Fall Stars Game to feature assortment of top talent

By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com | 10/28/2013 5:46 P.M. ET

The name has changed, but the excitement of the sheer star power that will be on the field remains the same.

The Fall Stars Game, formerly known as the Rising Stars Game, will take place for the eighth year, on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Ariz. The game, which starts at 5 p.m. Arizona time and will be broadcast on MLB Network and streamed live on MLB.com, will bring together the best of the best in terms of Minor League prospects on one field.

There are a total of 21 members of MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list on the two rosters, starting with No. 1 prospect Byron Buxton of the Twins. He's part of a talent-laden West Division squad that includes two other Top 100 outfielders in the Astros' Delino DeShields (No. 73) and the Royals' Jorge Bonifacio (No. 89).

East Division			West Division
Player	Org	Pos.	Player	Org
Jake Barrett	ARI	P	Chris Bassitt	CWS
Cam Bedrosian	LAA	P	Tim Berry	BAL
Kyle Crick	SF	P	Jonas Dufek	HOU
Jeurys Familia	NYM	P	Yimi Garcia	LAD
Corey Knebel	DET	P	Ken Giles	PHI
Tyler Matzek	COL	P	David Goforth	MIL
Mike Montgomery	TB	P	Alex Meyer	MIN
Aaron Sanchez	TOR	P	Eduardo Rodriguez	BAL
Shae Simmons	ATL	P	Chad Rogers	CIN
Matt Stites	ARI	P	Keyvius Sampson	SD
Marcus Stroman	TOR	P	Carson Smith	SEA
Peter O'Brien	NYY	C	Jorge Alfaro	TEX
Andrew Susac	SF	C	Austin Hedges	SD
Kris Bryant	CHC	INF	Mookie Betts	BOS
C.J. Cron	LAA	INF	Garin Cecchini	BOS
Alen Hanson	PIT	INF	Colin Moran	MIA
Taylor Lindsey	LAA	INF	Brett Nicholas	TEX
Kyle Parker	COL	INF	Eddie Rosario	MIN
Addison Russell	OAK	INF	Corey Seager	LAD
Devon Travis	DET	INF	Marcus Semien	CWS
Albert Almora	CHC	IF/OF	Jorge Bonifacio	KC
Brian Goodwin	WSH	OF	Byron Buxton	MIN
Stephen Piscotty	STL	OF	Delino DeShields	HOU
Jorge Soler	CHC	OF	Tyler Naquin	CLE
Mason Williams	NYY	OF	Stefen Romero	SEA

There are 11 Top 100 players in total on the West roster, including two pitchers (the Twins' Alex Meyer, ranked 31st, and Eduardo Rodriguez, No. 84, of the Orioles), both catchers (the Padres' Austin Hedges, No. 33 and the Rangers' Jorge Alfaro, ranked No. 55) and four infielders (Corey Seager of the Dodgers, who is No. 47 on the list, Eddie Rosario from the Twins, ranked No. 62, Marlins 2013 first-round Draft pick Colin Moran, currently No. 71, and Red Sox third baseman Garin Cecchini, at No. 82). In addition, the West team has 10 other players currently on organizational Top 20s.

The West has a one-man advantage in the Top 100 race. The East's 10 Top 100 entries do come higher on the list, however, with eight of the 10 in the Top 50. The group is led by A's shortstop Addison Russell (No. 17) and Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez (20). Joining Sanchez on the staff are two other Top 100 arms, the Giants' Kyle Crick (42) and the Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman (91).

"It means that of all the work I've put in throughout my life is starting to pay off," Stroman said. "Everyone is a top player -- to be one of the top top guys is going to be a great feeling. It's going to be fun day."

The Cubs' contingent that has been generating so much buzz with the Mesa Solar Sox in the AFL are all on the East roster. Outfielders Albert Almora (21) and Jorge Soler (25) will join third baseman Kris Bryant (35) in taking their hacks against that talented West Division pitching staff.

"It's a huge honor," said Bryant, the No. 2 pick in the 2013 Draft who currently leads the AFL in home runs, RBIs and OPS. "I've played about 40 professional games, yet they see me in that light. There's a bunch of good guys out there, good competition, so it should be a good game."

Going back to the start of his junior season at the University of San Diego, Bryant has been playing since the end of January. Given the fact he's hitting .429/.468/.905 in 10 Fall League games, he's fine with not getting Saturday off.

"I feel like I'm playing pretty well right now, so I want to play as much baseball as I can," he said.

Bryant and his Cubs cohorts will be joined by Yankees outfielder Mason Williams (No. 36), Pirates shortstop Alen Hanson (39) and Nationals center fielder Brian Goodwin (65). There are a dozen other members of the East team currently on organizational Top 20 lists.

There's no question this game has a pretty good track record in terms of predicting who will be in the big leagues sooner rather than later. The 2009 version of the game featured 28 players who made it up the following season. In 2010, two dozen Rising Stars participants spent time in the Majors the next year. In 2011, 18 from this game -- including Rookie of the Year Award winners Bryce Harper and Mike Trout -- ascended to the highest level. Last year was no different, with 23 alumni from this AFL exhibition reaching the Majors.

"When you read those numbers, it brings a smile to your face," Stroman said. "To know those numbers and go out there and know that you have a chance to be a factor next year, that's what we all want. It makes you want to work even hard to be ready for 2014."

Bryant might have a particular interest in a guy like Mike Zunino. The Mariners catcher, like Bryant this year, was a top Draft pick (No. 3 overall) who went from the Draft to the AFL to the big leagues the following season.

"You can't have any words for that," Bryant said. "It's incredible that so many guys from this game go to the big leagues the next year. It's very special, I think we all know that.

"We know we have a chance and all you can do is ask for a chance at the big leagues. Being on that stage will definitely help us display our talents."

Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com and writes a blog, B3. Follow @JonathanMayoB3 on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rivera honored to receive Commissioner's Award

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 10/24/2013 9:04 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera has received countless tributes since he announced this would be his last season. For starters, the Yankees closer was honored at every stadium he visited for the last time on his farewell tour.

The Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, which Rivera received from Bud Selig before World Series Game 2 at Fenway Park on Thursday night, has added significance, baseball's all-time saves leader said.

"This award means a lot," Rivera said. "And it will be in a special place. Not in my corner [at home] but in a special place, because it means that I've had a chance to play for one Commissioner. It's an honor and a privilege to play for the same Commissioner all these years. I'm humbled to receive this, because all I did was try to do my job and help as much as I could. And I'm proud of that."

This is just the 13th time this award, which was created in 1998 to recognize accomplishments of historical significance, has been presented. The last to get it was Ken Griffey Jr. in 2011. Rivera played for the Yankees during his entire 19-year career, was part of five World Series championship teams, made 13 All-Star teams and finished his career with a record 652 saves.

Selig was clearly tickled to be handing the trophy to a player he holds in such high esteem.

"Clearly, unequivocally, he's the greatest relief pitcher of all time," the Commissioner said. "I don't want to embarrass him and I don't want to embarrass the family, but he became the face of baseball for this generation. And he did it with so much class and so much dignity and so much honor."

Selig referred to Rivera as a role model, and the pitcher made it clear he embraces that as much as some players turn away from it.

"It doesn't take anything to be nice, you know," Rivera said. "I don't know why you would say you're not a role model, because kids look at you. And I think that if we do the right thing and play the game the way we should play it, that's all we need to do. And outside the game, [you should] help as much as you can. That's being a great role model. You don't need to do something different that you don't know how to do. You just do what you know to do."

Even at age 43, Rivera earned 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 2013. But he's resisted suggestions that he could pitch another year. Rivera joked he's now a chauffeur and that he plans to spend a lot of time with his family before thinking about returning to baseball in some capacity. But he also noted that since this is just the offseason, little has changed yet.

"Right now, you're not talking about retirement, you're talking about temptation," Rivera said with a laugh. "I don't think it's hard [to retire] when you've made up your mind. I asked the Lord for one more year and he gave it to me. I gave it everything that I had in the tank. I have nothing left. So if you look at me and think I can play, I will tell you that I can't play no more, because I have nothing left."

Then, with a sly smile, looking at Selig, Rivera added: "Boss, listen to this, OK? Since I did the whole American League [farewell tour] with my family traveling with me, I've decided I'm going to give it another shot in the National League."

The Commissioner cracked up along with everybody else in the room. Rivera won't play anymore. How much he'll be missed is symbolized by the trophy he received Thursday night.

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Williams aware of Yankees' legacy of center fielders

The list of those who have patrolled there is pretty impressive. Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle are in the Hall of Fame. Bernie Williams won four World Series titles. Being the center fielder for the New York Yankees is thus considered a tremendous honor.

With great power, of course, comes great responsibility. Not all can live up to those kinds of expectations, but 22-year-old Mason Williams hopes that one day he can add his name to that list.

"I think about it every day, the opportunity I might have, to play center field in the Bronx," Williams said. "That's the biggest thing."

Williams knows he has a ways to go before he's ready for such a task. The No. 2 Yankees prospect and No. 36 overall has just 17 games above Class A ball in terms of professional experience. That brief time with Double-A Trenton, though, showed Williams what he'll need to do in order to keep moving up the ladder. He took those lessons with him to the Arizona Fall League, where he's facing a similar -- if not better -- level of competition.

"I'd definitely say patience, maturity," Williams said. "Everyone here can play, everyone knows that. I just want to have fun. I'm really just here to enjoy the moment, enjoy where I am and take it all in. I'm definitely excited. I'm trying to embrace this whole moment."

Since being taken in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft and being given seven figures to sign, Williams has been saddled with the label of having tremendous raw tools. He's shown glimpses of putting all of it together -- the speed, the hitting ability, even the nascent power -- but he's yet to find a level of consistency. That's not uncommon for a young player, and Williams has definitely shown frustration during his time in the Yankees' system when things don't go his way.

The good news is Williams seems to have a better understanding of that now than when he first began his pro career. His time in the Fall League, in such a low-key, learning environment, might be perfect for him to slow things down and work on the things he needs to refine in order to keep heading in the right direction.

"I definitely feel it's sometimes hard to be patient, because sometimes I come out here and try to succeed and try to do well and not really let the game come to me," Williams said. "I'm definitely here having fun, and I'm going to be patient and see what happens."

Williams watched his parent club make a valiant run, despite injuries and age, at the postseason. He's well aware that New York is looking down on the farm for help as that Major League roster gets older. But he's trying not to look ahead too much, focusing on what he can do presently to improve, so when the time comes for him to step on that hallowed ground in center field, he'll be ready.

"I'm not really feeling pressure right now," Williams said. "I'm still taking it day by day. I'm working hard. If my name and number is called, I'm going to show up and play and do whatever I can to win."

Yankees hitters in the AFL

Peter O'Brien, who will join Williams at the AFL's Fall Stars Game on Saturday, is coming off of a very strong first full season with the bat. The University of Miami product led the organization in home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage while playing in the South Atlantic and Florida State Leagues. A catcher in college, O'Brien was starting to play a lot more third base in 2013. He's splitting time between the hot corner and behind the plate in the AFL. While he's gone just 6-for-36 so far, half of his hits have been for home runs, and he did win the Bowman Hitting Challenge.

Yankees pitchers in the AFL

The Yankees took Brett Gerritse out of high school back in 2009 and gave him an above-slot deal to sign. He's been a little slow to develop, spending time as a swingman with Class A Charleston (South Atlantic League) the past two seasons. After working in relief for most of 2013, the right-hander threw well as a starter over the season's final month. He's in Arizona once again working out of the 'pen, where he's allowed five runs on six hits and five walks while striking out nine over 7 1/3 innings.

As a 43rd-round pick and a college-senior signing in the 2010 Draft, it's safe to say that lefty reliever Fred Lewis has already exceeded expectations by pitching in Double-A (and one outing in Triple-A) in 2013. Coming off a year that saw him combine for a 2.61 ERA and 9.2 K/9 ratio, Lewis has continued to throw relatively well in Arizona. The southpaw did not allow a run in his first six relief appearances, allowing five hits and issuing five walks while striking out seven.

Sometimes help can come from unusual places. Vidal Nuno is a smaller lefty originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians. He was released in the spring of 2011, then signed with an independent league team. The Yankees signed him later that year, and Nuno ended up helping out at the big league level in 2013. He was limited, however, to 45 innings all year because of a groin injury. He's making up for lost innings in the AFL and has given up six earned runs on 14 hits over his first three starts, spanning 10 2/3 innings.

The Yankees sent one more lefty to Arizona, James Pazos. Taken from the University of San Diego in 2012, Pazos has begun his pro career somewhat slowly, not hitting full-season ball until this past June. He had some success there, and was particularly stingy against left-handed hitters (.192 batting average against). His trip to the AFL should speed up his climb, and the southpaw reliever had allowed just one earned run (four total) on six hits over his first 5 2/3 innings for Scottsdale.

Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com and writes a blog, B3. Follow @JonathanMayoB3 on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Robertson ready to assume closer reins if called on

NEW YORK -- The bullpen door swung open during the Yankees' last series of the regular season, and in what figures to be a sign of things to come, it was David Robertson -- and not Mariano Rivera -- answering the call for a save situation.

The crowd on hand for the contest against the Astros in Houston booed, and Robertson heard it. He understood that the reaction was not personal, but the fans were unaware that Rivera had already decided to end his career with his emotional Yankee Stadium exit.

"I knew immediately they weren't booing me; they were booing because Mo wasn't coming into the game," Robertson said then. "They weren't happy seeing me come into the game. It's OK with me. I guess it's just part of the gig."

It is a job that, barring a major signing this winter, appears to be Robertson's in 2014. Baseball people have said for years that it will be an unenviable position to be the Yankees closer after Rivera, just as it will be a challenge for whoever follows Derek Jeter as the everyday shortstop.

Robertson has earned a crack at those duties by proving himself as an elite setup man. Already owning an All-Star Game appearance to his name, he was 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 70 appearances this year, finishing nine games and striking out 77 in 66 1/3 innings.

"I think he's a guy that has the ability to [close]," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Right now, that's our best candidate."

But Robertson's best work to date has come in the eighth inning, and the ninth is something of a question mark. Just 8-for-18 in save opportunities over his career, Robertson was unconvincing in a brief closing cameo after Rivera's injury in May 2012, making four appearances and blowing a save before he went on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

By the time Robertson returned from the DL, Rafael Soriano was flourishing on his way to a 42-save campaign as the Yanks' replacement closer, so Robertson returned to his eighth-inning duties.

"The first couple times I tried it, it was different because Mo wasn't coming back," Robertson said. "There was no way he could pitch that year. I felt a lot of pressure on me really quickly, because no one expected him to get injured.

"When I had to step in and hold it down a couple days, I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me. It's the same thing -- you have to make good pitches. I got roughed up a couple times. I know it's hard, but the situation was different then than it will hopefully be next year."

After locking down the Sept. 26 save in Houston, his third in five chances this season, Robertson said that he believes he will be better prepared for closing duties the next time around.

Robertson also knows that things can change quickly in the Bronx, and so as he departed for the winter, he said that he was not counting on the job absolutely being his.

"I don't feel like any of the passing of the torch has been done, because I don't know what's going to happen next year," Robertson said. "I haven't been told anything."

Girardi said that while the memories of Rivera's dominance will still be fresh when the Yankees begin the 2014 season, it will be important for Robertson -- or whoever inherits the job -- to blaze his own path as the closer.

"Just be yourself; that's all you can do," Girardi said. "You can't be Mo. You've got to understand that there's probably going to be, at times, some unfair comparisons, but that's just part of it. Tino [Martinez] had to go through it with Don Mattingly. If you end up doing your job, the situation will take care of itself. You'll win them over."

Girardi draws a parallel from his own playing career, when he suited up as the Yankees' catcher in 1996 and had to replace popular power-hitting backstop Mike Stanley.

"I've never been booed like that. I went to the FanFest and got booed," Girardi said. "I was like, 'Man, I haven't even done anything yet!' I got booed at the Welcome Home Dinner. It took about a month and a half."

The Yankees hope it doesn't take nearly that long for Robertson to be accepted. Robertson is already a familiar face to fans, and the job isn't changing all that much, in theory.

"It's just like the eighth inning -- you have to get three outs and not let anybody score," Robertson said.

But Robertson has made something of a trademark for creating and wriggling out of threatening jams, earning the nickname "Houdini." Those high-wire escapes should be a great deal more interesting without the safety net of an additional inning ahead.

If it counts for anything, and it should, Rivera said that Robertson has earned his vote to take over the ninth inning.

"That would be my thinking," Rivera said. "I'm not the Yankees, I don't know what they're going to do. But I think he deserves a shot."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rivera honored to receive Commissioner's Award

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 10/24/2013 9:04 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera has received countless tributes since he announced this would be his last season. For starters, the Yankees closer was honored at every stadium he visited for the last time on his farewell tour.

The Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, which Rivera received from Bud Selig before World Series Game 2 at Fenway Park on Thursday night, has added significance, baseball's all-time saves leader said.

"This award means a lot," Rivera said. "And it will be in a special place. Not in my corner [at home] but in a special place, because it means that I've had a chance to play for one Commissioner. It's an honor and a privilege to play for the same Commissioner all these years. I'm humbled to receive this, because all I did was try to do my job and help as much as I could. And I'm proud of that."

This is just the 13th time this award, which was created in 1998 to recognize accomplishments of historical significance, has been presented. The last to get it was Ken Griffey Jr. in 2011. Rivera played for the Yankees during his entire 19-year career, was part of five World Series championship teams, made 13 All-Star teams and finished his career with a record 652 saves.

Selig was clearly tickled to be handing the trophy to a player he holds in such high esteem.

"Clearly, unequivocally, he's the greatest relief pitcher of all time," the Commissioner said. "I don't want to embarrass him and I don't want to embarrass the family, but he became the face of baseball for this generation. And he did it with so much class and so much dignity and so much honor."

Selig referred to Rivera as a role model, and the pitcher made it clear he embraces that as much as some players turn away from it.

"It doesn't take anything to be nice, you know," Rivera said. "I don't know why you would say you're not a role model, because kids look at you. And I think that if we do the right thing and play the game the way we should play it, that's all we need to do. And outside the game, [you should] help as much as you can. That's being a great role model. You don't need to do something different that you don't know how to do. You just do what you know to do."

Even at age 43, Rivera earned 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 2013. But he's resisted suggestions that he could pitch another year. Rivera joked he's now a chauffeur and that he plans to spend a lot of time with his family before thinking about returning to baseball in some capacity. But he also noted that since this is just the offseason, little has changed yet.

"Right now, you're not talking about retirement, you're talking about temptation," Rivera said with a laugh. "I don't think it's hard [to retire] when you've made up your mind. I asked the Lord for one more year and he gave it to me. I gave it everything that I had in the tank. I have nothing left. So if you look at me and think I can play, I will tell you that I can't play no more, because I have nothing left."

Then, with a sly smile, looking at Selig, Rivera added: "Boss, listen to this, OK? Since I did the whole American League [farewell tour] with my family traveling with me, I've decided I'm going to give it another shot in the National League."

The Commissioner cracked up along with everybody else in the room. Rivera won't play anymore. How much he'll be missed is symbolized by the trophy he received Thursday night.

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Cano announced as Gold Glove Award finalist

NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano already counts two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards to his name, and the Yankees second baseman's splendid performance in the field this season has earned him the nomination for another.

Cano was announced as a finalist for the American League Gold Glove at second base on Friday, a select group of slick-fielding keystoners that includes Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox and Ben Zobrist of the Rays. The winners will be announced Tuesday night at 8 ET on ESPN2.

The 31-year-old Cano previously won Gold Glove Awards at the position in 2010 and '12.

The AL's starting second baseman for the All-Star Game, Cano made 153 starts at the position this season, handling 657 chances in 1,350 1/3 innings. He made just six errors for a .991 fielding percentage.

Over the last six seasons, Cano has compiled a .989 fielding percentage, handling a Major League-high 4,480 chances at second base over that span.

Cano is one of two Yankees second basemen in history to win a Gold Glove, joining Bobby Richardson, who earned the honor in five straight seasons from 1961-65.

The complete list of finalists:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Pitcher
Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays
R.A. Dickey, Blue Jays
Doug Fister, Tigers

Catcher
Joe Mauer, Twins
Salvador Perez, Royals
Matt Wieters, Orioles

First base
Chris Davis, Orioles
Eric Hosmer, Royals
James Loney, Rays

Second base
Robinson Cano, Yankees
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Ben Zobrist, Rays

Third base
Adrian Beltre, Rangers
Evan Longoria, Rays
Manny Machado, Orioles

Shortstop
Alcides Escobar, Royals
Yunel Escobar, Rays
J.J. Hardy, Orioles

Left field
Yoenis Cespedes, A's
Andy Dirks, Tigers
Alex Gordon, Royals

Center field
Lorenzo Cain, Royals
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox
Adam Jones, Orioles

Right field
Nick Markakis, Orioles
Shane Victorino, Red Sox
Josh Reddick, A's

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Pitcher
Patrick Corbin, D-backs
Zack Greinke, Dodgers
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals

Catcher
A.J. Ellis, Dodgers
Russell Martin, Pirates
Yadier Molina, Cardinals

First base
Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

Second base
Darwin Barney, Cubs
Brandon Phillips, Reds
Mark Ellis, Dodgers

Third base
Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Juan Uribe, Dodgers
David Wright, Mets

Shortstop
Ian Desmond, Nationals
Andrelton Simmons, Braves
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

Left field
Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
Starling Marte, Pirates
Eric Young Jr., Mets

Center field
Carlos Gomez, Brewers
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Denard Span, Nationals

Right field
Jay Bruce, Reds
Jason Heyward, Braves
Gerardo Parra, D-backs

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Cano announced as Gold Glove Award finalist

NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano already counts two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards to his name, and the Yankees second baseman's splendid performance in the field this season has earned him the nomination for another.

Cano was announced as a finalist for the American League Gold Glove at second base on Friday, a select group of slick-fielding keystoners that includes Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox and Ben Zobrist of the Rays.

The 31-year-old Cano previously won Gold Glove Awards at the position in 2010 and '12.

The AL's starting second baseman for the All-Star Game, Cano made 153 starts at the position this season, handling 657 chances in 1,350 1/3 innings. He made just six errors for a .991 fielding percentage.

Over the last six seasons, Cano has compiled a .989 fielding percentage, handling a Major League-high 4,480 chances at second base over that span.

Cano is one of two Yankees second basemen in history to win a Gold Glove, joining Bobby Richardson, who earned the honor in five straight seasons from 1961-65.

The complete list of finalists:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Pitcher
Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays
R.A. Dickey, Blue Jays
Doug Fister, Tigers

Catcher
Joe Mauer, Twins
Salvador Perez, Royals
Matt Wieters, Orioles

First base
Chris Davis, Orioles
Eric Hosmer, Royals
James Loney, Rays

Second base
Robinson Cano, Yankees
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Ben Zobrist, Rays

Third base
Adrian Beltre, Rangers
Evan Longoria, Rays
Manny Machado, Orioles

Shortstop
Alcides Escobar, Royals
Yunel Escobar, Rays
J.J. Hardy, Orioles

Left field
Yoenis Cespedes, A's
Andy Dirks, Tigers
Alex Gordon, Royals

Center field
Lorenzo Cain, Royals
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox
Adam Jones, Orioles

Right field
Nick Markakis, Orioles
Shane Victorino, Red Sox
Josh Reddick, A's

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Pitcher
Patrick Corbin, D-backs
Zack Greinke, Dodgers
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals

Catcher
A.J. Ellis, Dodgers
Russell Martin, Pirates
Yadier Molina, Cardinals

First base
Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

Second base
Darwin Barney, Cubs
Brandon Phillips, Reds
Mark Ellis, Dodgers

Third base
Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Juan Uribe, Dodgers
David Wright, Mets

Shortstop
Ian Desmond, Nationals
Andrelton Simmons, Braves
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

Left field
Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
Starling Marte, Pirates
Eric Young Jr., Mets

Center field
Carlos Gomez, Brewers
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Denard Span, Nationals

Right field
Jay Bruce, Reds
Jason Heyward, Braves
Gerardo Parra, D-backs

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Robertson ready to assume closer reins if called on

NEW YORK -- The bullpen door swung open during the Yankees' last series of the regular season, and in what figures to be a sign of things to come, it was David Robertson -- and not Mariano Rivera -- answering the call for a save situation.

The crowd on hand for the contest against the Astros in Houston booed, and Robertson heard it. He understood that the reaction was not personal, but the fans were unaware that Rivera had already decided to end his career with his emotional Yankee Stadium exit.

"I knew immediately they weren't booing me; they were booing because Mo wasn't coming into the game," Robertson said then. "They weren't happy seeing me come into the game. It's OK with me. I guess it's just part of the gig."

It is a job that, barring a major signing this winter, appears to be Robertson's in 2014. Baseball people have said for years that it will be an unenviable position to be the Yankees closer after Rivera, just as it will be a challenge for whoever follows Derek Jeter as the everyday shortstop.

Robertson has earned a crack at those duties by proving himself as an elite setup man. Already owning an All-Star Game appearance to his name, he was 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 70 appearances this year, finishing nine games and striking out 77 in 66 1/3 innings.

"I think he's a guy that has the ability to [close]," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Right now, that's our best candidate."

But Robertson's best work to date has come in the eighth inning, and the ninth is something of a question mark. Just 8-for-18 in save opportunities over his career, Robertson was unconvincing in a brief closing cameo after Rivera's injury in May 2012, making four appearances and blowing a save before he went on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

By the time Robertson returned from the DL, Rafael Soriano was flourishing on his way to a 42-save campaign as the Yanks' replacement closer, so Robertson returned to his eighth-inning duties.

"The first couple times I tried it, it was different because Mo wasn't coming back," Robertson said. "There was no way he could pitch that year. I felt a lot of pressure on me really quickly, because no one expected him to get injured.

"When I had to step in and hold it down a couple days, I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me. It's the same thing -- you have to make good pitches. I got roughed up a couple times. I know it's hard, but the situation was different then than it will hopefully be next year."

After locking down the Sept. 26 save in Houston, his third in five chances this season, Robertson said that he believes he will be better prepared for closing duties the next time around.

Robertson also knows that things can change quickly in the Bronx, and so as he departed for the winter, he said that he was not counting on the job absolutely being his.

"I don't feel like any of the passing of the torch has been done, because I don't know what's going to happen next year," Robertson said. "I haven't been told anything."

Girardi said that while the memories of Rivera's dominance will still be fresh when the Yankees begin the 2014 season, it will be important for Robertson -- or whoever inherits the job -- to blaze his own path as the closer.

"Just be yourself; that's all you can do," Girardi said. "You can't be Mo. You've got to understand that there's probably going to be, at times, some unfair comparisons, but that's just part of it. Tino [Martinez] had to go through it with Don Mattingly. If you end up doing your job, the situation will take care of itself. You'll win them over."

Girardi draws a parallel from his own playing career, when he suited up as the Yankees' catcher in 1996 and had to replace popular power-hitting backstop Mike Stanley.

"I've never been booed like that. I went to the FanFest and got booed," Girardi said. "I was like, 'Man, I haven't even done anything yet!' I got booed at the Welcome Home Dinner. It took about a month and a half."

The Yankees hope it doesn't take nearly that long for Robertson to be accepted. Robertson is already a familiar face to fans, and the job isn't changing all that much, in theory.

"It's just like the eighth inning -- you have to get three outs and not let anybody score," Robertson said.

But Robertson has made something of a trademark for creating and wriggling out of threatening jams, earning the nickname "Houdini." Those high-wire escapes should be a great deal more interesting without the safety net of an additional inning ahead.

If it counts for anything, and it should, Rivera said that Robertson has earned his vote to take over the ninth inning.

"That would be my thinking," Rivera said. "I'm not the Yankees, I don't know what they're going to do. But I think he deserves a shot."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rivera honored to receive Commissioner's Award

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 10/24/2013 9:04 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera has received countless tributes since he announced this would be his last season. For starters, the Yankees closer was honored at every stadium he visited for the last time on his farewell tour.

The Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, which Rivera received from Bud Selig before World Series Game 2 at Fenway Park on Thursday night, has added significance, baseball's all-time saves leader said.

"This award means a lot," Rivera said. "And it will be in a special place. Not in my corner [at home] but in a special place, because it means that I've had a chance to play for one Commissioner. It's an honor and a privilege to play for the same Commissioner all these years. I'm humbled to receive this, because all I did was try to do my job and help as much as I could. And I'm proud of that."

This is just the 13th time this award, which was created in 1998 to recognize accomplishments of historical significance, has been presented. The last to get it was Ken Griffey Jr. in 2011. Rivera played for the Yankees during his entire 19-year career, was part of five World Series championship teams, made 13 All-Star teams and finished his career with a record 652 saves.

Selig was clearly tickled to be handing the trophy to a player he holds in such high esteem.

"Clearly, unequivocally, he's the greatest relief pitcher of all time," the Commissioner said. "I don't want to embarrass him and I don't want to embarrass the family, but he became the face of baseball for this generation. And he did it with so much class and so much dignity and so much honor."

Selig referred to Rivera as a role model, and the pitcher made it clear he embraces that as much as some players turn away from it.

"It doesn't take anything to be nice, you know," Rivera said. "I don't know why you would say you're not a role model, because kids look at you. And I think that if we do the right thing and play the game the way we should play it, that's all we need to do. And outside the game, [you should] help as much as you can. That's being a great role model. You don't need to do something different that you don't know how to do. You just do what you know to do."

Even at age 43, Rivera earned 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 2013. But he's resisted suggestions that he could pitch another year. Rivera joked he's now a chauffeur and that he plans to spend a lot of time with his family before thinking about returning to baseball in some capacity. But he also noted that since this is just the offseason, little has changed yet.

"Right now, you're not talking about retirement, you're talking about temptation," Rivera said with a laugh. "I don't think it's hard [to retire] when you've made up your mind. I asked the Lord for one more year and he gave it to me. I gave it everything that I had in the tank. I have nothing left. So if you look at me and think I can play, I will tell you that I can't play no more, because I have nothing left."

Then, with a sly smile, looking at Selig, Rivera added: "Boss, listen to this, OK? Since I did the whole American League [farewell tour] with my family traveling with me, I've decided I'm going to give it another shot in the National League."

The Commissioner cracked up along with everybody else in the room. Rivera won't play anymore. How much he'll be missed is symbolized by the trophy he received Thursday night.

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Robertson ready to assume closer reins if called on

NEW YORK -- The bullpen door swung open during the Yankees' last series of the regular season, and in what figures to be a sign of things to come, it was David Robertson -- and not Mariano Rivera -- answering the call for a save situation.

The crowd on hand for the contest against the Astros in Houston booed, and Robertson heard it. He understood that the reaction was not personal, but the fans were unaware that Rivera had already decided to end his career with his emotional Yankee Stadium exit.

"I knew immediately they weren't booing me; they were booing because Mo wasn't coming into the game," Robertson said then. "They weren't happy seeing me come into the game. It's OK with me. I guess it's just part of the gig."

It is a job that, barring a major signing this winter, appears to be Robertson's in 2014. Baseball people have said for years that it will be an unenviable position to be the Yankees closer after Rivera, just as it will be a challenge for whoever follows Derek Jeter as the everyday shortstop.

Robertson has earned a crack at those duties by proving himself as an elite setup man. Already owning an All-Star Game appearance to his name, he was 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 70 appearances this year, finishing nine games and striking out 77 in 66 1/3 innings.

"I think he's a guy that has the ability to [close]," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Right now, that's our best candidate."

But Robertson's best work to date has come in the eighth inning, and the ninth is something of a question mark. Just 8-for-18 in save opportunities over his career, Robertson was unconvincing in a brief closing cameo after Rivera's injury in May 2012, making four appearances and blowing a save before he went on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

By the time Robertson returned from the DL, Rafael Soriano was flourishing on his way to a 42-save campaign as the Yanks' replacement closer, so Robertson returned to his eighth-inning duties.

"The first couple times I tried it, it was different because Mo wasn't coming back," Robertson said. "There was no way he could pitch that year. I felt a lot of pressure on me really quickly, because no one expected him to get injured.

"When I had to step in and hold it down a couple days, I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me. It's the same thing -- you have to make good pitches. I got roughed up a couple times. I know it's hard, but the situation was different then than it will hopefully be next year."

After locking down the Sept. 26 save in Houston, his third in five chances this season, Robertson said that he believes he will be better prepared for closing duties the next time around.

Robertson also knows that things can change quickly in the Bronx, and so as he departed for the winter, he said that he was not counting on the job absolutely being his.

"I don't feel like any of the passing of the torch has been done, because I don't know what's going to happen next year," Robertson said. "I haven't been told anything."

Girardi said that while the memories of Rivera's dominance will still be fresh when the Yankees begin the 2014 season, it will be important for Robertson -- or whoever inherits the job -- to blaze his own path as the closer.

"Just be yourself; that's all you can do," Girardi said. "You can't be Mo. You've got to understand that there's probably going to be, at times, some unfair comparisons, but that's just part of it. Tino [Martinez] had to go through it with Don Mattingly. If you end up doing your job, the situation will take care of itself. You'll win them over."

Girardi draws a parallel from his own playing career, when he suited up as the Yankees' catcher in 1996 and had to replace popular power-hitting backstop Mike Stanley.

"I've never been booed like that. I went to the FanFest and got booed," Girardi said. "I was like, 'Man, I haven't even done anything yet!' I got booed at the Welcome Home Dinner. It took about a month and a half."

The Yankees hope it doesn't take nearly that long for Robertson to be accepted. Robertson is already a familiar face to fans, and the job isn't changing all that much, in theory.

"It's just like the eighth inning -- you have to get three outs and not let anybody score," Robertson said.

But Robertson has made something of a trademark for creating and wriggling out of threatening jams, earning the nickname "Houdini." Those high-wire escapes should be a great deal more interesting without the safety net of an additional inning ahead.

If it counts for anything, and it should, Rivera said that Robertson has earned his vote to take over the ninth inning.

"That would be my thinking," Rivera said. "I'm not the Yankees, I don't know what they're going to do. But I think he deserves a shot."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rivera honored to receive Commissioner's Award

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 10/24/2013 9:04 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera has received countless tributes since he announced this would be his last season. For starters, the Yankees closer was honored at every stadium he visited for the last time on his farewell tour.

The Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, which Rivera received from Bud Selig before World Series Game 2 at Fenway Park on Thursday night, has added significance, baseball's all-time saves leader said.

"This award means a lot," Rivera said. "And it will be in a special place. Not in my corner [at home] but in a special place, because it means that I've had a chance to play for one Commissioner. It's an honor and a privilege to play for the same Commissioner all these years. I'm humbled to receive this, because all I did was try to do my job and help as much as I could. And I'm proud of that."

This is just the 13th time this award, which was created in 1998 to recognize accomplishments of historical significance, has been presented. The last to get it was Ken Griffey Jr. in 2011. Rivera played for the Yankees during his entire 19-year career, was part of five World Series championship teams, made 13 All-Star teams and finished his career with a record 652 saves.

Selig was clearly tickled to be handing the trophy to a player he holds in such high esteem.

"Clearly, unequivocally, he's the greatest relief pitcher of all time," the Commissioner said. "I don't want to embarrass him and I don't want to embarrass the family, but he became the face of baseball for this generation. And he did it with so much class and so much dignity and so much honor."

Selig referred to Rivera as a role model, and the pitcher made it clear he embraces that as much as some players turn away from it.

"It doesn't take anything to be nice, you know," Rivera said. "I don't know why you would say you're not a role model, because kids look at you. And I think that if we do the right thing and play the game the way we should play it, that's all we need to do. And outside the game, [you should] help as much as you can. That's being a great role model. You don't need to do something different that you don't know how to do. You just do what you know to do."

Even at age 43, Rivera earned 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 2013. But he's resisted suggestions that he could pitch another year. Rivera joked he's now a chauffeur and that he plans to spend a lot of time with his family before thinking about returning to baseball in some capacity. But he also noted that since this is just the offseason, little has changed yet.

"Right now, you're not talking about retirement, you're talking about temptation," Rivera said with a laugh. "I don't think it's hard [to retire] when you've made up your mind. I asked the Lord for one more year and he gave it to me. I gave it everything that I had in the tank. I have nothing left. So if you look at me and think I can play, I will tell you that I can't play no more, because I have nothing left."

Then, with a sly smile, looking at Selig, Rivera added: "Boss, listen to this, OK? Since I did the whole American League [farewell tour] with my family traveling with me, I've decided I'm going to give it another shot in the National League."

The Commissioner cracked up along with everybody else in the room. Rivera won't play anymore. How much he'll be missed is symbolized by the trophy he received Thursday night.

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Cano announced as Gold Glove Award finalist

NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano already counts two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards to his name, and the Yankees second baseman's splendid performance in the field this season has earned him the nomination for another.

Cano was announced as a finalist for the American League Gold Glove at second base on Friday, a select group of slick-fielding keystoners that includes Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox and Ben Zobrist of the Rays.

The 31-year-old Cano previously won Gold Glove Awards at the position in 2010 and '12.

The AL's starting second baseman for the All-Star Game, Cano made 153 starts at the position this season, handling 657 chances in 1,350 1/3 innings. He made just six errors for a .991 fielding percentage.

Over the last six seasons, Cano has compiled a .989 fielding percentage, handling a Major League-high 4,480 chances at second base over that span.

Cano is one of two Yankees second basemen in history to win a Gold Glove, joining Bobby Richardson, who earned the honor in five straight seasons from 1961-65.

The complete list of finalists:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Pitcher
Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays
R.A. Dickey, Blue Jays
Doug Fister, Tigers

Catcher
Joe Mauer, Twins
Salvador Perez, Royals
Matt Wieters, Orioles

First base
Chris Davis, Orioles
Eric Hosmer, Royals
James Loney, Rays

Second base
Robinson Cano, Yankees
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Ben Zobrist, Rays

Third base
Adrian Beltre, Rangers
Evan Longoria, Rays
Manny Machado, Orioles

Shortstop
Alcides Escobar, Royals
Yunel Escobar, Rays
J.J. Hardy, Orioles

Left field
Yoenis Cespedes, A's
Andy Dirks, Tigers
Alex Gordon, Royals

Center field
Lorenzo Cain, Royals
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox
Adam Jones, Orioles

Right field
Nick Markakis, Orioles
Shane Victorino, Red Sox
Josh Reddick, A's

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Pitcher
Patrick Corbin, D-backs
Zack Greinke, Dodgers
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals

Catcher
A.J. Ellis, Dodgers
Russell Martin, Pirates
Yadier Molina, Cardinals

First base
Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

Second base
Darwin Barney, Cubs
Brandon Phillips, Reds
Mark Ellis, Dodgers

Third base
Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Juan Uribe, Dodgers
David Wright, Mets

Shortstop
Ian Desmond, Nationals
Andrelton Simmons, Braves
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

Left field
Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
Starling Marte, Pirates
Eric Young Jr., Mets

Center field
Carlos Gomez, Brewers
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Denard Span, Nationals

Right field
Jay Bruce, Reds
Jason Heyward, Braves
Gerardo Parra, D-backs

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Robertson ready to assume closer reins if called on

NEW YORK -- The bullpen door swung open during the Yankees' last series of the regular season, and in what figures to be a sign of things to come, it was David Robertson -- and not Mariano Rivera -- answering the call for a save situation.

The crowd on hand for the contest against the Astros in Houston booed, and Robertson heard it. He understood that the reaction was not personal, but the fans were unaware that Rivera had already decided to end his career with his emotional Yankee Stadium exit.

"I knew immediately they weren't booing me; they were booing because Mo wasn't coming into the game," Robertson said then. "They weren't happy seeing me come into the game. It's OK with me. I guess it's just part of the gig."

It is a job that, barring a major signing this winter, appears to be Robertson's in 2014. Baseball people have said for years that it will be an unenviable position to be the Yankees closer after Rivera, just as it will be a challenge for whoever follows Derek Jeter as the everyday shortstop.

Robertson has earned a crack at those duties by proving himself as an elite setup man. Already owning an All-Star Game appearance to his name, he was 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 70 appearances this year, finishing nine games and striking out 77 in 66 1/3 innings.

"I think he's a guy that has the ability to [close]," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Right now, that's our best candidate."

But Robertson's best work to date has come in the eighth inning, and the ninth is something of a question mark. Just 8-for-18 in save opportunities over his career, Robertson was unconvincing in a brief closing cameo after Rivera's injury in May 2012, making four appearances and blowing a save before he went on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

By the time Robertson returned from the DL, Rafael Soriano was flourishing on his way to a 42-save campaign as the Yanks' replacement closer, so Robertson returned to his eighth-inning duties.

"The first couple times I tried it, it was different because Mo wasn't coming back," Robertson said. "There was no way he could pitch that year. I felt a lot of pressure on me really quickly, because no one expected him to get injured.

"When I had to step in and hold it down a couple days, I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me. It's the same thing -- you have to make good pitches. I got roughed up a couple times. I know it's hard, but the situation was different then than it will hopefully be next year."

After locking down the Sept. 26 save in Houston, his third in five chances this season, Robertson said that he believes he will be better prepared for closing duties the next time around.

Robertson also knows that things can change quickly in the Bronx, and so as he departed for the winter, he said that he was not counting on the job absolutely being his.

"I don't feel like any of the passing of the torch has been done, because I don't know what's going to happen next year," Robertson said. "I haven't been told anything."

Girardi said that while the memories of Rivera's dominance will still be fresh when the Yankees begin the 2014 season, it will be important for Robertson -- or whoever inherits the job -- to blaze his own path as the closer.

"Just be yourself; that's all you can do," Girardi said. "You can't be Mo. You've got to understand that there's probably going to be, at times, some unfair comparisons, but that's just part of it. Tino [Martinez] had to go through it with Don Mattingly. If you end up doing your job, the situation will take care of itself. You'll win them over."

Girardi draws a parallel from his own playing career, when he suited up as the Yankees' catcher in 1996 and had to replace popular power-hitting backstop Mike Stanley.

"I've never been booed like that. I went to the FanFest and got booed," Girardi said. "I was like, 'Man, I haven't even done anything yet!' I got booed at the Welcome Home Dinner. It took about a month and a half."

The Yankees hope it doesn't take nearly that long for Robertson to be accepted. Robertson is already a familiar face to fans, and the job isn't changing all that much, in theory.

"It's just like the eighth inning -- you have to get three outs and not let anybody score," Robertson said.

But Robertson has made something of a trademark for creating and wriggling out of threatening jams, earning the nickname "Houdini." Those high-wire escapes should be a great deal more interesting without the safety net of an additional inning ahead.

If it counts for anything, and it should, Rivera said that Robertson has earned his vote to take over the ninth inning.

"That would be my thinking," Rivera said. "I'm not the Yankees, I don't know what they're going to do. But I think he deserves a shot."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees announce season-ticket prices for '14

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/21/2013 4:20 P.M. ET

The Yankees announced their 2014 full-season ticket license pricing for regular-season games at Yankee Stadium. (Getty)

NEW YORK -- The Yankees announced their 2014 full-season ticket license pricing for regular-season games at Yankee Stadium on Monday, stating that prices for 96 percent of tickets either will remain the same or decrease.

The club said that approximately 39,000 tickets (78 percent) will have the same price in 2014 as they had this past season, while approximately 9,000 tickets (18 percent) will have a decrease in price.

Approximately 2,000 tickets (four percent) will increase in price. Those tickets are in Field Level Section 132 (increased from $65 to $75), Main Level Section 215 and 225 (increased from $110 to $120) and obstructed view Bleacher tickets in Sections 201 and 239 (increased from $12 to $15).

All seats in the Grandstand and all seats with non-obstructed views in the Bleachers will not have a change in ticket price. A date has yet to be determined for the sale of 2014 individual-game tickets.

Terrace Level ticket prices in Sections 305, 306, 307, 332B, 333 and 334 will decrease from $40 to $28, and ticket prices in Sections 313, 314, 326 and 327 will decrease from $55 to $50. There will be no change in pricing for all other 2014 Terrace Level tickets.

In the Main Level, ticket prices in Sections 210 and 229 will decrease from $70 to $50, while ticket prices in Sections 216, 217, 223, 224 and 230 will decrease by $5 each.

Beginning with the 2014 season, seats in Sections 116 through 124 (Rows 12-21) will be known as Field MVP Club seats. Full-season licensees in these locations will have their ticket prices decrease from $260 per game in 2013 to $235 per game next season.

Those licensees will have access to the Field MVP Club Lounge, which is currently being constructed on the Field Level concourse and is scheduled to open on Opening Day 2014.

Other Field Level ticket license pricing in Sections 114A through 126 will decrease in amounts ranging from $15 to $25 per ticket per game.

Yankee Stadium is adding 10 new Outdoor Suite Boxes, which will be located in Field MVP Sections 117A, 117B, 122 and 123. Each of these outdoor suites will provide seating for six to eight people and will be available on a full-season basis.

The Home Plate Team Store, the largest retail location in Yankee Stadium, is also being renovated.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rivera honored to receive Commissioner's Award

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 10/24/2013 9:04 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera has received countless tributes since he announced this would be his last season. For starters, the Yankees closer was honored at every stadium he visited for the last time on his farewell tour.

The Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, which Rivera received from Bud Selig before World Series Game 2 at Fenway Park on Thursday night, has added significance, baseball's all-time saves leader said.

"This award means a lot," Rivera said. "And it will be in a special place. Not in my corner [at home] but in a special place, because it means that I've had a chance to play for one Commissioner. It's an honor and a privilege to play for the same Commissioner all these years. I'm humbled to receive this, because all I did was try to do my job and help as much as I could. And I'm proud of that."

This is just the 13th time this award, which was created in 1998 to recognize accomplishments of historical significance, has been presented. The last to get it was Ken Griffey Jr. in 2011. Rivera played for the Yankees during his entire 19-year career, was part of five World Series championship teams, made 13 All-Star teams and finished his career with a record 652 saves.

Selig was clearly tickled to be handing the trophy to a player he holds in such high esteem.

"Clearly, unequivocally, he's the greatest relief pitcher of all time," the Commissioner said. "I don't want to embarrass him and I don't want to embarrass the family, but he became the face of baseball for this generation. And he did it with so much class and so much dignity and so much honor."

Selig referred to Rivera as a role model, and the pitcher made it clear he embraces that as much as some players turn away from it.

"It doesn't take anything to be nice, you know," Rivera said. "I don't know why you would say you're not a role model, because kids look at you. And I think that if we do the right thing and play the game the way we should play it, that's all we need to do. And outside the game, [you should] help as much as you can. That's being a great role model. You don't need to do something different that you don't know how to do. You just do what you know to do."

Even at age 43, Rivera earned 44 saves with a 2.11 ERA in 2013. But he's resisted suggestions that he could pitch another year. Rivera joked he's now a chauffeur and that he plans to spend a lot of time with his family before thinking about returning to baseball in some capacity. But he also noted that since this is just the offseason, little has changed yet.

"Right now, you're not talking about retirement, you're talking about temptation," Rivera said with a laugh. "I don't think it's hard [to retire] when you've made up your mind. I asked the Lord for one more year and he gave it to me. I gave it everything that I had in the tank. I have nothing left. So if you look at me and think I can play, I will tell you that I can't play no more, because I have nothing left."

Then, with a sly smile, looking at Selig, Rivera added: "Boss, listen to this, OK? Since I did the whole American League [farewell tour] with my family traveling with me, I've decided I'm going to give it another shot in the National League."

The Commissioner cracked up along with everybody else in the room. Rivera won't play anymore. How much he'll be missed is symbolized by the trophy he received Thursday night.

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees announce season-ticket prices for '14

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/21/2013 4:20 P.M. ET

The Yankees announced their 2014 full-season ticket license pricing for regular-season games at Yankee Stadium. (Getty)

NEW YORK -- The Yankees announced their 2014 full-season ticket license pricing for regular-season games at Yankee Stadium on Monday, stating that prices for 96 percent of tickets either will remain the same or decrease.

The club said that approximately 39,000 tickets (78 percent) will have the same price in 2014 as they had this past season, while approximately 9,000 tickets (18 percent) will have a decrease in price.

Approximately 2,000 tickets (four percent) will increase in price. Those tickets are in Field Level Section 132 (increased from $65 to $75), Main Level Section 215 and 225 (increased from $110 to $120) and obstructed view Bleacher tickets in Sections 201 and 239 (increased from $12 to $15).

All seats in the Grandstand and all seats with non-obstructed views in the Bleachers will not have a change in ticket price. A date has yet to be determined for the sale of 2014 individual-game tickets.

Terrace Level ticket prices in Sections 305, 306, 307, 332B, 333 and 334 will decrease from $40 to $28, and ticket prices in Sections 313, 314, 326 and 327 will decrease from $55 to $50. There will be no change in pricing for all other 2014 Terrace Level tickets.

In the Main Level, ticket prices in Sections 210 and 229 will decrease from $70 to $50, while ticket prices in Sections 216, 217, 223, 224 and 230 will decrease by $5 each.

Beginning with the 2014 season, seats in Sections 116 through 124 (Rows 12-21) will be known as Field MVP Club seats. Full-season licensees in these locations will have their ticket prices decrease from $260 per game in 2013 to $235 per game next season.

Those licensees will have access to the Field MVP Club Lounge, which is currently being constructed on the Field Level concourse and is scheduled to open on Opening Day 2014.

Other Field Level ticket license pricing in Sections 114A through 126 will decrease in amounts ranging from $15 to $25 per ticket per game.

Yankee Stadium is adding 10 new Outdoor Suite Boxes, which will be located in Field MVP Sections 117A, 117B, 122 and 123. Each of these outdoor suites will provide seating for six to eight people and will be available on a full-season basis.

The Home Plate Team Store, the largest retail location in Yankee Stadium, is also being renovated.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Robertson ready to assume closer reins if called on

NEW YORK -- The bullpen door swung open during the Yankees' last series of the regular season, and in what figures to be a sign of things to come, it was David Robertson -- and not Mariano Rivera -- answering the call for a save situation.

The crowd on hand for the contest against the Astros in Houston booed, and Robertson heard it. He understood that the reaction was not personal, but the fans were unaware that Rivera had already decided to end his career with his emotional Yankee Stadium exit.

"I knew immediately they weren't booing me; they were booing because Mo wasn't coming into the game," Robertson said then. "They weren't happy seeing me come into the game. It's OK with me. I guess it's just part of the gig."

It is a job that, barring a major signing this winter, appears to be Robertson's in 2014. Baseball people have said for years that it will be an unenviable position to be the Yankees closer after Rivera, just as it will be a challenge for whoever follows Derek Jeter as the everyday shortstop.

Robertson has earned a crack at those duties by proving himself as an elite setup man. Already owning an All-Star Game appearance to his name, he was 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in 70 appearances this year, finishing nine games and striking out 77 in 66 1/3 innings.

"I think he's a guy that has the ability to [close]," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Right now, that's our best candidate."

But Robertson's best work to date has come in the eighth inning, and the ninth is something of a question mark. Just 8-for-18 in save opportunities over his career, Robertson was unconvincing in a brief closing cameo after Rivera's injury in May 2012, making four appearances and blowing a save before he went on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

By the time Robertson returned from the DL, Rafael Soriano was flourishing on his way to a 42-save campaign as the Yanks' replacement closer, so Robertson returned to his eighth-inning duties.

"The first couple times I tried it, it was different because Mo wasn't coming back," Robertson said. "There was no way he could pitch that year. I felt a lot of pressure on me really quickly, because no one expected him to get injured.

"When I had to step in and hold it down a couple days, I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me. It's the same thing -- you have to make good pitches. I got roughed up a couple times. I know it's hard, but the situation was different then than it will hopefully be next year."

After locking down the Sept. 26 save in Houston, his third in five chances this season, Robertson said that he believes he will be better prepared for closing duties the next time around.

Robertson also knows that things can change quickly in the Bronx, and so as he departed for the winter, he said that he was not counting on the job absolutely being his.

"I don't feel like any of the passing of the torch has been done, because I don't know what's going to happen next year," Robertson said. "I haven't been told anything."

Girardi said that while the memories of Rivera's dominance will still be fresh when the Yankees begin the 2014 season, it will be important for Robertson -- or whoever inherits the job -- to blaze his own path as the closer.

"Just be yourself; that's all you can do," Girardi said. "You can't be Mo. You've got to understand that there's probably going to be, at times, some unfair comparisons, but that's just part of it. Tino [Martinez] had to go through it with Don Mattingly. If you end up doing your job, the situation will take care of itself. You'll win them over."

Girardi draws a parallel from his own playing career, when he suited up as the Yankees' catcher in 1996 and had to replace popular power-hitting backstop Mike Stanley.

"I've never been booed like that. I went to the FanFest and got booed," Girardi said. "I was like, 'Man, I haven't even done anything yet!' I got booed at the Welcome Home Dinner. It took about a month and a half."

The Yankees hope it doesn't take nearly that long for Robertson to be accepted. Robertson is already a familiar face to fans, and the job isn't changing all that much, in theory.

"It's just like the eighth inning -- you have to get three outs and not let anybody score," Robertson said.

But Robertson has made something of a trademark for creating and wriggling out of threatening jams, earning the nickname "Houdini." Those high-wire escapes should be a great deal more interesting without the safety net of an additional inning ahead.

If it counts for anything, and it should, Rivera said that Robertson has earned his vote to take over the ninth inning.

"That would be my thinking," Rivera said. "I'm not the Yankees, I don't know what they're going to do. But I think he deserves a shot."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Mo hardware: Selig to honor Rivera before Game 2

By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 10/23/2013 8:41 P.M. ET

BOSTON -- Mariano Rivera, who was known as much for his exemplary citizenship as the fact that he retired at the end of this season as baseball's all-time saves leader, will be honored Thursday night before Game 2 of the World Series (7:30 p.m. ET on FOX, 8:07 first pitch) when he's presented with the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award.

Commissioner Bud Selig will present Rivera with the award during pregame ceremonies at Fenway Park. The former Yankees closer will be joined by his wife and three sons.

This is the first time that the award, which was created to recognize contributions of historical significance in Major League Baseball, has been given out since Ken Griffey Jr. received it in 2011.

Rivera spent his entire career in a Yankees uniform. During his final season, he received an extraordinary outpouring of support from teammates and opponents alike.

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Jeter aiming for return to typical offseason regimen

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/16/2013 3:38 P.M. ET

In many ways, this already feels like an abnormal offseason for Derek Jeter, as we have become accustomed to watching the Yankees captain spend his Octobers in uniform on the game's biggest stages.

Jeter and his team have instead been home for weeks, having come up short in their bid to extend their season into the autumn. Yet Jeter has also expressed excitement about how normal his winter could be.

The 39-year-old captain believes that being unable to follow his usual offseason training program was a major factor in the 2013 campaign he called a "nightmare," featuring four stints on the disabled list due to a troublesome left ankle and other injuries.

"I haven't been able to work out my legs or lift my legs since October of last year," Jeter said before the end of the regular season. "The first time it broke [in the American League Championship Series], you can't do anything weight-bearing and you can't work out.

"Then I was cleared in Spring Training and it was only a couple weeks before I had the second incident. I really think it's just from a lack of strength. ... I think just having a normal offseason, getting back to being able to work out -- no one foresees any other issues."

The Yankees believe that the pounding Jeter gave his weakened left ankle prompted a chain reaction that eventually sent the shortstop back to the DL with a new ankle fracture, a quadriceps strain and a calf injury.

Jeter is expected to exercise a $9.5 million player option for the 2014 season and will turn 40 in June. There is not a long history of shortstops who remained productive past that milestone -- in fact, only Omar Vizquel played more than 100 games as a shortstop at age 39 or older.

Mindful of that, it would be prudent for the Yankees to seek some measure of support at shortstop in 2014. Two potential free-agent shortstops, Stephen Drew and Jhonny Peralta, will be in uniform Wednesday night for Game 4 of the ALCS in Detroit.

The Yankees also enjoyed watching Brendan Ryan show off his wizardry in the field after picking Ryan up in a September trade with the Mariners, but they are still counting on Jeter to contribute.

"I certainly hope to get Derek back to the Derek that we're all used to," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He's one of those guys that did everything in his power to fight through something that turned out to be pretty significant.

"And so now he'll have some time to back off, get some rest, some more flexibility back and get every aspect of that ankle in line as far as the kinetic chain."

Jeter was limited to 17 games this year, batting .190 (12-for-63) with one home run and seven RBIs. Cashman said that the only position options he could entertain for Jeter in 2014 would be shortstop and designated hitter.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has agreed with that, saying that it would be "premature" to discuss a position change before Jeter has a chance to recapture his expected level of play. Besides, the Yankees have not been in the business of betting against Jeter.

"I expect him to play, and I think he'll do everything in his power to get back to the form he was in 2012," Girardi said. "He's got an offseason that he has a lot of strength that he wants to gain back in his legs and have a normal offseason. It should be good for him."

Despite lingering pain that prompted the Yankees to prematurely end Jeter's season on Sept. 11 in Baltimore, Jeter has been told there is no reason he would not be able to follow his usual winter program.

After speaking with team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad, as well as Dr. Robert Anderson, the Charlotte, N.C., based surgeon who performed Jeter's left ankle surgery a year ago, Jeter said that he would take a few weeks to rest and then resume working out.

"I truly believe, with a full offseason of working out and getting my strength back, that I'll get back to doing what I've always done," Jeter said.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees huddle to plot offseason strategy

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/21/2013 12:34 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have no shortage of issues to attend to this offseason, and club brass began tackling that busy to-do list on Monday when they began their organizational meetings.

Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner and general partner Hank Steinbrenner were expected to preside over a gathering that will also include team president Randy Levine, chief operating officer Lonn Trost and general manager Brian Cashman.

The Yankees recently held their pro scouting meetings, creating the chessboard of players they plan to pursue during the winter. The widely discussed $189 million payroll objective remains in play, but the Yankees also have approximately $90 million coming off the books, suggesting big spending ahead.

They are hopeful of re-signing second baseman Robinson Cano, but are not interested in approaching the 10-year, $305 million deal that Cano has reportedly requested. They have acknowledged that Cano will test the free-agent market and speak to other clubs after the World Series concludes.

Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka has been a prominently mentioned name attached to the Yankees, who sent assistant GM Billy Eppler and scout Don Wakamatsu to see the 24-year-old pitch for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, for whom he was 22-0 with a 1.23 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP this season.

The Yankees have been hesitant to dip back into the Japanese pitching market after being burned by the failed Kei Igawa signing seven years ago, but Tanaka wields a nasty splitter and has been favorably compared to the Rangers' Yu Darvish.

The Yankees' interest in Tanaka is helped by the fact that the posting fee, which is likely to surpass the $51.7 million that Texas paid to negotiate with Darvish in January 2012, would not count against the luxury tax. The posting process for Tanaka cannot begin before Nov. 1, as Tanaka's team will face the Yomiuri Giants in the Japan Series beginning at the end of this week.

Published reports have speculated about the Yankees' interest in outfielder Carlos Beltran, but a more pressing need could be filled by a pursuit of catcher Brian McCann.

The Braves free agent has hit at least 20 homers in six consecutive seasons and would upgrade a position that combined for just eight homers this year among Chris Stewart (4), Francisco Cervelli (3) and Austin Romine (1).

Derek Jeter is confident that a full offseason of training will allow him to return to his 2012 form, but the Yankees also may also show interest in finding insurance for the shortstop position. Stephen Drew of the Red Sox and Jhonny Peralta of the Tigers have been mentioned as possible fits.

There is also interest in retaining some in-house players. The club is expected to tender a qualifying offer, worth $14.1 million, to outfielder Curtis Granderson, and could also do so with right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.

If a player accepts the qualifying offer, he would return on a one-year contract at that dollar amount; the offering club nets a Draft pick if the player turns down the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere.

Kuroda turned down the Yankees' qualifying offer last season but agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal. The free-agent pitching market is thin and Cashman has said that the Yankees want Kuroda to return. Kuroda said at the end of the season that he would need time to think about his future.

Granderson would join a crowded outfield mix that already includes Alfonso Soriano, Brett Gardner, Vernon Wells and Ichiro Suzuki, possibly setting up at least one future trade.

Cashman said recently that he is operating as though Alex Rodriguez will be active for 2014, since the Yankees cannot be sure how Rodriguez's appeal of a 211-game suspension will play out.

Rodriguez's appeal in front of arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will resume in November, according to an ESPN.com report, so the Yankees must move forward with Rodriguez's $25 million salary on the books as they plot their next moves.

There also could be administrative changes. In two postseason radio interviews, Hal Steinbrenner stated that he was disappointed with the club's player-development system and its inability to help the injury-depleted Yankees at the big league level this season.

That has led to speculation that the Yankees will examine the performance of Mark Newman, their senior vice president of baseball operations, and scouting director Damon Oppenheimer. However, no personnel changes are believed to be imminent.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees announce season-ticket prices for '14

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/21/2013 4:20 P.M. ET

The Yankees announced their 2014 full-season ticket license pricing for regular-season games at Yankee Stadium. (Getty)

NEW YORK -- The Yankees announced their 2014 full-season ticket license pricing for regular-season games at Yankee Stadium on Monday, stating that prices for 96 percent of tickets either will remain the same or decrease.

The club said that approximately 39,000 tickets (78 percent) will have the same price in 2014 as they had this past season, while approximately 9,000 tickets (18 percent) will have a decrease in price.

Approximately 2,000 tickets (four percent) will increase in price. Those tickets are in Field Level Section 132 (increased from $65 to $75), Main Level Section 215 and 225 (increased from $110 to $120) and obstructed view Bleacher tickets in Sections 201 and 239 (increased from $12 to $15).

All seats in the Grandstand and all seats with non-obstructed views in the Bleachers will not have a change in ticket price. A date has yet to be determined for the sale of 2014 individual-game tickets.

Terrace Level ticket prices in Sections 305, 306, 307, 332B, 333 and 334 will decrease from $40 to $28, and ticket prices in Sections 313, 314, 326 and 327 will decrease from $55 to $50. There will be no change in pricing for all other 2014 Terrace Level tickets.

In the Main Level, ticket prices in Sections 210 and 229 will decrease from $70 to $50, while ticket prices in Sections 216, 217, 223, 224 and 230 will decrease by $5 each.

Beginning with the 2014 season, seats in Sections 116 through 124 (Rows 12-21) will be known as Field MVP Club seats. Full-season licensees in these locations will have their ticket prices decrease from $260 per game in 2013 to $235 per game next season.

Those licensees will have access to the Field MVP Club Lounge, which is currently being constructed on the Field Level concourse and is scheduled to open on Opening Day 2014.

Other Field Level ticket license pricing in Sections 114A through 126 will decrease in amounts ranging from $15 to $25 per ticket per game.

Yankee Stadium is adding 10 new Outdoor Suite Boxes, which will be located in Field MVP Sections 117A, 117B, 122 and 123. Each of these outdoor suites will provide seating for six to eight people and will be available on a full-season basis.

The Home Plate Team Store, the largest retail location in Yankee Stadium, is also being renovated.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees huddle to plot offseason strategy

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/21/2013 12:34 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have no shortage of issues to attend to this offseason, and club brass began tackling that busy to-do list on Monday when they began their organizational meetings.

Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner and general partner Hank Steinbrenner were expected to preside over a gathering that will also include team president Randy Levine, chief operating officer Lonn Trost and general manager Brian Cashman.

The Yankees recently held their pro scouting meetings, creating the chessboard of players they plan to pursue during the winter. The widely discussed $189 million payroll objective remains in play, but the Yankees also have approximately $90 million coming off the books, suggesting big spending ahead.

They are hopeful of re-signing second baseman Robinson Cano, but are not interested in approaching the 10-year, $305 million deal that Cano has reportedly requested. They have acknowledged that Cano will test the free-agent market and speak to other clubs after the World Series concludes.

Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka has been a prominently mentioned name attached to the Yankees, who sent assistant GM Billy Eppler and scout Don Wakamatsu to see the 24-year-old pitch for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, for whom he was 22-0 with a 1.23 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP this season.

The Yankees have been hesitant to dip back into the Japanese pitching market after being burned by the failed Kei Igawa signing seven years ago, but Tanaka wields a nasty splitter and has been favorably compared to the Rangers' Yu Darvish.

The Yankees' interest in Tanaka is helped by the fact that the posting fee, which is likely to surpass the $51.7 million that Texas paid to negotiate with Darvish in January 2012, would not count against the luxury tax. The posting process for Tanaka cannot begin before Nov. 1, as Tanaka's team will face the Yomiuri Giants in the Japan Series beginning at the end of this week.

Published reports have speculated about the Yankees' interest in outfielder Carlos Beltran, but a more pressing need could be filled by a pursuit of catcher Brian McCann.

The Braves free agent has hit at least 20 homers in six consecutive seasons and would upgrade a position that combined for just eight homers this year among Chris Stewart (4), Francisco Cervelli (3) and Austin Romine (1).

Derek Jeter is confident that a full offseason of training will allow him to return to his 2012 form, but the Yankees also may also show interest in finding insurance for the shortstop position. Stephen Drew of the Red Sox and Jhonny Peralta of the Tigers have been mentioned as possible fits.

There is also interest in retaining some in-house players. The club is expected to tender a qualifying offer, worth $14.1 million, to outfielder Curtis Granderson, and could also do so with right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.

If a player accepts the qualifying offer, he would return on a one-year contract at that dollar amount; the offering club nets a Draft pick if the player turns down the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere.

Kuroda turned down the Yankees' qualifying offer last season but agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal. The free-agent pitching market is thin and Cashman has said that the Yankees want Kuroda to return. Kuroda said at the end of the season that he would need time to think about his future.

Granderson would join a crowded outfield mix that already includes Alfonso Soriano, Brett Gardner, Vernon Wells and Ichiro Suzuki, possibly setting up at least one future trade.

Cashman said recently that he is operating as though Alex Rodriguez will be active for 2014, since the Yankees cannot be sure how Rodriguez's appeal of a 211-game suspension will play out.

Rodriguez's appeal in front of arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will resume in November, according to an ESPN.com report, so the Yankees must move forward with Rodriguez's $25 million salary on the books as they plot their next moves.

There also could be administrative changes. In two postseason radio interviews, Hal Steinbrenner stated that he was disappointed with the club's player-development system and its inability to help the injury-depleted Yankees at the big league level this season.

That has led to speculation that the Yankees will examine the performance of Mark Newman, their senior vice president of baseball operations, and scouting director Damon Oppenheimer. However, no personnel changes are believed to be imminent.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Jeter aiming for return to typical offseason regimen

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 10/16/2013 3:38 P.M. ET

In many ways, this already feels like an abnormal offseason for Derek Jeter, as we have become accustomed to watching the Yankees captain spend his Octobers in uniform on the game's biggest stages.

Jeter and his team have instead been home for weeks, having come up short in their bid to extend their season into the autumn. Yet Jeter has also expressed excitement about how normal his winter could be.

The 39-year-old captain believes that being unable to follow his usual offseason training program was a major factor in the 2013 campaign he called a "nightmare," featuring four stints on the disabled list due to a troublesome left ankle and other injuries.

"I haven't been able to work out my legs or lift my legs since October of last year," Jeter said before the end of the regular season. "The first time it broke [in the American League Championship Series], you can't do anything weight-bearing and you can't work out.

"Then I was cleared in Spring Training and it was only a couple weeks before I had the second incident. I really think it's just from a lack of strength. ... I think just having a normal offseason, getting back to being able to work out -- no one foresees any other issues."

The Yankees believe that the pounding Jeter gave his weakened left ankle prompted a chain reaction that eventually sent the shortstop back to the DL with a new ankle fracture, a quadriceps strain and a calf injury.

Jeter is expected to exercise a $9.5 million player option for the 2014 season and will turn 40 in June. There is not a long history of shortstops who remained productive past that milestone -- in fact, only Omar Vizquel played more than 100 games as a shortstop at age 39 or older.

Mindful of that, it would be prudent for the Yankees to seek some measure of support at shortstop in 2014. Two potential free-agent shortstops, Stephen Drew and Jhonny Peralta, will be in uniform Wednesday night for Game 4 of the ALCS in Detroit.

The Yankees also enjoyed watching Brendan Ryan show off his wizardry in the field after picking Ryan up in a September trade with the Mariners, but they are still counting on Jeter to contribute.

"I certainly hope to get Derek back to the Derek that we're all used to," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "He's one of those guys that did everything in his power to fight through something that turned out to be pretty significant.

"And so now he'll have some time to back off, get some rest, some more flexibility back and get every aspect of that ankle in line as far as the kinetic chain."

Jeter was limited to 17 games this year, batting .190 (12-for-63) with one home run and seven RBIs. Cashman said that the only position options he could entertain for Jeter in 2014 would be shortstop and designated hitter.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has agreed with that, saying that it would be "premature" to discuss a position change before Jeter has a chance to recapture his expected level of play. Besides, the Yankees have not been in the business of betting against Jeter.

"I expect him to play, and I think he'll do everything in his power to get back to the form he was in 2012," Girardi said. "He's got an offseason that he has a lot of strength that he wants to gain back in his legs and have a normal offseason. It should be good for him."

Despite lingering pain that prompted the Yankees to prematurely end Jeter's season on Sept. 11 in Baltimore, Jeter has been told there is no reason he would not be able to follow his usual winter program.

After speaking with team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad, as well as Dr. Robert Anderson, the Charlotte, N.C., based surgeon who performed Jeter's left ankle surgery a year ago, Jeter said that he would take a few weeks to rest and then resume working out.

"I truly believe, with a full offseason of working out and getting my strength back, that I'll get back to doing what I've always done," Jeter said.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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