New York Yankees

The New York Yankees reportedly have signed third baseman Kevin Youkilis to a one-year deal worth $12 million pending his physical, according to Fox Sports insider Ken Rosenthal. 

If you're wondering what that sounds was, it was the collective groan coming out of Boston.

Why?

Kevin Youkilis is officially coming to the Bronx.

After weeks of speculation, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports broke the news on Twitter that the Yankees have officially signed the former Red Sox infielder.

The New York Yankees hot stove has felt more like an icebox this offseason, and every one wants to know why.

As this winter has been full of mixed messages, causing a wave of emotions amongst Yankee fans—some sad, others angry and the rest in complete denial. While other MLB ball clubs are getting stronger, faster and younger, the Yankees have gotten worse.

As the New York Yankees stick to their claim that a reduction of payroll is imminent this year, they must be forced to consider that a trade for Arizona's Justin Upton might put them in the World Series. 

Coming off a disappointing four-game sweep in the 2012 ALCS, the Yankees' loaded lineup showed surprising signs of weakness. 

Hit-or-miss approaches from guys like Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez and even Robinson Cano left New York with alarming strikeout totals and an early ticket home to the Bronx. 

How fitting that the the battle between the two teams in the A.L. East would carry over into the postseason.

The Baltimore Orioles disposed of the Texas Rangers 5-1 in the one-game wild card Friday night, which will allow them to advance to the American League Division Series and take on the New York Yankees.

The New York evening was growing older, fans getting restless and the Yankees looking for someone to step up and lift them one step closer to the postseason. Leave it to their dedicated, hard-working catcher Russell Martin to deliver the big blow in last night's enormous 10-inning victory over Oakland.

Russell Martin?

Collectively as a professional fraternity, sports journalists seem to think they are an extremely bright and witty bunch. Whether engaging in snarky Twitter wars with perceived imbecile readers or not allowing comments on their pristine works of art (looking in your direction, Mike Lupica), they seem to sit high atop their soapbox completely invulnerable of public criticism and immersed in their superior infallibility.

After about half of a day of uncertainty—no thanks to Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons—the Robinson Cano performance-enhancing drug rumors can be put to bed as false.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today broke the news yesterday that a MLB official denied such rumors: