Around the Yankee Universe: Typical Jeter

Derek Jeter's comments about winning the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award were typical Jeter. Classy and humble. In other words, I am sure they will provide fodder for the legion of Jeter bashers to find something silly to say about the Yankee captain.

Here is some of what Jeter said.

"I thought the cover came out nice. The only thing that I thought was missing from that were my parents on both sides," Jeter said. "Even if you don't see them, just know that they're there beside me at all times."

Yep. Exactly the type of thing you would expect him to say.

Yes, even the Yankees have a budget

And over the next couple of days general manager Brian Cashman will find out what that is.

By the time general manager Brian Cashman drops his bags near the door of a hotel suite in Indianapolis next week, the Yankees will have a better idea of just how much they can spend plugging the holes of a World Series-winning roster.

"Once I get some firm numbers, I can go ahead and start putting together some ideas," Cashman said.

The Yankees were set to gather in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday and Friday of this week to discuss the parameters of their offseason budget, which will be sizable but not as extravagant as it was last winter, when New York shelled out a combined $423.5 million to land CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira.

Yankees scouring reliever market

The Yankees have expressed interest in free-agent reliever Brandon Lyon, according to major-league sources. The Yankees likely will express interest in all of the top available late-inning relievers — lefty Mike Gonzalez, righties Fernando Rodney, Rafael Soriano and Jose Valverde — if they haven't already.

My take: It doesn't take a genius to figure out the Yankees will at least kick the tires on the reliever market. With both Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain ticketed for the rotation, it's a no-brainer. Of course, it's also pretty easy to make the argument that the Yankees already have a ton of young, talented arms and don't need to bring in a veteran.

(Hat tip to MLB Trade Rumors)

Talking about Johnny Damon

• The free-agent outfielder apparently thinks not being offered arbitration by the Yankees is a good thing.
• River Avenue Blues says if Damon leaves, Mike Cameron would be the perfect short-term replacement. My take: We have heard Cameron's name connected to the Yankees for so long now I have to think that if Damon isn't re-signed this would be a strong possibility. And I guess I could live with it for a year.

A.J. Burnett makes pitch for Halladay

Here is Burnett talking about the Toronto ace.

"I think it's time for him to get a fresh start," Burnett said Monday. "He's paid his dues there, been the face of the organization, done everything they've asked him to do and more. At this point in his career, I think he just wants to win."

My take: I am on record as being in favor of bringing Halladay to the Bronx. In reality, though, I don't think there is much chance Burnett will get his wish.