http://www.yardbarker.com/rss/team/18 Recent articles about the New York Yankees en-us Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector who will be one of the most sought after free agents this offseason, has decided to fire his little known agent. Edwin Mejia, who even hardcore baseball insiders had never heard of until he became Chapman’s agent, was given the heave-ho. Randy and Alan Hendricks are Chapman’s agents. The Hendricks brothers are known for representing a number of players including Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees. Why Chapman decided to switch agents has been... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:55:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Aroldis_Chapman_Fires_Little_Known_Agent/1615607 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Aroldis_Chapman_Fires_Little_Known_Agent/1615607 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Aroldis_Chapman_Fires_Little_Known_Agent/1615607 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/4/a48c87a5be8d134467297a36b031b91f6f0736d3/small/Pettitte_throws_7440.jpg Now that the deadline for protecting players on teams' 40-man rosters has passed, we can start talking about which players have been left open to the rule 5 draft, and which ones may be advantageous to acquire.  In the effort to inform myself and others, I'll be researching such players over the next couple of weeks. This is a big project, so bear with me if I've made any factual mistakes.  It can be difficult to find lists of eligible players for each team, and I w... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:28:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Rule_5_Draft_AL_East_Hello_pitching/1615281 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Rule_5_Draft_AL_East_Hello_pitching/1615281 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Rule_5_Draft_AL_East_Hello_pitching/1615281 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/b/4be8179f4e4a4f0a17fb91e786c046420257064b/small/PicImg_Keeping_it_in_4a66.jpg Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports) speculates that super agent Scott Boras will ultimately use Bobby Abreu’s 2-year, $19M contract with the Angels as the baseline for Johnny Damon’s deal. Mike over at RAB considered this market influence a few weeks ago. In case you’re wondering, Damon was worth 3 WAR in 2009, while Abreu was worth [...] Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:30:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Abreus_contract_Damons_baseline/1614389 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Abreus_contract_Damons_baseline/1614389 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Abreus_contract_Damons_baseline/1614389 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/8/58a1b7f8f084b0ea5b850e62731c110a63aa8178/small/Phillies_Johnny_Damon_a16f.jpg Here's our weekly Winter Ball recap from Big Guy:ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: The AFL ended this week. The Yankees had 7 players playing for the Surprise Rafters who finished with a 16-16 record, 2 games out of 1st.Ian Kennedy--RHP---Kennedy finished strong at the AFL this week in his last start going 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 hits. The most important thing for Kennedy at the AFL was to get some regular work coming off surgery. He made 7 starts going 2-1 with a 4.25 ERA. He threw 29.2 innings which led th... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:03:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/1122_Winter_Ball_Report_Weekly_Recap/1612594 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/1122_Winter_Ball_Report_Weekly_Recap/1612594 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/1122_Winter_Ball_Report_Weekly_Recap/1612594 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/2/821f2b9d3d4fca47f88f3b2c99bf9b9b478d7471/small/Yankees_vs_Royals_bc8a.jpg From Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe): The Yankees could easily get into the Roy Halladay hunt if they’re willing to part with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, which they apparently are. The one player they’d love to hold on to is Austin Jackson, their future center fielder who could keep their outfield costs low. Here’s a hypothetical scenario—if the [...] Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:00:22 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Hughes_or_Joba_who_would_you_trade/1611576 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Hughes_or_Joba_who_would_you_trade/1611576 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Hughes_or_Joba_who_would_you_trade/1611576 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/b/cbc71e4783d4be8554430712e17443df974933a5/small/MLB_APR_28_73a5.jpg This Week in Yankees HistoryNovember 22nd - November 28thNovember 22nd1901 - Former Yankees OF/3B Harry Rice (1929) was born. Harry hit .298 as a regular outfielder in 100 games for the 1929 Yankees. He was obtained from the Tigers in the Waite Hoyt trade 1926 - Former Yankees P Lew Burdette (1950) was born (1926-2007). On April 6, 1947, Lew was signed by the Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent. Lew appeared in 2 games for the 1950 Yankees with no record. On August 29, 1951, Lew was traded b... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:02:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/This_Week_in_Yankees_History_1122_1128/1610999 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/This_Week_in_Yankees_History_1122_1128/1610999 Here are some quick items to close out the day: According to Ken Davidoff (Newsday), the Yankees’ “biggest focus so far is finding common ground with [Johnny] Damon.” He goes on to say that Andy Pettitte’s return “should work out,” and that Hideki Matsui is “less of a priority.” Jesse Sanchez (MLB) says that the Yankees (and the Dodgers) [...] Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:36:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Closing_Bits_Damon_Pettitte_Matsui_Halladay/1609643 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Closing_Bits_Damon_Pettitte_Matsui_Halladay/1609643 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Closing_Bits_Damon_Pettitte_Matsui_Halladay/1609643 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/7/37e9db22ee8336f9b16404d0a092dfcad0afde50/small/Mets_v_Yankees_d04e.jpg by Koji Sasahara - AP View full size photo » Hideki Matsui must have wondered what he did to deserve such a cruel fate. He left the Japanese major leagues seven years ago to prove himself against the best in the world. In Japan, he had won three MVP awards and three championships. In 2003, he crossed the Pacific and joined the best team in MLB, coming off a stretch in which they'd won four titles and five pennants in seven yea... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Matsuis_future/1606874 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Matsuis_future/1606874 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Matsuis_future/1606874 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/6/e6bf01dfa062088c25d72aa4676328f393f0286d/small/New_York_Yankees_f01f.jpg Chad Jennings is reporting that Shelley Duncan has said that if he clears waivers he will not accept his assignment to triple-A Scranton.“I’ll wait and see,” Duncan said. “I might clear on Monday or something, and if do, then I’ll become a free agent.”Good luck Shelley. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:10:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/So_Long_Shelley/1605261 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/So_Long_Shelley/1605261 With the Rule 5 draft coming up next month the Yanks made several adjustments to their 40-man roster today, here are those changes:Pitchers Hecton Noesi Ivan Nova and Romulo Sanchez, infielders Reegie Corona, Eduardo Nunez and Kevin Russo, and outfielder Austin Jackson have been added to 40-man.Shelley Duncan has be outrighted to triple-A.The Yankees updated 40-man roster now has 39 spots filled, so expect some more changes to the roster later this offseason. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:07:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/40_Man_Roster_Updates/1603901 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/40_Man_Roster_Updates/1603901 Here are today’s morning items: - Doug Miller (MLB) issues a preview of the now open free agent market. - Pete Caldera cites an inside source who predicts a slow winter for FAs. - Joe P. at RAB ponders Jorge Posada’s offensive production as he ages. - Keith Law (ESPN) offers his Top 50 Free Agent Rankings list (insider). Today, I’ll be discussing free agents and will [...] Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Morning_Bits_Free_Agency_Posada_Top_50_FAs/1600383 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Morning_Bits_Free_Agency_Posada_Top_50_FAs/1600383 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Morning_Bits_Free_Agency_Posada_Top_50_FAs/1600383 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/c/cc71035daa9f9c101a8e1360bf69d49a662a1ea6/small/Yankees_vs_Angels_5bb5.jpg Dayn Perry of FOX Sports put out his list of ten offseason moves that need to be made. Number five covers the Yankees, specifically their outfield.5. The Yankees should worry about Johnny Damon and not Hideki Matsui.The reigning champs have some decisions to make. They need to coax Andy Pettitte into pitching one more year, and they need to re-sign Johnny Damon. Damon — when not throwing the ball — gives the Yanks plus defense in left, and he has maintained his offensive skills quite nicely. ... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:19:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Perry_Yanks_should_worry_about_Johnny_not_Zilla/1596313 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Perry_Yanks_should_worry_about_Johnny_not_Zilla/1596313 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Perry_Yanks_should_worry_about_Johnny_not_Zilla/1596313 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/0/70a15bfb376ed700cf19f58ddb44dd7386ebda30/small/89759934.jpg Bob Nightengale is reporting via Twitter, that "The Yankees, ever so quietly, are letting teams know that RF Nick Swisher is available."This is a little strange, especially considering the question marks that surround the Yankees outfield for 2010. Maybe this means they will make a run at Matt Holliday. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:34:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Nightengale_Yanks_Telling_Teams_Swisher_is_Available/1595889 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Nightengale_Yanks_Telling_Teams_Swisher_is_Available/1595889 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Nightengale_Yanks_Telling_Teams_Swisher_is_Available/1595889 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/b/6bf34433cf8dd008535bba1c7f7b03dc310909f7/small/92337988.jpg Dayn Perry of FOX Sports put out his list of ten offseason moves that need to be made. Number five covers the Yankees, specifically their outfield.5. The Yankees should worry about Johnny Damon and not Hideki Matsui.The reigning champs have some decisions to make. They need to coax Andy Pettitte into pitching one more year, and they need to re-sign Johnny Damon. Damon — when not throwing the ball — gives the Yanks plus defense in left, and he has maintained his offensive skills quite nicely. ... Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:15:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Perry_Yanks_should_worry_about_Damon_not_Matsui/1582450 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Perry_Yanks_should_worry_about_Damon_not_Matsui/1582450 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Perry_Yanks_should_worry_about_Damon_not_Matsui/1582450 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/c/4cd6e4c91ff6a0a3f02a32f4bbf64ff5fd4678aa/small/BRAVESYANKEES_eace.jpg We've all heard over the past couple days that A; Scott Boras will want at least 4 years for Damon, B; the Giants are interested, and C; Damon possibly might take the deal with more years. So you really have to ask yourself - will Johnny Damon return to the Yanks in 2010?The reason why I'm a little worried is because if you remember, during the 2005 season while with the Red Sox, Damon said he would never play for the Yankees and that he loves Boston. But sure enough, Damon signed a 4... Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Will_Damon_Really_Return_In_2010/1563915 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Will_Damon_Really_Return_In_2010/1563915 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Will_Damon_Really_Return_In_2010/1563915 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/4/7442b4447fc3698c0bc68285e35287a20a84b86f/small/Johnny_Damon_crosses_e9f9.jpg From Anthony McCarron:Hideki Matsui says his "feelings are still with the Yankees" but he doesn't know whether the Bombers will re-sign him.And, Matsui acknowledged, it would be disappointing if he did not play an eighth season in pinstripes. "If that happens, yeah, I think it would be," Matsui said Friday night through his interpreter before attending the dinner that benefits Joe Torre's Safe at Home Foundation. "But on the other hand, it's something to l... Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:50:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Matsui_Id_Be_Disappointed_If_I_didnt_Come_Back/1563649 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Matsui_Id_Be_Disappointed_If_I_didnt_Come_Back/1563649 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Matsui_Id_Be_Disappointed_If_I_didnt_Come_Back/1563649 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/6/e6bf01dfa062088c25d72aa4676328f393f0286d/small/New_York_Yankees_f01f.jpg From Jon Heyman:Boras strongly hinted that postseason hero Johnny Damon should be in line for another four-year contract from the Yankees by prominently mentioning that Jorge Posada received such a deal in his mid-30s, and Derek Jeter will surely get one next winter at the same stage. Boras also produced a Damon book with some surprising numbers, such as the fact that Damon is one of only two players to produce 150 runs each of the past 12 seasons (Alex Rodriguez is the other) and one of only... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:24:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Will_Damon_Head_To_San_Fran/1553482 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Will_Damon_Head_To_San_Fran/1553482 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/Will_Damon_Head_To_San_Fran/1553482 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/c/4cd6e4c91ff6a0a3f02a32f4bbf64ff5fd4678aa/small/BRAVESYANKEES_eace.jpg