Yankees Notes: Whelan Outrighted; A.J. and the 5th Rotation Slot

The New York Yankees have outrighted right-handed pitcher Kevin Whelan to Triple-A, according to Bryan Hoch of mlb.com via twitter. Whelan was designated for assignment last week.

In another Yankees note, Matt Ehalt of ESPN reports that General Manager Brian Cashman is continuing to stand by A.J. Burnett, but suggests that Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Freddy Garcia will compete for the 5th rotation spot. This could potentially make one or both of the other two potential trade bait if the Yankees were so inclined:

• Twitter / @BryanHoch: #Yankees have outrighted R ...
  Yankees have outrighted RHP Kevin Whelan to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Cashman once again has Burnett's back - Matt Ehalt | ESPN New York
  "This season, Burnett's struggles could end up being a moot point. The Yankees enter spring training with seven starting pitchers and the veteran's spot could be in jeopardy after the additions of Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda. It's widely assumed that Pineda, Kuroda, CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova will definitely be in the rotation, leaving one spot for Burnett, Phil Hughes or Freddy Garcia."
• Cashman: I’m comfortable with A.J. - Bryan Hoch | Bombers Beat
  "Burnett figures to be in the mix of contenders for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Michael Pineda and Ivan Nova will likely fill out the first four slots, in some order, leaving Burnett, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia to duke it out for the final opening."

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  In Chicago, Hendry led the Cubs to three NL Central division titles. He also allowed the team's payroll to be swallowed whole by the likes of Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano, Kosuke Fukudome and others, committing massive resources to an aging roster that essentially imploded.
• New York Yankees Sign Manny Delcarmen - MLB Daily Dish
  The 29-year-old reliever is on a minor league deal that includes an invite to camp. It's probably unlikely he'd make the team at this point, but you never know if an injury could open up a spot in the bullpen. Delcarmen, who spent time with the Rockies and Red Sox last season, posted a 4.99 ERA across 52 1/3 innings of work with a poor 1.19 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
• New York Yankees Complete Organizational Chart - MLB Daily Dish
  Contracts, Depth Charts, and Prospects for the entire Yankees org.