Across the Yankiverse, nothing seems to be happening, but that will soon change

By Wednesday, the Death Star must set into concrete its 40-man roster for December's Rule 5 draft. That gives Cooperstown Cashman about 60 hours to peddle a Scranton-shuttle player or two, freeing space to protect his low-flying, stealth prospects. If Cash has anything going, it must happen soon.

Thus, we find ourselves in moments of strained anticipation, like in the old TV westerns, where Ward Bond sits beside the campfire and whispers, "Shhh, Barney, listen: it's quiet out there... too quiet." 

Yep. The birds and crickets have gone silent. Something's afoot. The Yankees are waiting... waiting...

... For Didi Gregorius to ponder preliminary offers and decide if another year in NYC could happen. It's not impossible. He's coming off a crapola season, and for a 30-year-old SS, long-term contracts can be elusive. If he doesn't like the offers, Didi could conceivably phone home and take a one or two-year deal. From there, who knows? He could maybe win a ring and cement his role as a Yankee for life. Note: I doubt this will happen, but until Didi signs with somebody, it's a possibility. And unless his talks become prolonged, I suspect Cashman will wait until Didi's fate is decided. His domino could be the first of many.

... For MLB to rule on punishment for Domingo German's domestic violence case. He remains  on Dean Wormer's Double-Secret Probation, but he's already missed a month of regular season and the playoffs, without a police report in anybody's hands. How much further into 2020 will he sit in the penalty box? You'd think the Yanks should soon get word. If it's extensive - say, half the season - that will impact everything.

... For reports on Miguel Andujar's fielding, following workouts in Tampa. Is he a viable 3B? Because if Miggy had played last year, with MLB's super-juiced bouncing ball, how many of those 47 doubles would have gone out? I'm guessing he'd have hit 40 HRs. If he can play 3B, if he's raised his game, what happens to Gio Urshela and the rest of the infield? Before the Yankees do something stupid, such as trade Andujar for a Mike Lowell-like package - (Ed Yarnell, Mark Johnson and Todd Noel, remember them?) - the Yankees need to know.

... For the free agent market to solidify on Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg. Listen: Cashman will NOT sign either. He hates the idea of giving up two high draft picks and losing international signing money. Thus, he'll merely beat his chest to sound interested and keep the critics off his boss, Food Stamps Hal Steinbrenner. But Cole and Strasburg will set the pitchers' market, and Cashman needs to know what it means for lesser starters. He simply cannot go with the same depleted staff that finished 2019.

... For bidding to begin on Austin Romine, the best back-up catcher in baseball. For now, Cashman is publicly stating his fealty to Gary Sanchez. That means nothing. If we've learned anything, it's that Cashman's public proclamations - in the face of a better deal - aren't worth a newborn baby's fart. Watching Sanchez languish through October - failing with bat and glove - has me convinced that Cashman would deal Gary in a heartbeat if a bedrock defensive catcher comes into view. Sometime soon, Romine's agent will call with an offer he's received from some middle-market team, and the Yankees must decide whether to beat it. Only then will we get a glimpse of Gary's real fate, and I think it could be a surprise.

It's quiet out there, all right. Too quiet. Mr. Sulu, put up all shields and have the phasers on ready.