Brian Cashman on getting younger:

The GM says he won't necessary seek youth over experience this offseason. Cashman says that he'd like to make the team younger, ideally, but that that isn't always realistic.

Joel Sherman on the outfield situation:

He writes that if the Yankees bring back Ichiro and continue to focus on lefty power hitters, Brett Gardner may be reduced to a fourth outfielder.

Surgery for CC:

Dr. James Andrews performed surgery to remove a bone spur from CC Sabathia's elbow yesterday. Cashman expects the big man to be ready to go by Opening Day.

Williams on the mend:

Mason Williams was cleared by doctors to begin workouts and running following his season-ending surgery on his shoulder after injuring it on a diving play in the outfield. He should be back to normal by Spring Training.

Yankees interested in Otani:

The Japanese 18 year old can throw 100 mph, and has piqued the interest of the club, according to Japanese media. Other interested teams include the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Rangers. Signing him, unlike Yu Darvish, will not require a posting fee. Otani was drafted by the Nippon Ham Fighters, which means he won't be able to sign with an MLB team until April 2013, but he has said he still intends to pitch in America next season. IATMS has a scouting report here.

Alex, Alex, Alex:

As you might expect, Alex Rodriguez was a hot topic in Joe Girardi's season-ending press conference. He was asked about hidden injuries and mending fences with his third baseman going forward.

Why writing about the Yankees isn't always easy:

Stacey Gotsulias at TYA discusses how difficult it is to write about the team you love after hard losses; and how it might be even harder to read what other people write about the team you love after hard losses.

If I had actually written my true feelings about the Yankees being swept at the hands of the Detroit Tigers immediately after the final game ended, the post just would have been a long string of expletives.

Amen. That kind of pain leads to angry recaps full of MS Paint pictures. I've been there.