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A few writers are already down at the Yankees’ Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla., to get a head start on the 2012 season. Among the players reporting early and working out on Monday: Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova, Cory Wade and David Robertson.

Each threw bullpen sessions and Hughes spoke to reporters about his new physique. From all accounts, Hughes looked slimmed down and muscular. He discussed an offseason workout that changed his body composition and that after losing 20 pounds he weighs in at 240.

Last season was a nightmare for the right-hander. He spent three months on the disabled list with what was called a dead arm and finished 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 17 games (14 starts). He begins camp having to compete with Freddy Garcia – and if not traded, A.J. Burnett -- for the

Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero are notorious for signing late. Damon was twice picked up less than a month before Spring Training, inking one-year pacts with the Tigers in 2010 and Rays in 2011. Guerrero signed with the Rangers on January 9 of ’10 and the Orioles last February 18.

Here we are in February, and Damon and Guerrero remain free agents. The reason, tweeted Jayson Stark, is money with both players looking for deals around $5 million. The Yankees are looking for a DH, but on their terms, especially with players – like Hideki Matsui – essentially limited to DH roles at this stage of their respective careers. Raul Ibanez is also still out there and has been linked to the Bronx. He appeared in 134 games in left field last season and fits the Damon-Matsui mold