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USA Today | Bob Nightengale: The first segment of today’s news focuses on some comments that owner Hal Steinbrenner made recently about free agent infielder Manny Machado. The infielder infamously made comments in the postseason about not hustling, and Hal is worried about that. Steinbrenner claims that regardless if it came from a $300 million player or a $10 million player, comments like Machado’s would be troubling.
CBS Sports | Dayn Perry: On the same front, because of their concern with Machado’s recent history, the Yankees are doing their due diligence before negotiating a long-term contract. There have been rumblings that these are legitimate concerns that could cause the team to go in a different direction, while others speculate that this is posturing for the contract negotiations.
NY Post | Ken Davidoff: Lost in the conversations on Machado and Harper and Corbin is the latest talent from Japan awaiting a posting to the States. Yusei Kikuchi is an intriguing option among the many possible starting pitchers available right now, and he has caught the eye of the Yankees scouts. Should the 27-year-old lefty be made available to MLB teams, the Yankees are prepared to barter with Scott Boras for the rights to the Seibu Lions starter.