Yankees Exercise Options on Cano, Granderson, and Aardsma

From Erik Boland:

Free agency officially kicked off in the hours after the Giants completed their four-game sweep of the Tigers in the World Series on Sunday night and, as expected, the Yankees on Monday exercised the club options they held on second baseman Robinson Cano, centerfielder Curtis Granderson and reliever David Aardsma.

Twelve of their players became free agents, headlined by Hiroki Kuroda, Nick Swisher, Russell Martin, Ichiro Suzuki, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera. The others are Eric Chavez, Pedro Feliciano, Freddy Garcia, Raul Ibanez, Andruw Jones and Derek Lowe.

Players can start signing with other clubs after midnight ET on Saturday.

OK, just wanted to post that before the Sandy knocked out my power and internet. Stay safe people.

Aardsma To Be Activated Today

Erik Boland reported last night that David Aardsma will be activated for tonight's game in Minnesota.

"When I first got hurt in 2010, it was devastating," Aardsma said. "I didn't know how to take it. It was the first time I'd really been hurt. Trying to come back, I was having little setbacks, other injuries happen.

"It's an amazing feeling to be back in here and knowing that very soon I'll be back on a mound again."

Aardsma, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since September 19, 2010 thanks to Tommy John surgery, threw just 6.2 minor-league innings this season, going 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA, allowing 2 earned on 7 hits, walked 3, and struck out 8.

Yanks Sign David Aardsma

From Bryan Hoch:

The Yankees have signed reliever David Aardsma to a Major League contract.

Aardsma is coming back from Tommy John surgery performed last July 22. Aardsma is making approximately $500,000 this year with a club option for 2013.

“The move could help us in 2012, but it has a lot more eyes toward 2013,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.

According to the article, Aardsma is about a month behind Joba in his recovery.