There's been an impression that the bidding for free-agent Japanese starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai would come down to the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. With the Yankees exploring trade possibilities for a cost-controlled starting pitcher, the sense has been that the Cubs may be sitting as the favorites between the two teams.
Brian Cashman may have added even more fuel to that fire. In speaking with reporters, Cashman revealed that the Yankees have yet to meet with Imai, who was expected to start meeting with teams this week. Cashman also added that, as of now, he didn't know if the Yankees were going to be meeting with the 27-year-old starting pitcher.