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The Players Tribune | Nick Swisher: Yesterday Nick Swisher announced his retirement. He was never the same after his 2014 knee surgeries, and he has accepted that. Swish tried to make it happen last year, and even played in Scranton for a few months but he never got the call to return to the majors. This is well worth the read to reminisce on his time with the Yankees (and because his personality really carries over into his writing).
New York Post | Joel Sherman: In an interview with Sherman, Hal Steinbrenner discussed having Alex Rodriguez back as an instructor and advisor. Looking ahead to the trade deadline, Hal also said that he will expand the payroll at the deadline if the Yankees are “contenders.”
CBS Sports | Matt Snyder: Spring training has barely started, but the Yankees already have a few new injuries to report. Tyler Austin suffered a small break in his foot and will wear a boot for the next three weeks. Furthermore, he can’t participate in baseball activities for at least six weeks, so it doesn’t look like he’ll be ready to go when the season starts.
The New York Times | Billy Witz: We are still waiting to hear the results of Dellin Betances’ arbitration hearing, but the news is expected sometime today. The Yankees evidently called out Betances’ slow delivery and brought up stolen bases. Meanwhile, Joe Girardi recently defended Betances by pointing out that he is a strikeout pitcher and the Yankees wouldn’t want to sacrifice what he does well.