The New York Yankees obviously have a sense of humor about fortifying their banged-up roster, because they're calling retired guys to see if they want to play again. GM Brian Cashman confirmed the team has contacted Derrek Lee, Scott Rolen and Chipper Jones — all of whom previously have said they won't play in 2013 — to see if any would change their mind. The Yankees are, relatively speaking, pretty desperate for players to fill in for the injured likes of Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson.
The possibility of New York adding Lee, who has 331 career homers but hasn't played since 2011 with the Pirates and is 37 years old, seems to be gaining "some traction," Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports:
"I reached out to him. I expressed an interest," Cashman said. "He's the type of player that is Yankee-like in terms of capabilities when he was playing and makeup for the clubhouse and stuff like that. I just planted the seed, if you have an interest in thinking of playing, let me know. That was it."
Cashman said that he received a positive endorsement of Lee from Jim Hendry, the former Cubs general manager and Cashman's current assistant, and said that his understanding is that Lee could be in physical condition to play quickly.
"If he still was game, I bet you he still has game," Cashman said. "I think he's intrigued and probably has his mind thinking right now. Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Rolen, Cashman says, appears to be retired for good after finishing 2012 with the Reds. Jones would give the biggest reward of all, but also is the biggest longshot. And he's nothing more than flattered at the offer, if his Twitter account is any indication:
Enough with the rumors! While I am flattered about the speculation of being enticed out of retirement, I'm happy with life as a bad golfer!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) March 11, 2013
T-minus one day: Derek Jeter is targeting Wednesday to return to the field and play shortstop, ESPN New York reports. He's already been a designated hitter this spring. Playing defense would be another big step in his return from a broken ankle.
Jeter said he won't know for certain if he will start Wednesday until he sees how he feels Tuesday. If he does play short, Joe Girardi thought it would be for four or five innings.
On Monday, in the first, Jeter grounded out. In the third, he hit into a double play. Jeter is now 1-for-4 in two games.
Miley's 'Dead arm' issue: The Arizona Diamondbacks scratched left-hander Wade Miley from his scheduled Cactus League start Tuesday because he was experiencing soreness in his left biceps. Miley and manager Kirk Gibson referred to it as a "dead arm" or tired arm that most pitchers go through at this time of the year. Steve Gilbert of MLB.com says the D-backs are "confident" it's nothing serious and don't plan on Miley missing any more than one start:
"He just kind of had a tired arm," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "Do you keep going and pushing through it? Or do you do what we're doing and try and stay on target for Opening Day? Right now is a good time, we've still got time to do that."
Miley was an All-Star and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2012.
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