MLB

Yankees target Hunter expects to make ‘quick’ decision

It has become increasingly clear the Yankees are far from the only team that covets Torii Hunter and Russell Martin, and unlike in years past, when an almost limitless budget got them what they wanted, the Yankees are facing more uncertainty this offseason.

Hunter, the free-agent outfielder who would almost certainly do well in The Bronx as Nick Swisher’s replacement, now seems to be a long shot to join the Yankees, because the Tigers also are interested and may be more inclined to give Hunter a two-year deal.

Yesterday, the 37-year-old Hunter spoke with MLB Network regarding his free-agent process and said: “This is going to be quick.”

In addition to the Tigers and Yankees, the Dodgers have also shown interest in Hunter, but may need to move an outfielder, since they already have Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier under contract.

The Yankees have had preliminary discussions with Raul Ibanez about coming back next season in a platoon role. Ibanez was used more than the Yankees would have liked because of injuries last year, but he showed he was still a dangerous hitter. The lefty-swinging Ibanez was brought in to be a DH against right-handed pitching, but he was forced into the outfield when Brett Gardner was lost for most of the year and Mark Teixeira battled a strained calf.

Ibanez, 40, provided some of the only offensive highlights in the postseason for his new team and often delivered in big spots.

Hunter isn’t the only player the Yankees will have to fight for. After initially appearing to have made a colossal error in not entertaining discussions with the Yankees about a three-year deal worth roughly $20 million before last season, Martin now has numerous teams interested after a strong finish to a season that started terribly.

The Rangers are among the teams looking at Martin, so he figures to have numerous opportunities to get a lucrative contract, as well as win.

One of the reasons for Martin’s popularity is the small number of quality catchers available. If the Yankees can’t retain Martin, they could turn to A.J. Pierzynski or Mike Napoli.

Pierzynski, though, will be 36 next month and is coming off a career year offensively with the White Sox he is unlikely to duplicate. Napoli started just 69 games behind the plate in Texas last season. And Martin is superior defensively to both.

* Michael Pineda continued his recovery from shoulder surgery yesterday, as he threw off flat ground at Yankee Stadium yesterday and had a routine visit with Dr. David Altchek. The 23-year-old right-hander missed all of 2012 after a suffering labrum tear in his right shoulder following his arrival in January from Seattle in a trade for Jesus Montero. He is not expected back before midseason.

Michael Pineda continued his recovery from shoulder surgery yesterday, as he threw off flat ground at Yankee Stadium and had a routine visit with Dr. David Altchek. The 23-year-old right-hander missed all of 2012 after suffering a labrum tear in his right shoulder following his arrival in January from Seattle in a trade for Jesus Montero. He is not expected back before midseason.