Hot Stove Lunch: Are Yankees stealing page from 2013 Red Sox playbook?

It's impossible to say with total certainty, but it certainly looks like the Yankees are out of the Manny Machado Sweepstakes.

Their signing of infielder D.J. LeMahieu would appear to give them more than enough infielders, with no place left for Machado, who's being courted by the White Sox and Phillies.

Instead of pouring most of their offseason budget into a big free agent, the Yankees are spreading the wealth, opting for a handful of free agents on shorter deals rather than one big expenditure on a marquee name.

If this strategy sounds familiar, suggests a blog called Pinstripe Alley, it's because it's similar to what the Red Sox tried in 2013. During that year, the Sox signed, among others, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Ryan Dempster and David Ross. Incredibly, most of those players enjoyed career years and the Sox went from finishing last in 2012 to winning the World Series in 2013.

Some of the comparisons aren't apt. For instance, in signing J.A. Happ, Zach Britton, Brett Gardner and CC Sabathia, the Yankees are bringing back players who were on their postseason roster and who qualified for free agency. In contrast, almost all of the Red Sox free agents in 2013 were from outside the organization.

Still, the whole "quantity-over-quality'' aspect is undeniable.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST 

The Yankees are confident that Miguel Andujar can clean up his defense.

Having the worst record last season will help the Orioles this year.

The Rays, always eager to experiment, are thinking about a two-way player.

Could a change in free agency benefit the Blue Jays?

AL CENTRAL

The Indians roster has been streamlined for 2019 -- how will fans react?

A look at what's left for the Twins this offseason.

Now that Nick Castellanos is signed, it may be easier for the Tigers to move him.

The White Sox have made an eight-year offer to Manny Machado.

Here's a closer look at the Royals' non-roster invitees.

AL WEST 

Some projections here for the 2019 Rangers.

A look at the top 50 Angels prospects.

Wade Miley could help out the Astros.

The A's got permission from MLB to offer Kyler Murray more money than most draft picks.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

The Phillies seem to have shifted their focus to Bryce Harper.

HOT TAKE I MIGHT SOON REGRET

It's interesting to note that Major League Baseball is going all out to help convince Kyler Murray to choose baseball over football.

A first-round pick of the Oakland A's last summer, Murray has to make up his mind whether to sign with the A's or go into the NFL draft. The Heisman Trophy winner stands to make more money immediately by going to the NFL. In baseball, he'd have to play in the minors for a few years, then make only the major league minimum for a few years before becoming eligible for salary arbitration.

So, financially, there's more incentive for Murray to play football.

But in the long-term, Murray could potentially make more money in baseball, and he could also enjoy a longer career.

And what a coup it would be if baseball, after losing top athletes to the NFL and NBA in recent years, could convince the Heisman Trophy winner to forego football for baseball.