More on A-Rod, Jeter begins on-field work, 5 Yankees filed for arbitration, Brian Roberts, and more.

As we hit almost 2 weeks since MLB announced its reduced game suspension (162 games) for Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees third baseman met with the media, on January 16th.
Rodriguez told the media that he wouldn't address his suspension and other legal issues, but he briefly spoke about his future, now that he's facing a season away from baseball.

"I think that in the year 2014, the league could have done me a favor because I've played 20 years without a timeout," Rodriguez said in his first public comments since his suspension appeal was rejected last week. "I think 2014 will be a year to rest mentally and physically prepare myself for the future and begin a new chapter of my life."

Could A-Rod be giving up and admitting to his mistakes, judging on his last comments?

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig suspended Rodriguez for 211 games in August, and arbitrator Fredric Horowitz cut the penalty last weekend to the 2014 season and postseason. The arbitrator found "clear and convincing evidence'' that Mr. Rodriguez used 3 banned substances and twice tried to obstruct baseball's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic.

Rodriguez and his legal team are now suing MLB and the players' association, in an effort to overturn the decision. Rodriguez plans to attend spring training despite the suspension.



Via Fox Sports Live

The Yankees have picked up yet another free agent, who played the 2013 season for both the White Sox and Red Sox. Matt Thornton, the 37 year old left handed reliever, and the New York Yankees agreed to a 2 year deal. The Yanks also designated outfielder Vernon Wells for assignment, to make room on the 40-man roster.

On January 14, 2014, the Yankees announced they have signed two-time All-Star second baseman, Brian Roberts.

After filing for arbitration, the Yankees have agreed to terms with backup catcher, Francisco Cervelli on a one year deal, reportedly worth $700,000. In addition to other players who have filed for (and then avoided) arbitration, outfielder Brett Gardner will earn $5.6 million, along with right handed pitchers David Robertson, who agreed to a deal worth $5.215 million, Ivan Nova, who settled at $3.3 million and Shawn Kelley received $1.765 million.

Derek Jeter returned to the field yesterday for the first time since the 2013 season. The Yankees shortstop hit off a tee in a batting cage, and fielded grounders, at the minor-league complex in Tampa.

Photo via CBS Sports New York.

Questions are being asked, as to how reliable Jeter will be this season. The Yankees might be showing too much faith in his health for the 2014 season. The Yankees shortstop suffered a broken ankle, in the postseason of 2012. He returned back to the field in 2013, missing the entire 2013 Spring Training, only to reinjure himself, and be placed on and off the DL for the majority of the 2013 season.

With Jeter turning 40 in June, and 2014 as his last year remaining on his, the Yankees need to start considering an alternative plan. Edwardo Nunez will most likely be taking the "backup shortstop" role, now that Jayson Nix has signed with the Rays.

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)