Waiting on Youk, Ichiro contract

Late last week, the Yankees reached out to 3B Kevin Youkilis and offered him a one year contract valued at $12 million. The only real competition the Yankees had since then were the Cleveland Indians, where Youkilis would reunite with his former manager, Terry Francona. Youkilis wants to be in a winning environment, and his friends are telling reporters that Youkilis is leaning toward signing with the Yankees. The third baseman has been mum on the topic, stating that he has many options that are alluring. Since last week, the Indians signed Mark Reynolds to play third base for them, likely meaning the Indians are out of the Youkilis sweepstakes. He supposedly has offers on the table from the Dodgers and a couple of other teams aside from the Yankees. Signing him to a one year deal would be a financial victory for the Bombers, who stand firm on their efforts to get payroll under $189 million for the 2014 season.

Earlier this afternoon, Buster Olney reported that the Yankees are going hard after Ichiro Suzuki in order to sign the right fielder to a one year deal. Apparently, the Yankees and Ichiro are closing in on a deal that would keep him in pinstripes for the 2013 season. Signing Ichiro would give the Yankees flexibility if they want to trade Granderson in an effort to make a late run at Josh Hamilton. As it stands, the Yankees outfield comprised of three lefties, assuming Ichiro signs. Either way, they will need to sign a right handed hitter in the outfield.