:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68807841/124000065.0.jpg)
Twitter | Jon Heyman: Former All-Star setup man David Robertson looked good while throwing a showcase yesterday at the University of Alabama, and unsurprisingly, the Yankees were one of many teams in attendance. Any potential contract he’d sign would be low-stakes because he’s in his mid-thirties and hasn’t pitched since April 14, 2019 due to an injured UCL that required Tommy John surgery. The Yankees reacquired the curveball specialist once before when he joined the memorable 2017 club at the trade deadline after walking away as a free agent in 2014; could another reunion be on the horizon?*
*I know at least one PSA writer who would wholeheartedly endorse it.
Yahoo Sports | Alex Smith: One of Robertson’s few remaining active teammates from the 2009 World Series-winning Yankees is looking for work as well. Despite yesterday’s news that the Yanks haven’t contacted him since Halloween, Brett Gardner is still fully planning on playing baseball in 2021. The team could certainly still use some more outfield depth, but the likelihood of a 14th season in pinstripes for Gardner is seemingly fading by the day. It remains to be seen if Gardner might try looking elsewhere to prolong his career; if he wants to play in 2021 and the Yankees aren’t interested, he might have no choice.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: Recent farm system ratings have had the Yankees toward the middle of the pack at best. It makes some sense, as most of the talent is concentrated in the low minors and still has a lot to prove. However, one scout thinks that they should’ve been rated higher than 14th. The scout is a big fan of the pitching in their system — particularly Clarke Schmidt and Deivi García — and “can’t wait” to see real minor league action from the likes of Jasson Dominguez and Oswald Peraza. You and me both, buddy.
WFAN | Ryan Chichester: Former Yankees first baseman Greg Bird isn’t giving up just yet. After losing his job to Luke Voit and battling injuries over the past few years, he was prevented from making any kind of impact with the Rangers and Phillies in the shortened season last year due to a calf strain and also testing positive for COVID-19. The 28-year-old is getting another shot in 2021 with the Rockies, who signed the Colorado native to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Given the state of that roster, he has a decent chance at finally making a comeback if — drumroll, please — he stays healthy. It’s a long shot, but Bird is a good dude; we hope for nothing but the best for him.