Unlikely for Yankees to upgrade starting pitching

After a flurry of offseason acquisitions that included designated hitter, Matt Holiday, and closer, Aroldis Champman, it is highly unlikely that the Yankees will upgrade their roster further, according to Yankees GM, Brian Cashman.

"We stay engaged in the marketplace, but I think more likely than not - 99 percent likely - we are going to be going to camp with what we have," Cashman stated in a radio interview.

Early rumors showed that the Yankees were engaged in talks with the Chicago White Sox about Jose Quintana, but after hearing Cashman's interview, it is becoming less likely that the Yankees will upgrade their starting pitching.

Alex Rodriguez to retire after 2017 season

Alex Rodriguez has revealed that he will retire from baseball after his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2017 season. Rodriguez dropped the unsurprising news to Andrew Marchand of ESPN.

After his baseball career is over, Rodriguez has expressed interest in broadcasting or even returning to the field as a coach. Many of his current and former players, as well as the media, have raved about how smart and intelligent he is about the game. Alex also worked the World Series this past year for FOX.

Notable Statistics: 

• 687 home runs
• 3,070 hits
• 2,055 runs batted in

Video: Ben Gamel makes incredible catch

Ben Gamel is #Superfly pic.twitter.com/340cRSNWMD

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 10, 2016

Ben Gamel made a beauty of a catch to rob Russell Martin of extra bases in an exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Check out the best catch of the spring thus far above.

Tanaka throws two scoreless innings vs Phillies

Off to a great start this spring is Masahiro Tanaka as he threw two scoreless innings today against the Phillies, which was his first start of the year. There has been some concern about whether or not Tanaka will be ready for Opening Day after undergoing offseason surgery on his right elbow to remove bone spur. The Yankees should be feeling a little more confident about him being ready after witnessing a pain free and smooth outing from their ace today.

Tanaka used only 15 pitches to get through two innings on Sunday. He struck out two, walked one, and allowed two hits in his outing.

When asked about being ready for Opening Day, Tanaka stated "That's basically the goal. That's what I'm trying to do."

It has not yet been announced when Tanaka will make his next spring start.

Video: Jorge Mateo launches first spring home run

Jorge Mateo introduces this baseball to the scoreboard: https://t.co/PhHOPIQK8X #NYYSpring pic.twitter.com/velCW2u4TN

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 5, 2016

The number one prospect in the Yankees farm system, Jorge Mateo, his his first home run of the spring against the Red Sox on Saturday. Check out the video above of the future Yankee shortstop absolutely tagging one out to left.

Masahiro Tanaka to make spring debut Sunday

Yankees fans will be able to get their first look at Masahiro Tanaka on Sunday when he makes his first start of the spring against the Phillies. Tanaka underwent offseason elbow surgery to remove bone spur from his right elbow back in October.

The probable pitchers for the weekend and into next week are as followed:

Sunday, March 6th: Masahiro Tanaka vs Phillies
Monday, March 7th: Michael Pineda vs Astros
Tuesday, March 8th: C.C. Sabathia vs Marlins
Wednesday March 9th: Ivan Nova vs Mets
Thursday, March 10th: Nathan Eovaldi vs Blue Jays

Video: Alex Rodriguez's Spring Training Home Run

With his first Spring Training swing, Alex Rodriguez took a pitch deep to left field and out for a two-run home run. Check out the sweet swing below.

#Yankees A-Bomb Alex Rodriguez conecta cuadrangular en su primer turno del #ST16 pic.twitter.com/sujL076g6w

— MeGustanLosDeportes (@GustanDeportes) March 3, 2016 

Aroldis Chapman Suspended

Major League Baseball have announced that Aroldis Chapman will be suspended for 30 games due to a domestic violence incident that happened over the offseason. The suspension does not include Spring Training games and will be in effect at the start of the regular season.

Chapman has publicly stated that he will appeal a suspension, however, he went against the statement and will own up to his actions and serve his suspension.

The Yankees bullpen has been labeled the best in all of baseball after acquiring Chapman on December 29th from the Cincinnati Reds.

Aroldis Chapman Excused From Camp Again

Due to a family issue, The Yankees granted Aroldis Chapman permission to be excused from spring training camp today. This is the second time this spring that Chapman has been excused due to a family issue.

According to the Yankees, his absence has no involvement in the domestic violence case that is being investigated by Major League Baseball.

Brett Gardner Dealing with Bruised Wrist

The Yankees have revealed that outfielder Brett Gardner has been dealing with a bone bruise in his left wrist. The injury occurred during the Wild Card game against the Astros while running into a wall when attempting to make a catch.

Brian Cashman, the Yankees General Manager talked about Gardner today with reporters.“I know he feels good, we are taking it slow,’’ Cashman said. “Spring training is long enough, we don’t have to be rushing. The CT scan showed a bone bruise. It’s going in the right direction. At this point, taking the safe route.’’

Gardner took about 50 swings in the indoor batting cage today, however he is not scheduled to take batting practice tomorrow.

Jacoby Ellsbury News and Notes 2/24

Jacoby Ellsbury reported to camp today, along with the rest of the position players, and was greeted by reporters who couldn't wait to ask him questions about the upcoming season, as well as last season.

The last time Ellsbury was in pinstripes was when he was left out of the Wild Card game after Joe Girardi ultimately decided to go with Brett Gardner in the starting lineup. When asked about the decision, Ellsbury had no hard-feelings towards his manager. "I talked to Joe that day," Ellsbury said. “I talked to him on the field and he knows how bad I want to play, and he knows how much time I put into playing to be the player that I am. We left it at that."

He was also asked about his time spent on the disabled list last year and if he was ever back to 100%.

“Obviously I knew my team needed me to play. When I came back, you convince yourself that you’re 100 percent, you’re ready to go. I thought I was pretty close, but it wasn’t until the offseason when I started working out, training, getting back, maybe I wasn’t where I thought I was. But you don’t have time for that during the season to wait to get there. I tried to get back as soon as I could, but it wasn’t really until the offseason when I started working out. Now I feel 100 percent.”

The Yankees look to Ellsbury as a key contributor to their offense. When Ellsbury is getting on base and scoring runs, the Yankee lineup is one of the best in the American League East.

Welcome to Yankees Spring Training 2016!

The long wait is over and the day has finally come. Baseball is back! Pitchers and catchers have reported to camp and position players will officially report of February 24th. As always there will be a lot of buzz down in Tampa, Florida. With new arrival Aroldis Chapman making his Yankees debut to Alex Rodriguez looking to match his incredible season last year, there will be a lot to cover this Spring Training.

As always we will keep you updated with the latest spring training news, as well as our predictions for the upcoming season.

Yankees Smartly Pass on Yoenis Cespedes

With the recent announcement that Yoenis Cespedes and the Mets have agreed on a deal to bring the slugger back to Queens, the Yankees have successfully and smartly evaded spending money on the free agent. Reports have popped up over the last twenty-four hours or so that the Yankees have been contacted by Cespedes's camp regarding signing the free-agent outfielder and Hal Steinbrenner even made comments hinting that Cespedes could be a future acquisition for the ball club. Passing up on Cespedes was the smartest thing the Yankees could have done and here is why.

The Yankees simply do not need Yoenis Cespedes on their roster. Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Carlos Beltran are set to patrol the outfield for the Yankees in 2016, with newly acquired Aaron Hicks receiving some playing time as well. You could say that if the Yankees signed Cespedes then the Gardner would be shipped off for a young, controllable pitcher. True. However, it seems as if the Yankees are comfortable with Ellsbury and Gardner at the top of the Yankees lineup. When both of them are getting on base and contributing, their lineup is like none other in the big leagues. Just look back at last year before the dynamic duo started struggling.

To add, the free agent market in the upcoming years offer some of the best outfielders in the game. Bryce Harper is set to become a free agent in a couple of years and the Yankees would sure be him. Carlos Gomez and Carlos Gonzalez are both top of the line outfielders who are much younger than Cespedes, who offered just about the same productivity, if not more on the defensive side.

The Yankees, who love to target top market free agents, have smartly passed up on signing Yoenis Cespedes. For once, the Yankees kept their money in their pockets, and rightfully so.

David Robertson declines qualifying offer

This comes as little surprise but David Roberston has declined the teams $15.3 million qualifying offer.

It remains to be seen if the Yankees and Robertson can come to terms on a long term deal, but if Robertson signs elsewhere then the Yankees will receive a compensation draft pick.

Yankees designated Eduardo Nunez for assignment

The Yankees have designated infielder Eduardo Nunez for assignment today in order to make room for Yangervis Solarte on the 40-man roster, the team has announced.

Nunez used to be looked at as a replacement for Derek Jeter, but with his inconsistent defense and sub par bat, the Yankees look to go in a different direction.

Solarte beat Nunez out in spring training for the final backup infield spot after posting impressive numbers.

The Yankees have 10 days to place him on waivers, trade him, release him, or send him down to the minors.

Yangervis Solarte makes team; Nunez optioned

The Yankees have announced that Yangervis Solarte won the final back-up infield spot after having an impressive Spring Training.

The final spot came down to Solarte and Nunez. After failing to make the team, the Yankees have assigned Nunez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Solarte hit .429 with 2 home runs and 9 runs batted in this spring.

Yankees and Marlins rained out

The Yankees spring finale has been rained out.

The game was just called - and obviously, this game will not be made up.

Yankees and Marlins delayed in final spring game

The Yankees and Marlins have been delayed due to rain on Saturday, which marks their final spring training game of 2014.

The game was scheduled to start at 1:05, but heavy rain has delayed the game.

The tarp is currently off the field, but the rain is still coming down.

Michael Pineda named Yankees 5th starter

The wait is over. The Yankees have announced that Michael Pineda will be in the Yankees five-man rotation for the first time since being traded to the Yankees from the Mariners in 2012.

Pineda has been impressive this spring by posting a 1.20 ERA in 15 innings of work. He has allowed 14 hits, struck out 16 batters, and issued 1 walk.

The only other real candidate for this spot would have been David Phelps, who will likely server as the long reliever in the bullpen.

Pineda will join C.C. Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Masahiro Tanaka, and Ivan Nova in the Yankees rotation this season.

Andrew Bailey News and Notes: 2/23

After acquiring Andrew Bailey yesterday, there has been much discussion about how and when Bailey can help the Yankees this season. Lets take a look:

• Joe Girardi told reporters today that he "doesn't expect much" for Bailey this year as he is recovering from shoulder surgery. 
• Girardi hopes that Bailey can provide some late-inning relief help when he's ready to pitch. 
• Brian Cashman stated that the Yankees do not expect Bailey to pitch until August or September. 
• Cashman called this a "low risk/high reward signing".

If Bailey pitches for the Yankees then he could potentially earn up to $2.5 million in incentives.