Yesterday, the Yankees avoided arbitration with David Robertson on a one-year, $3.1MM deal, meaning that they have now come to terms with all five of their arb eligible players. All things considered, it has been an unusually quiet offseason for the Bombers as they look to tighten their belt for 2014. Were they close to making other moves along the way? Here's more on that and other news on the Yankees..
- Cashman told reporters, including MLB.com's Mark Newman, that he had conversations with the Diamondbacks about Justin Upton but Arizona was never focusing on making a deal with them. That fits in line with a report from ESPN.com's Buster Olney earlier this month that indicated that several teams were anxious to get in on the talks but were struggling to get a response from GM Kevin Towers & Co.
- Cashman also said that he's aware that he needs to strengthen the bench and find a right-handed bat for the outfield. However, he doesn't feel as though it all has to come together by Opening Day and suggested that he could explore mid-season deals to make that happen.
- Meanwhile, the GM says the Yankees were never close to signing Scott Hairston either, despite being linked to him for a good portion of the winter, writes Dan Martin of the New York Post. Cashman added that the club isn't opposed to multi-year deals but did say that they'll have to be careful about it. Hairston agreed to a two-year deal with the Cubs earlier this week.
- General Manager Brian Cashman told ESPN 98.7's Michael Kay there is a chance that Alex Rodriguez will miss the entire season after undergoing hip surgery, writes Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com. "It is a very complicated surgery. Any time someone has a surgery, there is always a chance there are complications. That didn't take place in this case. But is it possible? Sure, it is possible, but is it likely? I don't think so," Cashman said. If Rodriguez does have to retire at some point due to his hip issue, the Yankees are insured for most of his contract.
