Around the Empire: Yankees news - 4/9/18

Forbes | Barry Bloom: Greg Bird was in the Yankee clubhouse yesterday and discussed his progress. Bird is expected to have his stitches removed today and could start his rehab in May. Aaron Boone said that Bird should start some treadmill work soon and that he’ll need a few weeks of rehab before joining the Yankees. Bird says the doctor told him he doesn’t have a bad ankle and doesn’t think it will plague him long-term. CA-CAW!

NJ.com | Randy Miller: This world is too pure for Sir Didi Gregorius. None of us deserve him. Fortunately, Sir Didi loves us all. Because he’s that great a person. But this isn’t about that. As of right now, Gregorius is set to become a free agent after the 2019 season. He did, however, say that if the Yankees were to approach him with a contract extension, he would want to stay in New York. After seeing the player and person he’s blossomed into, I think the Yankees should offer him a contract right now.

MLB.com | Danny Knobler: Sure it’s only been 10 games, but Giancarlo Stanton has had better days as a baseball player. Even though he’s knocked three monster dongs, overall Stanton’s had a rough go of it to start his first season in pinstripes. Stanton, however, chalked it up to just a bad week and understands why fans are booing him (even though I don’t). Aaron Boone says that he thinks it’s just a timing thing and once Stanton gets in sync, he’ll be just fine. Based on his track record, I tend to agree with Boone.