Mark Feinsand, of the New York Daily News, reports that Mr. October, Reggie Jackson, has been banned from sitting in the dugout during spring training games (as well as fined $250). The ban stems from the team’s bench-clearing brawl Wednesday, March 12, when Reggie jogged onto the field.

“I am going to call Bud (Selig) today,” said Jackson, who explained he was on the field in the role of a peacemaker. “I called him (Saturday) and left a message. I was trying to make peace. I didn’t have my number (44) on but I had the windbreaker that a lot of guys wear. (Don) Zimmer was on the field. He walked out; I jogged.” said Mr. October, of the incident.

Reggie Jackson is at spring training to share his experience with the up-and-coming young players, and he will be sorely missed in the dugout. The whole thing was blown out of proportion, and to take this out on Reggie is just another was for Selig to divert the fans away from the steroid scandal… Pathetic.

Chien-Ming Wang has lost his arbitration case with the Yankees. The righty will make $4 million in 2008, not the $4.6 million he was seeking. Expect Hank Steinbrenner to chime in on his own magnificent work to produce this victory on Monday. It is simply amazing that the team that bid against itself to keep Alex Rodriguez cares enough about $600,000 to risk souring relations with a young cornerstone at the top of the rotation.

The Associated Press reports 2007 AL Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia has put an end to contract talks with the Indians until he becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.

The 27-year-old left-hander, who is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, said on his Web site that he and his agents have broken off negotiations on an extension with the club. The Indians recently had offered Sabathia a four-year extension believed to be worth $17 million to $18 million per season.

On Sabathia’s Web site, he posted this message: “This offseason, through my representatives at Legacy Sports Group, I have discussed the possibility of a contract extension with the Cleveland Indians. At this time, we haven’t been able to reach agreement. Now that the reporting date for spring training is here, it is time to put aside contract discussions so that I can focus all of my energies and attention on preparing for the upcoming season.

This means he is definitely hitting the free agent market. If a player wants to stay with his team, he signs an extension early, taking a hometown discount in exchange for future financial security. Risking injury without a future contract this season would make no sense if he was just going to resign with the Indians without testing the market. The Yankees can clearly outbid the Tribe for his services next winter.

Sabathia should be New York’s top target at that time. He is only 27 years old and has emerged as one of the game’s best pitchers in the past 2 years. C.C. has averaged over 200 innings pitched throughout his career and has not thrown less than 189 since his rookie year. His big frame has prevented him from breaking down. Cleveland probably will not trade Sabathia since the Tribe is likely to contend in 2008. Mark Shapiro will likely take one more shot at winning it all with his ace. At that point, Cleveland will not have the funds to retain his services in the inflated market for quality pitching. The Yankees will be able to use the money earmarked for Johan Santana to lure him to the Bronx in addition to money coming off the books as the result of big contracts like Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina, Kyle Farnsworth, and Carl Pavano expiring. Aces in their 20’s rarely come available for nothing except money. This team could realistically be looking at a 2009 rotation of Sabathia, Hughes, Wang, Chamberlain, and Kennedy, a quintet of young, high quality pitchers. Sabathia’s move was the first step in that direction.

In order to keep with the new 2008 “Joba Rules” (140 innings) the Yankees have decided to start Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen this year. The bizarre plan has Joba in the bullpen for April and May, and returning to the minors in June to prepare for a starter role late in the season.

I am completely baffled by this plan. Joba belongs in the bullpen, period. Lets hope that the plan changes yet again, and Joba stays where he has proven himself time and time again last season. As a long time Yankee fan, I’d rather see Joba every other day than once every 6 days. He can make the most difference in the very thin bullpen…….

Pitchers and catchers report in less than 48 hours!

The Yankees have agreed to terms with Morgan Ensberg on a minor league deal. The veteran third baseman will now compete to back up Alex Rodriguez and to potentially be the righty half of a first base platoon. Ensberg has only played a single game at first base in his career so he likely will not alleviate concerns of defense at the position. This is still an excellent signing. Morgan is only three years removed from a 36 homers, 101 RBI season in Houston. His career .366 on base percentage and .476 slugging percentage are well above average. Even as the 32 year old’s numbers have fallen off in recent seasons, he still has had great success against lefty pitching. He had an .831 OPS against lefties last season and is at .950 since 2005. This is a terrific guy to bring in to a nonguaranteed deal to challenge Shelley Duncan for a roster spot off the bench and in a platoon.

Citing family reasons, Don Mattingly stepped down as hitting coach for the LA Dodgers today. He will stay on with the LA Dodgers as an advisor, but has been replaced as hitting coach with Mike Easler (Triple A Dodgers). Pinstripes will remain the only uniform he has ever worn….

The Yankees have exchanged arbitration figures with Chien-Ming Wang and Robinson Cano reports Peter Abraham.

Robinson Cano submitted $4.55 million, the Yankees submitted $3.2 million.

Chien-Ming Wang submitted $4.6 million, the Yankees submitted $4 million.

The Yanks are playing this foolishly. They should look to negotiate 4 year extensions with both to lock them up through their arbitration years. Even though the market for high level players is ridiculous, both would likely accept multiyear discounted contracts to secure themselves in the longterm against catastrophic injuries. In exchange for the future financial security, New York can keep its homegrown stars at a relatively cheap prices and prevent them from hitting the market for an extra season.

The Yankees have signed Jason Lane to a minor league contract. Lane had a nice 2005, when he hit 26 homers, drove in 78 runs, and slugged .499. Since then, he has been awful posting a sub .200 batting average to go with a sub .400 slugging percentage. He is capable of playing all three outfield spots. This is unlikely to pay any dividends, but as is the case with any minor league deal, it is worth a shot. Lane is not going to cost much and will not demand a roster spot.

As you may have noticed, posts will be sporadic over the holiday season. A reader named Ben asked me to pass along his prospect rankings a few days ago. He has rated his top ten Yankees prospects at topprospectalert.com. In one of the most unshocking conclusions of all-time, Joba Chamberlain is the top prospect in the system.

Looking at the list of nontendered players across the league, the Yankees have a number of chances to go bargain shopping.

Akinori Otsuka: Otsuka should immediately become Brian Cashman’s top priority. The rebuilding Rangers did not feel like paying the 35 year old coming off an elbow injury. Otsuka suffered no structural damage and did not need major surgery. He is a proven setup man in the American League with a career 2.44 ERA. Right now Mariano Rivera is the only reliable thing in the bullpen. The addition of Otsuka would help relieve some concerns over the state of the relief corps. He is infinitely better than anything this team currently has as a bridge to Mariano Rivera (excluding the possibility of moving Joba Chamberlain back to the bullpen).

Mark Prior: Considering Prior’s extensive injury history, a lot of people would view him as an unappealing target. People need to remember that he is only 27 years old. The Cubs mistreated a shoulder ailment for years. Dr. James Andrews finally cleaned up his shoulder earlier this season. He was once an elite pitcher and has a 3.51 career ERA. The Yankees would not have to depend on him to be part of the rotation. He could start out in the minors and work back at his own pace. His fastball will not have the same velocity it once did, but he still could salvage it as an above average pitch to go with a terrific curveball and impeccable control. Guys with this kind of potential do not hit the open market on a discount often. All signing Prior would cost this team is money. He is worth a flier.

Morgan Ensberg: After a great 2005, Ensberg’s career fell off a cliff. Even when he posted subpar 2006 and 2007 numbers, he killed lefty pitching. He would not be a bad guy to have as a bench player or put into the mix as part of a first base platoon.

Kevin Mench: Mench is another great hitter against lefties. He would be a good reserve outfielder.

Dallas McPherson: The 27 year old was once a top prospect for the Angels. Injuries hampered his career, but a change of scenery might help him harness that untapped potential.

Kiko Calero and Juan Rincon: The Yankees should target these guys for minor league deals. Both are former terrific middle relievers who got lit up in 2007. Either could come back strong. If they want guaranteed roster spots, it would be best to let them go elsewhere. This team is already guaranteeing one shaky veteran commodity, LaTroy Hawkins a roster spot. Giving either of these guys similar treatment could end up blocking a younger player performing. It is best to keep flexibility in the bullpen unless adding something terrific like Otsuka.