Around the Empire: New York Yankees News - Vernon Wells Edition

By Jason Cohen@Jason00Cohen Mar 25, 2013, 6:00am EDT

Yesterday for Pinstriped Bible

Desperation - Sports Illustrated | Jay Jaffe: Vernon Wells has fallen a long way over the life of his mega contract and the once thought untradable contract is about to be traded for the second time. If the Yankees are acquiring Wells it just shows how desperate they have become.
Shaky on the Basepaths - New York Post | George A. King III: Derek Jeter isn't ready to come back to the Yankees in order to be the starting shortstop for Opening Day.
Outfield Options - New York Post | Joel Sherman: Andre Ethier, Carlos Gonzalez, Giancarlo Stanton, Chase Headley, and Josh Willingham are all outfielders the Yankees could use for the future.
Forging Ahead - The Star-Ledger | Andy McCullough: Brian Cashman is still looking ahead and fighting for the team even when everyone has written the Yankees off in 2013.
Paying For Tex - It's About the Money | Michael Eder: Because Mark Teixeira was hurt during the World Baseball Classic, they are responsible for paying his salary when he is on the Disabled List.

This Is Happening: Vernon Wells has already left camp to fly to Tampa and will likely take his physical soon.
Money: The Yankees will likely be taking on $13M over the next two seasons of the $42M Wells is still owed.
Approval: For those still hoping this deal doesn't happen, Bud Selig still has to approve of the transference of money in the deal.
Bigger Trade?: If Wells has publicly acknowledged the deal, but the final details have yet to be released, it could mean that this is merely part of a bigger transaction.
More to Come?: The Yankees might not be done after adding Wells to the team. They could still be looking for an upgrade at first base over Juan Rivera.
Captain DL: Opening Day is coming quicker than Jeter's ankle can heal. At this point it's believed that he will be ready to go by April 6.
Lowdown: NoMaas wonders why Vidal Nuno, who seems to have a shot at making the team, was suddenly released by the Cleveland Indians in 2010.
Role: Francisco Rondon is back with Trenton and could be a starter.
Back: Slade Heathcott has been working on his base running, which is good to see after he was sidelined with patellar tendinitis.