Jorge Posada will officially announce his retirement at a press conference this morning. You can watch at 11 a.m. on YES.

• The Jesus Montero-Michael Pineda trade was finalized yesterday. Pineda said -

I'm feeling great and I'm beyond excited. I never thought I would become a New York Yankee so early into my career. This is the best thing in the world. Pitching alongside CC Sabathia, I'm speechless. And playing alongside players such as Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter is unbelievable. [italics added]

A little slip of the tongue by Pineda? Funny, nonetheless. And if you're worried about the "Verducci Effect" happening to him, don't. It turns out the "effect" doesn't really exist.

• Brian Cashman said Montero was probably the best player he's ever traded.* He added that he'd look to the trade market (using his "excess pitching") to find a DH before the free agent pool. And that he still views Phil Hughes as a starter.

• 18-year-old Cuban defector LHP Gerardo Concepcion has drawn interest from the Yankees (among at least 10 clubs) and is expected to sign within two weeks.
• Let's Talk Baseball interviewed me about the recent moves the Yanks made and the upcoming season.
• 2010 playoff hero Cody Ross inked a one-year, $3M+ deal with the Red Sox.

* Check back at noon for an article examining the impact of pitchers vs. hitters in the playoffs.