Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/19/20

New York Daily News | Kristie Ackert: The Yankees have two minor league players who tested positive for the COVID-19 strand of the coronavirus, which has shut down minor league camp. However, while some team personnel went home, such as Aaron Boone, other players have stayed in Tampa, including DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton. MLB has discouraged large group workouts, but the Yankees say there is no trace between the minor leaguers and the facility the team uses for big league camp. On a lighter note, hitting coach Marcus Thames acknowledged that the team is now wearing latex gloves in addition to batting gloves.

SNY | Scott Thompson: We’re a ways away from the league resuming play, but if it does, the Yankees will have to deal with a changing landscape. Some effects of the time off could be good – injuries have more time to heal – but others are cloudier, such as the potential impacts this might have on the roster construction, as well as scheduling.

NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Old Timers’ Day is a long-standing tradition at Yankee Stadium, and some of the most fun moments come when new faces make their Old Timers’ debuts. However, one Old Timers’ rookie invited to the event comes as a surprise – 33-year-old Phil Hughes. Hughes joked about the invite given his relatively young age, but there’s no word on whether he decided to RSVP to the festivities.

SNY | Alex Smith: If you’re a Jets fan and a Yankees fan, you might owe Derek Jeter a thank-you. According to the NFL Network’s Scott Hanson, the Miami Marlins CEO and Yankees Hall of Famer was among those in attendance at a lavish dinner in a Tampa-area restaurant. Others rumored to be on the guest list include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, and impending free agent quarterback Tom Brady. Brady signed with the Buccaneers shortly after, leaving the Patriots after 20 years. While we’ll likely never know if Jeter had anything to do with getting Brady out of the AFC East and into Florida, it’s possible that Jeter contributed to the news that has made Jets fans very happy.