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The Athletic | Ken Rosenthal (unlocked story): CC Sabathia is in many ways the heart of the current Yankee team, and recently the big man needed some help with his own heart. The lefty underwent surgery earlier this month to clear a cardiac blockage, and hopes to make a full recovery in time for Opening Day. Get well soon, CC!
New York Post | George King III: Troy Tulowitzki, recently released by the Toronto Blue Jays, can be scooped up by any MLB team for the major league minimum. This makes him a possible fallback option should the Yankees miss out on Manny Machado, and New York has long held a covetous gaze Tulo’s way.
Sports Illustrated | Jenna West: Speaking of Machado, after no real momentum was made by any team during the Winter Meetings last week, it appears the offseason’s top free agent will wait to sign a contract in the new year. At best, this should give Brian Cashman plenty of time to asses the market and put forth a truly competitive offer.
ESPN | Alden Gonzalez: The market for the other top free agent, meanwhile, is starting to take shape. The Dodgers sent a trio of players including outfielder Yasiel Puig to Cincinnati yesterday in a move that opened both payroll and roster space, as they are expected to pursue one Bryce Harper. The Yankees’ interest in Harper has proven lukewarm thus far, and if the Dodgers are signaling they’re about to push in on him, the interest may disappear entirely.