Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/11/17

New York Post: The Yankees, in their continued effort to make it as difficult as possible to like them as an organization, forced Clint Frazier to cut his hair. The official story is that Frazier and Joe Girardi talked and they both “agreed” it was becoming a distraction, but don’t let anyone fool you. This was purely the Yankees’ doing and the only reason it could be a distraction is because the Yankees have this absurd policy and made it a distraction.

New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: As spring training came underway it seemed less and less likely that James Kaprielian would pitch in any actual games, especially after Brian Cashman said it was unlikely and that they’re moving at a snail’s pace with him. Well it seems the snail has reached the finish line as it seems Kaprielian will indeed pitch in an actual spring training game. It just remains to be seen when. Also in this is an injury update on Tyler Austin who is still not ready to be out of the boot but “is progressing.”

New York Post | Joel Sherman: For the last few years, the Braves have made a reputation on taking Yankee castoffs into their system and giving them a home. Well now that Billy Eppler is in charge of the Angels, they’re doing their best to be the new home of Yankee castoffs. Dustin Ackley, Andrew Bailey, Manny Banuelos, Vicente Campos and Ramon Flores, Blake Parker, and Kirby Yates are all with the Angels this spring trying to find a home. Ackley and Bailey are the most likely to make the Angels’ roster out of spring training, but Baneuelos could potentially make it as well as either a starter or reliever.

ESPN | Andrew Marchand: Joe Girardi has built a reputation for being too formulaic in his managing. His lineups, bullpen choices, everything comes down to his binder and pre-calculated moves. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that he’s also like that in his personal life. Following a strict daily routine from when he wakes up to when he goes to sleep. It’s a pretty interesting look into the Yankees’ skippers life and even talks about his time as a minor leaguer when he actually quit baseball for a week and almost retired.

New York Post | George A King III: Spring training is a time for baseball players to warm up and get ready for the long season ahead of them. But it’s also a time for younger prospects to show their stuff off and grab the organization’s attention. Dustin Fowler and Tyler Wade have been doing just that this spring. They’ve been described as “baseball players” by Yankees’ coaches and officials, which is high praise apparently. I seem to remember a former Yankee that was described as “baseball player,” Jayson Nix. Hopefully these two can be praised for more than just doing something every game.