Hot Stove roundup: Ruling expands Yanks' to-do list
CarGo recovering from emergency appendectomy; Bay mulling retirement
The Hot Stove was quiet on Saturday, as all eyes were focused on arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, who ruled that Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be suspended for the entire 2014 season.
Rodriguez initially received a 211-game suspension based on his connection to performance-enhancing drugs and the now-shuttered Biogenesis "anti-aging clinic" in South Florida. Although his suspension was reduced, it is still the longest drug suspension and longest non-lifetime suspension in Major League Baseball history.
MLB released a statement, as did the Players Association.
MLB.com's Richard Justice writes that Rodriguez's story is a cautionary tale, while Mike Bauman opines that justice prevailed.
With the Rodriguez situation officially addressed, the Yankees now need to search for a replacement at third base.
Other non-Rodriguez news and notes from Saturday:
• Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is OK after undergoing an appendectomy late Friday night.
• Outfielder Jason Bay is reportedly planning to retire.
• A day after undergoing knee surgery that will keep him out until midseason, Rangers left-hander Derek Holland said he's trying to stay positive.
• Red Sox pitching prospect Rubby De La Rosa is hoping for big things in 2014.