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Around the Empire: Yankees news - 6/14/18

Hal says pitching a priority; Drury getting reps at 1B; Bird homers; HOPE Week continues with anti-bullying group; Draftees Breaux and Green sign

MLB: Winter Meetings
“I have no idea what I’m doing here”
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Hal Steinbrenner took some time off from rocket funding and yacht shopping to speak to reporters yesterday. He talked about the obvious, which is the Yankees’ need for starting pitching. Steinbrenner said that part of the offseason budget was earmarked so Brian Cashman can do his Ninja Cash thing at the deadline and get a pitcher. The biggest concern now isn’t the financial cost, but what the prospect cost. Steinbrenner also took a moment to give Giancarlo Stanton, who is a Yankee, a vote of confidence.

New York Post | George A. King III: A few days ago we discussed how Brandon Drury isn’t happy that he’s in Triple-A. With Miguel Andujar still doing his thing and hating singles, Drury’s path back to the majors was blocked. Well, he may have just found another road. For the first time this season, Drury started a game at first base. If he continues to get reps there and shows he can handle himself, he can find his way back to the Bronx as Greg Bird’s backup. With Tyler Austin struggling of late, this move makes sense.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: CA-CAW! Going into last night’s game, Greg Bird was still trying to find his swing. He had hit a couple home runs, but outside of that there wasn’t much. Well last night’s game could be the start of things to come. Aaron Boone dropped Bird to seventh in the lineup and maybe that got him going. He hit a home run in his first at-bat yesterday and hit a lead-off double later on in the game. Defensively he had a couple scoops and made a nice play on a short-hop. All around good game for Bird and that is the word. CA-CAW!

MLB.com | Mandy Bell: As Greg has mentioned the past couple nights, it’s HOPE Week. During HOPE Week, the Yankees spend time with a different charity or cause every day and give back to the community. Yesterday, Aaron Hicks, David Robertson, CC Sabathia, Luis Severino, third-base coach Phil Nevin and general manager Brian Cashman attended an assembly with Think Kindness. Think Kindness, founded by Brian Williams, is an anti-bullying group that encourages acts of kindness.

In some MLB Draft news, the Yankees have now officially signed their top three picks:

Josh Breaux of “The Yankees definitely drafted him so they could get Nick Swisher to say ‘bro’ on TV” fame and Ryder Green of “oh hey the Yanks drafted a high schooler from Tennessee named Ryder Green” fame have both officially signed. Welcome to the Yankees!