Yankees Offseason

Well, with #27 secured, the parade tomorrow, and the GM meetings starting Monday, Cashmoney Green does not have a lot of time to get a plan together. The buzzwords over the last few years have been "younger" and "more athletic." So, I think if they do add outside parts, they will be looking for players in their 20's and not their 30's. The first decisions the Yanks will have to make will concern what to do about Damon, Matsui and Pettitte all of whom are eligible for free agency.

Personally, I think the best bet would be to bring all three back on 1 year deals, though the buzz is Damon will be getting a two year offer from the Yanks. It's unclear if Damon/Matsui is a one or the other situation or if the Yanks are open to keeping both. I think the new 2 year deal the Angels made with Abreu today, might serve as a model for what the Yanks will do with Damon. It's unclear if they would then bring Matsui back, too. Here's why they should: together the two lefties produced 52 of the Yanks 244 homers this year, and that's a big chunk that would have to be replaced if one or both of them left.

Here's the possible fly in the ointment: a couple of teams that are looking for a leadoff hitter could offer Damon more than the Yanks are willing to pony up for him. If that happens, I would expect the Yanks to go after Matt Holliday. Yes, he would be more expensive in dollars and years than Damon, but he would also be younger and more productive. I only see the Yanks going after Holliday if they lose one of Damon or Matsui and definitely if they lose both. I would offer both players arb, to try to keep them or get picks.

The Pettitte decision should be simpler. He doesn't really want to pitch anywhere else and it's really a matter of if he still wants to pitch and he and the Yanks can come to terms. There was some buzz today that the Yanks could be interested in John Lackey. Lackey's going to demand more money than AJ got last year, and if the Yanks sign him and bring back Andy, Hughes or Joba will be blocked from the rotation - at least to start the season - for another year.

The Yanks have some other decisions to make regarding players like Nady, Molina, Hinske and Harrison. Molina is probably gone and will be replaced by Cervelli, who's already better. Nady is an unknown because of the injury. Hinske and Harrison could be back if the price is right or they could be replaced with cheaper vets or pieces from the farm.

Speaking of the farm, Cash now has enough parts to make some trades without destroying the minor league system, so keep an ear open for those. Last year's Swisher trade caught us all by surprise.

As in previous years, we will keep updating things as we hear about them. Go Yanks!