The Yankees made one of their trademark low-risk, high-reward signings last week when they agreed to a one-year, $2MM deal with Travis Hafner that includes another $2MM in performance bonuses. The left-handed hitter has a career batting line of .287/.391/.534 against right-handed pitching and could prove to be a great pickup if he stays healthy. Meanwhile, they still have some business to take care of on the other side of the plate. Here's more on that and other news out of the AL East..
- Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman told Jim Bowden (via Twitter) and Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that he is not finished yet and they are still looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder. The Yankees recently inked Juan Rivera to a minor league deal, but they'll look for a stronger option in the outfield.
- The Rays have a similar need for a right-handed hitting outfielder/designated hitter/first baseman, but they likely won't find their man before spring training with limited options available, writes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Carlos Lee and Russ Canzler are among the hitters still available on the open market.
- More from Topkin, who writes that there was trade chatter surrounding infielder Reid Brignac last week. Brignac is out-of-options and seems unlikely to make the 40-man roster. Aside from Brignac, the Rays still have to clear two more roster spots. Catcher Stephen Vogt and reliever Dane De La Rosa are candidates to be DFA'd.
