I'm not a Yankee hater, far from it, but find this funny... Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports that the Yankees' baseball operations and scouting departments are "lukewarm" on pursuing impending free agent Manny Machado. To be clear, this doesn't rule out the possibility that the Yankees will end up signing Machado anyway. However, Martino hears that the Yankees' baseball operations and scouting departments weren't thrilled with some of his actions during the postseason, including some plays which could be perceived as "dirty." It's something to consider with a player who will almost certainly receive a mega long-term contract this offseason, but we don't expect it will ultimately cost him very much, if anything at all. It's likely just posturing. Until Machado signs somewhere, the Yankees can't be ruled out. Source: SNY.tvOct 29 - 11:57 AM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports that the Yankees are doing "extensive" background work on Manny Machado. As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports, teams always do background checks on potential acquisitions. It's the word "extensive" that stands out here. Rosenthal reports that manager Aaron Boone, scouts and front-office members have been making calls on the 26-year-old. There's been added scrutiny with Machado after being fined for his shenanigans during the NLCS and some perceived lack of hustle, but Rosenthal also reports that teammates like him. You can't blame them for doing their due diligence, anyway. Source: The AthleticNov 12 - 8:44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an interview with the YES Network, Yankees' owner Hal Steinbrenner reiterated his desire for a face-to-face meeting with free agent superstar Manny Machado. Steinbrenner indicated that he'd like the sit-down meeting so he would have a chance to discuss some of his controversial actions and comments during the postseason. The Yankees' boss said during the interview that, "there needs to be a sitdown before we're comfortable". The Yankees have been doing extensive background work on Machado and are seen as one of the favorites to land him this winter. Source: MLB.comNov 25 - 7:47 PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ According to Andy Martino of SNY.tv, "many rivals believe" that the Yankees will ultimately pursue free agent Manny Machado. "Cash is on him, believe me," Martino was told by one rival executive. There was some question about the level of interest following Machado's actions during the postseason and his recent "Johnny Hustle" statement, but it's clear he's being considered. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said late last month that he's hoping to have a face-to-face meeting with the prized free agent. The Phillies are also expected to pursue Machado, even after their reported acquisition of shortstop Jean Segura from Seattle. As for the other top name on the market, Bryce Harper, Martino hears that the Yankees are not focused on him at the moment. Source: SNY.tvDec 3 - 12:33 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, the Yankees like and plan to meet with free agent Manny Machado. Heyman notes, however, that the Yankees will not pay $300 million to secure the superstar infielder. The Phillies and White Sox are currently seen as their main competition for Machado, though there are likely several other interested teams lurking in the shadows. Source: Jon Heyman on TwitterDec 9 - 6:46 PM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed Monday that he's had "several conversations" with Manny Machado's agent, Dan Lozano, about the infielder. Cashman did his best Monday to shoot down the possibility of the Yankees pursuing Bryce Harper, but he's not hiding the fact that his club is interested in the other big free agent fish. The GM said he has not yet met with Lozano at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas but plans to do so. The Yankees have long been connected to Machado, who could play shortstop for them while Didi Gregorius (elbow) is out before then shifting over to third base. Source: Joel Sherman on TwitterDec 10 - 6:05 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George A. King III reports that Manny Machado will meet with the Yankees in New York on Wednesday. Machado is also slated to meet with the Phillies and White Sox this week and reportedly will visit with at least one other unidentified team, as well. The 26-year-old is set to strike it rich on the free agent market this winter after putting together a 297/.367/.538 batting line with 37 home runs and 107 RBI last season for the Orioles and Dodgers. Source: George A. King III on TwitterDec 16 - 1:06 PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manny Machado did in-person visits with the White Sox, Phillies, and Yankees this week, per Fancred's Jon Heyman. Machado flew to each of those cities -- Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York -- to meet with club executives and presumably get a feel for what they can offer to him on the field, off the field, and of course financially. Heyman notes that the Yankees are "in the game" and that a contingent of Yankees people had dinner with Machado and his wife on Wednesday night in Manhattan. There's not really a frontrunner right now, but Heyman does point out that Machado's tour did not include a fourth "mystery" city. It would seem to be a three-team race. Dec 19 - 11:10 PM Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter