Around the Empire: Yankees news - 12/28/15

New York Post | Joel Sherman: With so much of their payroll already locked up in long-term contracts, how are the Yankees able to tread the line between consistent threat and basement team?

Pinstriped Prospects: Jed Weisberger: Lefty starter Nestor Cortes had a successful season last year with the Pulaski Yankees. He's not quite on the level as a guy like Ian Clarkin, for example, but Cortes is a guy Yankees fans need to keep an eye on.

New York Daily News | Shayna Jacobs: A few days ago, a woman claiming to be Brian Cashman's mistress plead guilty to blackmailing the general manager.

LoHud | Chad Jennings: Yankee fans seem ready for younger players to be given a chance.