Last Ride: Mariano Rivera announces retirement plans

The Yankees Hall of Fame closer, Mariano Rivera, has announced on Saturday that 2013 will be his final season. Mariano Rivera has been the Yankees closer since 1996 an will end his career in 2013.

Mariano Rivera announced his retirement after the 2013 season in front of family, ownership, coaches, teammates, and media on Saturday. The press conference was around 10:00 am at the Yankees spring training complex.

"It's not so easy when you come to a decision like this," Rivera stated. "But i would love to say it has been a privilege and honor to wear the pinstriped uniform that i have proudly worn for some many years in good times, great times. It has been wonderful."

What once was just another season for Rivera has turned into a touring and celebrating season.

Curtis Granderson fractures forearm; out until May

Curtis Granderson was plunked only five pitches into his spring training, which has resulted into a broken forearm. Gradnerson will be forced to miss at least 10 weeks of action.

Granderson was in the midst of switching from center field to left field. Although those plans were not final, Brett Gardner will likely get the majority of playing time in center due to this injury.

The Yankees hope to get Granderson back at the end of April or Early May. 

Yankees acquire Shawn Kelly from Mariners

The Yankees have announced that they have acquired right-hander Shawn Kelly from the Mariners in exchange for minor league outfielder Abraham Almonte. The Yankees hope that Kelly can add some depth in their bullpen.

Kelly and the Mariners recently agreed on a $935,000, one-year contract to avoid arbitration about a week ago.

Shawn Kelly was designated for assignment by the Mariners on February 7th when the signed Kelly Shoppach.

Kelly posted a 2-4 record with a 3.25 ERA in 47 games last season.

Yankees ink Hafner to one-year deal

The Yankees have finalized a one-year deal with Travis Hafner on Friday, who will likely spend the majority of his time in the designated hitter slot.

Hafner played in only 66 games for the Indians in 2012, in which he batted .228 with 12 home runs and 34 RBI's.

Although he presents a lot of power from the left side of the plate, Hafner has been sidelined with injuries through the last five seasons. The last time that he has played in over 100 games was in 2010 when he played in 118 games.

The Yankees have designated Russ Canzler for assignment to make room for Hafner,

Pinstripe Blogging: Update

We haven't posted since the Yankees were eliminated by the Tigers in the American League Championship Series, so we thought we should give you an update.

Pinstripe Blogging will start updating on February 1st, 2013. We will post regularly about the Yankees and any transactions or news that comes up.

We are uncertain if their will be a new layout for the new season, but we will keep you updated.