8:04pm: One of Abreu’s agents, Chris Leible, spoke to Peter Abraham. Though Cashman said he was still engaged with Abreu, Leible says he hasn’t heard from the Yankees once since the end of the season.
4:48pm: According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees declined to offer arbitration to Type A free agents Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, and Mike Mussina (and all other free agents). Peter Abraham and Ed Price may have had this on the web earlier; it was close.
The Abreu decision comes as a surprise; until this morning most believed the Yankees were willing to risk a one-year deal with him to have a chance at the two draft picks. Abreu is certainly more attractive to potential suitors now. Abraham has Brian Cashman saying the Yanks remain engaged with Abreu and Pettitte.
Another note from Heyman: the Yankees have not ruled out signing Manny Ramirez.
