Will the payroll be lower?

Bryan Hoch seems to think so, however, PA sheds some light on the numbers, as they’re often fudged for whatever reason. While the team is touting a lower payroll in 2009, it appears as though the numbers will be slightly lower, if at all (the latter will occur if they resign Pettitte for $10 million). It’s not a big deal or anything because no matter what the payroll is, people in the baseball community will complain. At the end of the day, we know—the fans—that the Yankees spent wisely this winter and reinvested shedded funds. Next year is the year when we’ll see a truly lower payroll, especially in relation to the OF.

Mets get Garcia

That ship has now sailed. Looks like t’ll either be Pettitte, Sheets or Hughes.

Yanks still talking with Pettitte

According to Pete Caldera, the Yankees are still dialoguing with Andy Pettitte although the club remains “unconvinced the left-hander will accept a one-year offer for $10.5 million.” While this isn’t earth-shattering news, as most of us knew they would keep the channels between both parties open, I don’t recall hearing about any increase—even a rather minute increase of $500,000—in the initial $10 million offer.

Never that…

From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):

Here’s a sinister thought: Varitek to the Yankees. The chances probably are slim, but the Yankees need to add a catcher due to their uncertainty over Jorge Posada, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Varitek, 36, might recoil at the notion of joining the Red Sox’s biggest rival, and the Yankees might prefer to spend on pitching. But because the Yankees already have signed three other Type-A free agents, Varitek would cost them only a fourth-round pick ..

Varitek the Yankee will never happen. If they want to sign him and make him A-Rod’s towel boy, that’s fine. But, if I ever see him in a Yankees uniform, I’d have to at least strangle someone.

K. Law talks top 25

The prospect go-to-guy, Keith Law, has his list of the top 100 prospects up and running over at ESPN. You only have access to the entire list if you’re a (paid) ESPN Insider but the first 25 names are free. However, if you do have an Insider account, you can see Austin Jackson (46), Jesus Montero (83) and Andrew Brackman (95) as all 3 made the cut.

Also, Law talked about a few of the guys who just missed the list, here. One of those guys was Dellin Betances who, according to Law, is “all upside” which, for now, isn’t a bad thing by any means.

Teams more interested in Swisher?

From Jon Heyman (SI):

The Yankees are said to be getting more interest in Nick Swisher than Xavier Nady, who’s a year from free agency. Swisher, though, has $21 million left on his contract after his disappointing season with the White Sox, so the Yankees will be luckier to dispose of that contract if they can.

Can I say that this doesn’t really make any sense. I like Heyman and he always has some news, but if the Yankees “will be luckier to dispose of” Swisher’s $21 million contract because of his “disappointing season” with the ChiSox, then why are teams inquiring about Swisher rather than Nady? Why would they want to take on that supposed burden? Could it be that Swisher has a lot of talent and versatility and that his poor season was caused by luck and a few other factors that were beyond his control (the Sox needed a leadoff hitter, had him play CF, etc.)?

I mean, there’s a reason why interest in him is gaining, right?

Quick Bits: Joba, Ohlendorf, Bruney, Law

Here are a few noteworthy tidbits to round out the day:

1. Joba Chamberlain spoke with Josefina Loza of the Omaha-World Herald and discussed a variety of diverse topics, including collecting hats, favorite fragrances and high school musicals.  Hey, who knew?

2. Next up, Ross Ohlendorf is “glad” that he was traded to the Pirates. Ross’ reasoning is fairly simple—he’ll get to start with the Bucs, which is what he has always wanted to do. Also, Ohlendorf will be working with former-Yankee bullpen coach, Joe Kerrigan.

3. Brian Bruney, who I once described as a “racist reliever,” will participate in the Center for Disability Services Telethon. Good stuff BB.

4. Finally, Keith Law ranked farm systems and had the Yankees pegged at number 15.