Yankees rumors: New York 'inclined' to part with Curtis Granderson

Outfielder Curtis Granderson would love for his New York Yankees' career to extend beyond 2013, but all indications are the team is "inclined to bid farewell" to the slugger, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York.

Granderson has thoroughly enjoyed his time in New York, adding that if the "opportunity presents itself I would love to remain." However, he admitted that "it's all out of my hands," noting that all he can control "is getting myself ready for the season and hopefully help this team win a championship."

Matthews says there are several factors pointing to Granderson's eventual departure. The first is owner Hal Steinbrenner's $189 million payroll ceiling. Robinson Cano also figures to play a role, as he's another free agent-to-be. Beyond this, Matthews gets the feeling that "the Yankees don't seem nearly as in love with Granderson as they were, say, in 2011."

The Yankees acquired Granderson in 2009 during the three-team trade that also involved the Arizona Diamondbacks. New York surrendered Austin Jackson, Phil Coke and Ian Kennedy in that deal.

Since his arrival in New York, Granderson has proven a potent home run hitter, especially over the past two seasons. In fact, he hit more home runs in 2011 and 2012 (84) than Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Braun, Jose Bautista, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols.

But with the home runs have also come the strikeouts, something that has "dismayed" the Yankees, according to Matthews. Granderson's batting average and on base percentage also took a plunge in 2012.

Granderson hit .232/.319/.492 with 18 doubles, four triples and 43 home runs last season. Over nine years in the majors, the soon-to-be 32-year-old owns a career batting line of .262/.341/.492.