YCN: Yankees Low Key in Free Agent Market: A Fan's Cold Stove View

Josh Hamilton won't be donning the Pinstripes

Josh Hamilton, Shane Victorino, Zack Greinke, Kyle Lohse. Don't bother wasting your time wondering if the Yankees will go after any of these free agents. The answer is a resounding no. The Steinbrenner family is looking to get the payroll down under $189MM for 2014 when new tax thresholds take effect.

With a ton of money locked up in Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and CC Sabathia, it could be a very cold hot stove this off-season.


For more, read my latest article for the Yahoo Contributor Network by clicking here and as always, thank you.

Thursday Hot Stove

The Mets negotiations with Johan Santana continue as the left-hander's agent, Peter Greenberg, is reportedly seeking a 6-year, $150 million deal. The Mets are also heavily into talks with Kyle Lohse. And they've added reliever Ruddy Lugo to the bullpen mix, picking him up off of waivers from the A's.

MLB.com reported earlier today that the O's were considering trying to sign Erik Bedard to an extension. ESPN.com has countered that with a report that Bedard's agent, Mark Pieper, said that the O's were not considering a new contract. ESPN also reports that the O's and M's are still talking deal and working on the "language" of the deal concerning physicals for Adam Jones and George Sherrill.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports is reporting that veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez has reached agreement with the Florida Marlins on a 1-year deal worth $2 million, plus another $1 million in incentives.

Much bounced around reliever Jorge Julio has agreed to a 1-year minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians.

The Phillies officially completed their signing of free agent 3rd Baseman Pedro Feliz. The former Giant will get $8.5 million for 2 years. The club also has an option for 2010.

Thursday Hot Stove

The Mets negotiations with Johan Santana continue as the left-hander's agent, Peter Greenberg, is reportedly seeking a 6-year, $150 million deal. The Mets are also heavily into talks with Kyle Lohse. And they've added reliever Ruddy Lugo to the bullpen mix, picking him up off of waivers from the A's.

MLB.com reported earlier today that the O's were considering trying to sign Erik Bedard to an extension. ESPN.com has countered that with a report that Bedard's agent, Mark Pieper, said that the O's were not considering a new contract. ESPN also reports that the O's and M's are still talking deal and working on the "language" of the deal concerning physicals for Adam Jones and George Sherrill.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports is reporting that veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez has reached agreement with the Florida Marlins on a 1-year deal worth $2 million, plus another $1 million in incentives.

Much bounced around reliever Jorge Julio has agreed to a 1-year minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians.

The Phillies officially completed their signing of free agent 3rd Baseman Pedro Feliz. The former Giant will get $8.5 million for 2 years. The club also has an option for 2010.

A Prior Engagement

The Yankees have shown interest in Mark Prior, but the Rangers and Astros have been the most aggressive in their pursuit of the free agent right-hander. That according to Ken Rosenthal, who also states that the Padres are Prior's 1st choice.

Prior is from San Diego and the Padres' Petco Park is favorable to pitchers. But with an extension given to Jake Peavy and the recent addition of Jim Edmonds, the Padres don't have a lot in the coffers to spend.

Rosenthal also gives his spin on the Dan Haren deal, the Twins roster count, and other winter happenings.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, both the Phillies and Mets have made 4-year offers to free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse. 4 years for mediocrity?

The Cardinals have signed much-traveled infielder, D'Angelo Jiminez, to a minor league deal.

The Seattle Times says Carlos Silva is seriously considering the Mariners', 4-year, $44 million offer. What's he waiting for?

What a hot stove update be without something on Johan Santana. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Red Sox are still the front-runners to obtain the ace lefty, but are sticking to their no-Jacoby Ellsbury stance. The only thing holding up that deal should be hesitation about spending the money on a contract extension for Santana, not whether or not to include Ellsbury.

A Prior Engagement

The Yankees have shown interest in Mark Prior, but the Rangers and Astros have been the most aggressive in their pursuit of the free agent right-hander. That according to Ken Rosenthal, who also states that the Padres are Prior's 1st choice.

Prior is from San Diego and the Padres' Petco Park is favorable to pitchers. But with an extension given to Jake Peavy and the recent addition of Jim Edmonds, the Padres don't have a lot in the coffers to spend.

Rosenthal also gives his spin on the Dan Haren deal, the Twins roster count, and other winter happenings.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, both the Phillies and Mets have made 4-year offers to free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse. 4 years for mediocrity?

The Cardinals have signed much-traveled infielder, D'Angelo Jiminez, to a minor league deal.

The Seattle Times says Carlos Silva is seriously considering the Mariners', 4-year, $44 million offer. What's he waiting for?

What a hot stove update be without something on Johan Santana. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Red Sox are still the front-runners to obtain the ace lefty, but are sticking to their no-Jacoby Ellsbury stance. The only thing holding up that deal should be hesitation about spending the money on a contract extension for Santana, not whether or not to include Ellsbury.