Yankees Rampant Rumors

The games move from the diamond to the front office. The Bombers Brass have their hands full as the quest for redemption resumes. They have talked the talk, time to walk the walk. Rumors rain on the path to recovery. Follow the yellow brick road:

• Yesterday's news: "The Sox-Yankees rivalry has gotten stale since 2004, and now the Rays, the new beasts of the East, have put it on ice for the foreseeable future."
• The mission: "The Rays aren’t going away any time soon. The Yankees need some guys who can keep up with them.
• The drawing board: "The Yankees have a plan. You don’t go into the off-season without having a few plans, really. Your primary plan, then a few backups..."
• Words to the wise: "So enjoy the hot stove, but read with a skeptical eye because most everybody out there has an agenda and the truth is often not part of it" I just had a flashback to: "Igawa is in the mix" and "When Pavano is healthy he can do what few can do."
• IQ test: "If Ramirez did end up replacing Bobby Abreu in right field for New York, he would be part of an outfield that includes former Red Sox star Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, and Brett Gardner." Let's stay on fantasy island for a moment, Manny in right, Johnny in center and X in left would have to be the worst defensive outfield in history.
• Don't even think about it: "But Ponson fit in well and was well-liked by his Yankees teammates, providing additional depth to the rotation. He was 4-4 with a 5.85 ERA in 16 games (15 starts), allowing 99 hits while walking 32 and striking out 33 in 80 innings."
• Who's on first?: "The Yankees could also bring back Giambi on a one-year deal, though that seems like an unlikely option.
  Another possibility would be to move Johnny Damon to first base." Is it possible, Lane , Ensberg or Sexson are available? Don't forget Betemit, he could be in the mix.
• Send in the clowns: "Willy Taveras is clown shoes." I love this line, hopefully another flawed center fielder isn't part of one of this years plans.
• Pronounced I Rob U?: "Tazawa reportedly throws 97 and was scouted by many teams while playing in Japan’s Corporate League. Scouts and those knowledgeable about Japanese baseball have said he’s overhyped."

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