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The Yankees found $181 million lying around last offseason, and made a late, victorious bid to corral Mark Teixeira, so never say never when it comes to the Yankees and spending. But the initial read as the winter bazaar opens is that the Yankees do not intend to make a play for the three biggest free agents: Jason Bay, Matt Holliday and John Lackey. This is not about need, because corner outfield and starting pitcher are priorities to fortify what is now a champion. But based on conversations with multiple Yankees officials, I sense that financially and philosophically the Yankees will not big-game hunt in free agency.

New York Post

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Merely hours after the New York Yankees secured their 27th World Series title, a report claimed the Royals had agreed to send outfielder Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields. The report first appeared Thursday in the New York Daily News and gained steam when the Chicago Sun-Times cited confirmation from the White Sox. It now appears those reports, at best, are premature.

Kansas City Star

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Charlie Manuel has been hesitant to remove Jimmy Rollins or Chase Utley from the Phillies lineup, he said recently, because he does not have a capable backup. That was a tacit indictment of Eric Bruntlett, the versatile defender who struggles offensively. Two members of this winter's free agent class would fit the need for an upgrade over Bruntlett, who will likely not return: Mark DeRosa of the St. Louis Cardinals and Marco Scutaro of the Toronto Blue Jays. DeRosa could also spell Raul Ibanez in left field. It is challenging, though, to sign free agents without promising a starting job, and the Phils would have to pay well lure a top role player.

Philadelphia Inquirer

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Andy Pettitte's decision over whether to return for a 16th major league season or retire will come down to his two families -- his own and the Yankees. Pettitte has been through this to-be-determined situation before and each time he has chosen to continue to pitch. The 37-year-old is eligible for free agency and he's not certain whether he'll be back. "I need to get home and talk to my family," Pettitte said after winning Game 6 to capture his fifth World Series ring. "I'll need to talk to the Yankees and find out where they're at and then I'll try to figure out what I'd like to do."

New York Post

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The Mets -- remember them? -- do not plan to exercise their $9.1 million option on J.J. Putz -- remember him? -- and will pay him a $1 million buyout. As a free agent, Putz will be free to sign with any team, but it would be hard to imagine him returning to the Mets. He accepted a new role as setup man when he joined them in a blockbuster deal last December, but would prefer to close again. No chance that happens with the Mets, who already have Francisco Rodriguez.

New York Times

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