Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

When it comes to the Yankees and free agent stars, you never say never. But here are the facts about the team and this year's prizes, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado: Nothing much has happened, at least not yet.

At the end of the season, we reported that the Yanks were lukewarm on Machado, in part because of his offseason performance and "Johnny Hustle" comments. Hal Steinbrenner later confirmed that, and the team is weighing what to do. If the Yankees sign Machado, it will be despite the concerns of some of their baseball people.

Meanwhile, many rivals believe that the Yanks will ultimately pursue Machado. "Cash is on him, believe me," says one rival executive.
Our read is actually that a potential Machado pursuit could be more a function of ownership's urgency to eclipse the defending champion Red Sox.

As for Harper, nothing has changed yet about our initial reporting there, either. The Yankees are not focused on him. Could that change? Anything can change, but it hasn't yet.

The Philllies on Monday acquired shortstop Jean Segura from Seattle. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury, they remain interested in Machado as a third baseman. The Phils are also pursuing Harper.

This week, the Yankees are most squarely focused on pitching. Patrick Corbin could choose a team before the winter meetings, as could J.A. Happ. Neither was particularly close to an agreement over the weekend, according to major league sources.

MARTINO: Here's the deal with the Yankees and Bryce Harper >> Read More

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