseball.
• The Yankees are still considering moving Brett Gardner to center field this year.

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.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The biggest story of the week, by far, was Alex Rodriguez‘s inclusion in a report regarding a South Florida performance-enhancing drug peddler. MLB is performing an investigation and the Yankees will not comment until that is complete.
• Meanwhile, the Yankees added a new left-handed hitting DH, signing Travis Hafner to a one-year contract worth $2M plus incentives. New York also signed Juan Rivera to a minor league contract, and they continue to seek a right-handed hitting outfielder. Russ Canzler was designated for assignment to clear room on the roster for Hafner.
• Injury News: Michael Pineda (shoulder) threw off a half-mound for the first time since surgery last May. Derek Jeter (ankle) resumed baseball activities down in Tampa.
• The Yankees announced their Spring Training invitees, which include top prospects Gary Sanchez, Slade Heathcott, and Tyler Austin. Sanchez, Austin, and Mason Williams made MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects List.
• Andy Pettitte will not pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in a few weeks.
• Michael Kay signed a new multi-year contract with the YES Network.

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.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees were not close to acquiring either Justin Upton or Scott Hairston, who landed with the Braves and Cubs, respectively. They did not make Pedro Feliciano an offer before he signed with the Mets, but they did discuss Delmon Young. New York had no interest in George Kottaras.
• The Yankees did strike two deals last week. First they signed David Robertson to a one-year contract worth $3.1M to avoid arbitration, then they signed DH-type Dan Johnson to a minor league pact.
• Alex Rodriguez could miss the entire 2013 season due to his hip injury, and both MLB and the DEA are probing a trainer with connections to A-Rod. Meanwhile, Kevin Youkilis and Kevin Long are working on new hitting mechanics.
• Andy Pettitte has until February 20th to decide on participating in the World Baseball Classic.
• There’s a chance the 2014 payroll plan will be less lucrative than anticipated.

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.