Yankees Politics As Usual

The New York Yankees, "Five star hotel built around a ball field," premieres in April and the local politicians will be beaming from their free luxury box. The Bloomberg administration follows the Giuliani regime in exploiting power for gratis tickets. It's a Gotham tradition.

While the loyal rabble are sequestered to the bleachers, the chosen ones will be feasting on free food and gawking from premium digs. Who Pays? One guess.

Photos of the new Yankee Stadium reveal proof of an opulent edifice, fit for royalty. Baseball fans of modest means, lurk in the shadows. The spoils of MLB's unprecedented prosperity land in the hands of the rich and powerful. The commissioner guards the best interests of the game. The fans are an after thought. "And so it goes."--(Kurt Vonnegut)

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Hat tip-Baseball Musings-(NY Daily News Link)

Blogger's Lament

My sort of, almost, illustrious blogging venture launched in 2007. The announcement to friends and associates was greeted with a common response,"What will you write about when the Yankees season ends?"

Last year the answer was easy, steroid scandals produced incessant fodder to fill space between the breathless A-Rod opt-out, Hank's bluster, Santana's sweepstakes, Pettitte's alleged retirement, Posada and Rivera's free agency, Generation Trey, Torre's mangled departure, and the reach for the stars acquisitions of Hawkins, Ensberg and Lane. The stories just kept on coming.

That was then, this is now. 2008 is bleak. The hot stove is chill as multi-billion-dollar corporations ponder stark economic times. Hal hits the mute button on Hank while the Yankees' eggs are in one big, silent, Cali. based basket. How many Nick Swisher blockbuster stories can I write? I consciously avoid the tabloid tripe, sorry Madonna, but it's getting tougher all the time.

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you'll get what you need."--(Rolling Stones/Jagger-Richards.) The colder the hot stove gets, the better Madonna looks.

Photo/NY Post

Yanks High Stakes Game

Safe to say CC Sabathia had a great Thanksgiving. The burly lefty yawns from Cali. and the Bombers Brass reflexively reach for their wallet. The desperation is palpable and the silence deafening.

The stakes are high: ""The second-biggest issue they could have is overpaying CC," Gennaro said. "The biggest issue would be not making the postseason in '09," and the consequences of failure dire. It is time for leadership and sound decision making. The front office failures in recent years have the Yanks stuck in a hard place. The quest for championship credibility starts at the top and the perspectives are skewed. Hal Steinbrenner attempts to fill Dad's over-sized shoes under Gotham's glare. The new guy doesn't have a baseball resume, all he knows is money. Hal's right hand man, Cash has a perpetual agenda:"Cashman has said he signed another contract with the Yankees to ensure a positive legacy, and it's clear that he views Sabathia as the top solution for his team." There is no relief in sight: "Cashman is smart enough not to have allowed a replacement to emerge."--(LoHud)

The Yankees have always ruled the high stakes roost, this time they gamble in a game with ominous risk: " when deals reach the $100 million mark, teams flirt with doom." It is a matter of fact that the Yankees have no choice. Internal options are MIA and trade bait is paltry. Safe to say CC Sabathia had a great Thanksgiving, Christmas is just around the corner.

Happy Thanksgiving

Baseball Hot Corner slides head-first into its second Thanksgiving by wishing all participants in the Yankees universe a Happy Holiday. Lets give thanks for: New York Yankees tradition, 26 Rings, Yankees Hall of Famers, Big Apple Media--the gas that stokes the fire, Steinbrenner's cash, Jeter's resume, The Great Rivera, The old Stadium, rivals, trade rumors, free agent frenzies, second guesses, stat wizards, scouts, bloggers, spring training, the crack of the bat, plays at the plate, game winning bombs, boo birds, standing O's. It's all good.

It's become a custom around here to spread holiday cheer by going to the video tape and visiting our main man Carl from Adult Swim

Happy Thanksgiving.

Yankees Fog Lifts

The fog of Yankees' rumors, plans, politics, innuendo,bluffs and gibberish is lifted by news of baseball games on the horizon. The announcement that the Yanks kick off their spring exhibition schedule on February 25Th sparks anticipation. The joy of the game is around the corner, (OK, maybe it's down the road, but I'm in an optimistic mood,) until then a few notes to pass the time:

• "Yankees think Angels are bluffing interest with CC Sabathia...Yankees met the news with relative indifference." Now who's bluffing?
• " If the Halos make that offer, the Yankees may have to come back with a seven-year contract worth more than $160MM." This isn't a bidding war,if the Angels "make that offer" it's over.
• My concern, is the contingency plan, should CC sign in Cali. Binging on dubious options is a clear and present danger. "there are unconfirmed reports that the New York Yankees are ready to offer Burnett a five-year deal worth $80 million, you have to wonder.."
• "lest anyone forget, Pettitte has a history of changing teams as a free agent when he does not feel completely wanted." Reports that Pettitte has chatted with Torre and doesn't want to take a pay cut circulate. The Yanks should thank Andy for his notable service and say goodbye. Aceves, Coke or Hughes can fill his slot and feature an upside. Pettitte's time as a prime time pitcher has passed. And so it goes.
• The Swisher acquisition is a modest move worth taking, the price was right. Somehow, the acquisition of a potentially useful role player has transitioned into a blockbuster. Here's some perspective from Ozzie Guillen: "What about the disappointment of Swisher, who hit .191 after the All-Star Game?It was hard because when we brought him here, a lot of people were excited [that] he would have a great career with the White Sox, but we got to the point that we went through the roster ... and we had a right fielder, left fielder, first baseman and DH. It was hard for us to find a place for him.Was Swisher a bad influence in the clubhouse late in the year?You've got to ask the players about that. To be honest with you, I was not happy with the way he was reacting at the end of the season. He wasn't helping me either." (Hat tip Deadspin.)

Photo Mopupduty.com

Yankees Free Agent Rumors and Links

MLB's free agent pot stews while the ravenous New York Yankees are told to wait their turn. The Bombers fell all over themselves when the dinner bell rang but the meal isn't ready while CC stirs the pot. The stomach growls:

• That's our guy: " everyone in the free world knows that the guy would rather NOT pitch for the team that has dramatically outbid all other suitors.
• Yeah, right: "With Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman preaching the virtues of patience in the Yankees' offices, club officials are trying not to sweat...If they can't make big upgrades to their pitching, they'll try to improve their offense instead." Back where it all began AKA Plan B. (Sir Sidney waits by the phone.)
• Rules? There are no rules.
• "Hankian statement.."
• Welcome to the spotlight Hal, life was easier behind the curtain, perhaps Hank can be named public statement consultant.
• Uh-Oh: "word is that he's about more than just the money."
• There he goes again: "Brian Cashman of the Yankees started things off with a non-announcement."
• "Cashman said the Yanks might look to sign Yu Darvish, pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters," When the Sox signed Dice K the Bombers' knee jerked to Igawa, Deja-vu?
• What a deal: "It's a given that the Yankees will offer salary arbitration to free- agent outfielder Bobby Abreu, even if it means paying him between $18 million and $20 million to be their No. 3 hitter for one more season."
• Say goodbye: "The Angels, unwilling to meet Mark Teixeira's desire for a 10-year contract, are in discussions with CC Sabathia and could offer him a contract that approaches the $140-million bid extended to him by the New York Yankees." The Red Sox are allegedly interested in Teixiera who allegedly, really wants to play on the East Coast. Should the Angels snare Cali. native CC, the Yanks whiff on the big two and the gap to the top widens. I'll chalk this off to festering paranoia.
• I'm gritting my teeth trying to be optimistic, but this guy scares me:" The way Long figures, Canó could bat directly ahead of Rodriguez, who hits cleanup, or directly behind him." I know Kevin is a nice guy, who works hard and is popular with the players. He must be a negotiating genius, somehow signing a three-year deal after morphing from Royals' career minor leaguer to Bomber savant. The fact that the juggernaut offense went belly-up on his watch has been described as a statistical fluke by the guy who signed him to the excessive deal. Now the pretzel logic trail leads us to the notion that a brief Dominican sojourn has transformed Cano who he couldn't fix for the entire 2008 season. An optimist would suggest it's all part of a shrewd plan, I'm not there yet.
  

Yankees Get Help

Writing a Yankees blog is a creative way of communicating (venting?) a life-long obsession. In my spare time, I also belong to a bedraggled group of misfits known as Knicks fans. (There, I said it, it's all down hill from here.) The New York Knicks are the punchline for an NBA joke. Years of mismanagement have brought a once proud franchise to its knees and no amount of Cablevision money can buy their credibility back. The perpetual plan was to acquire as many headline-splashing name players as possible, bloated contracts and dubious skills were part of the deal. The result--a league dwarfing payroll that payed for floundering on the floor--was embarrassing.

The Yankees are on the same road as the Knicks. The win percentage shrinks, the ticket prices soar, the pressure mounts and management looks to cover a trail of errors by whipping out the check book. Buyer beware. The right guys can abruptly get things turned around in the right direction. Take a wrong turn and the road to Perdition unfolds.

In a simple twist of fate, the lowly Knicks just assisted their Big Apple neighbors. A revamped, and apparently competent Knicks front office (seriously) just dumped two onerous contracts as part of a long-term plan to acquire budding hoops legend, Lebron James, who just happens to be best buds with CC Sabathia. Grasping at straws? Whatever works.

Photo/MSNBC

Yankees Lack of Leverage

The Yankees' latest plan twists in the wind as the marquee free agents ponder a myriad of options. The Bombers believed their big bucks would form a line of hungry job applicants. Think again. CC, A.J. and the other Derek hold all the cards as the Yanks lack of leverage puts them in a familiar place. Any competent agent would advise their client to put the Yanks on hold and play the field. The Yankees don't have a plan B, it's all or nothing. The front office failures have the richest franchise in sports history all dressed up with no where to go.

Yankees' followers are salivating over a possible rotation of: Sabathia, Wang, Burnett/Lowe, Chamberlain and Pettitte. Let's travel to the dark side: Wang--returning from a season lost to injury, Chamberlain-- returning from an injury riddled 100IP 2008 with a limit of 130IP for 2009, Pettitte--a high mileage veteran coming off a poor year, Aceves--a 26 year-old rookie who needs the support of quality defense and whoever. What about the farm? Don't ask.

The Yankees' predicament is no secret, start spreading the news:

• "The Yankees can't really believe they are the same power they once were.."
• "Hal Steinbrenner is now stepping up the pressure."
• "Imagine the horror...That would be the ultimate low blow to the Yankees' self-esteem."
• "Yankees money-whip somebody like this they're always supposed to get their man.
• " desire for a five-year contract has bogged down the Bombers'
• "biggest concern with Burnett is his health history, considering he's landed on the disabled list 10 times in 10 years due to various arm issues.
• "Would it be worth a five-year investment to get, say, 31/2 years of Burnett's excellence?

Perhaps, I'm being too harsh, after all there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Let's dust off one of last year's plans: "More than three years after the Orioles released and terminated the contract of Sidney Ponson after his third arrest in a nine-month span, a grievance arbitrator will finally decide how much money - if any - the organization owes the pitcher" Yeah, that's the ticket, a burly Bomber who was popular with his teammates and cost less than Sabathia. Keep hope alive.

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Yankees Owner's Box

Infamous Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner passes the baton to his son Hal and a new chapter in Bomber's history begins. George's reign was a tad erratic, but it was never boring. From the credibility-enhancing signing of Catfish Hunter to the Torre dynasty, a billion-dollar empire was built on Gotham's star power. George Steinbrenner knew what New York craved and he delivered. The record speaks.

Hal Steinbrenner brings a fresh face and new act to the Bronx. A headline writer's nightmare, Hal is quiet, reserved and (Gulp) professional. It will take some getting used to. (Somewhere, Hank is chugging a beer and shaking his head.)

The bottom line is results. Here's Hal's track record from behind the curtain:

• Made the contract offer to Torre that "Insulted" him out of the dugout.
• Sided with GM Cashman to defeat brother Hank's desire to trade for elite lefty Johann Santana.
• Hosted A-Rod's mea-culpa which led to the biggest contract in baseball history.
• Dealt out excessive contracts to Posada and Rivera after the baseball operation failed to develop options.
• Submitted an opening bid to CC Sabathia that exceeded the market by $40 million. Suggested that this year's historic offer wouldn't last forever.
• Embroiled in franchise's controversial financial dealings regarding rent payments, public financing and alleged book cooking.

Hal Steinbrenner steps from the shadows to the spotlight on the biggest stage. "Needless to say, my Dad's a tough act to follow." That's an understatement.

Photo/NY Daily News

Yankees Minor League Progress

The focus is on free agents but the Yankees' future is on the farm. Baseball America recently reported a list of the Yanks' top ten prospects. A follow up chat, hosted by John Manuel, provides some objective feedback on the rebuilt system. Here are some Clint Eastwood inspired notes:

The Good:

• Andrew Brackman: "Has elite athletic ability..could be scary good..I mused in 2007 that he had the highest ceiling in the draft, one that included David Price.." The glowing report is tempered by the fact that a year later Brackman has never thrown a minor league inning and is surgically repaired.
• Austin Jackson: " The athletic ability is the separator..allows him to make adjustments at the plate and big plays defensively..He's going to be better than Melky." (Note: He said Melky not Bernie, but we'll take it."
• Coke and Aceves: "I don't think Coke and Aceves are mediocre. Aceves is Kennedy with more pitches for strikes and more savvy and experience..He's ahead of Hughes..Coke is projected as an 8TH inning guy.
• Catching: "Best position in the organization."

The Bad:

• "The system seems to be lacking in the power category." "I agree and find it to be the biggest weakness in the system..Vexing to me that they didn't draft more power this year."
• Best middle infield prospect: "There is none." They speculate that Jeter could be the shortstop in 2012-- the stat wizards just winced.
• Big Bat: "I'm perplexed that they haven't come up with a young bat since Cano."

The Ugly:

• Generation Uno? Hughes: "Hard to know what will happen since the guy just can't stay healthy..Hasn't been prepared for a major league workload. (This sounds familiar, how's the shoulder Joba?) Kennedy: Always been tough to evaluate because his stuff has always been average. (Just had a Santana sweepstakes flashback.)
• 2008 Draft: "The first five rounds include two guys that didn't sign (Note: It is suggested that Cole may have had the best arm in the draft.) 2 2b's, a LHP and a prep OF whose best tool is the bat and was really overmatched in his debut.

The Question: How is it possible that a team with such resources could have so few top level minor leaguers?" "The Yanks have more depth but the impact talent is still young..It's an issue for sure, especially compared to Boston and Tampa.

The book "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty" (Buster Olney/Expanded edition) documents Brian Cashman's promotion to The Man. "Cashman argued that the Yankees need a linear chain-of-command led by a single executive that would answer to the Boss. 'You shouldn't have to look for someone to blame.' Cash suggested he was ready to leave the organization. Brian's stand worked, he took full control of the baseball operation in November 2005. Three years later Cash signed another three year deal and vowed to, "Change the story." As I write this, the Yankees are throwing desperate money at the free agent wall in an attempt to recapture championship credibility and buy more time for their work in progress minor league system. The story changes but the song remains the same.

Photo/NY Daily News

Yankees Rampant Rumors

New York Yankees' rumors rumble:

• The Moose is loose, the tracks head out of the Bronx and are headed home to Montoursville. Let's hear from his agent: Given the significance of this to Mike I would hope you can respect his desire to be the author of any such announcement..."--(Art Tellem/AP.) Good luck with that, there are a few thousand (hyperbole alert) news outlets in full frenzy.
• Mussina is a smart guy, when he signed his mamouth Yankee contract he was asked what he planned to do with his economics degree from Stanford when he retired. Mike responded, "I'll hang it on the wall next to my golf clubs.." (Paraphrased) Enjoy the links Moose.
• ESPN reports: "According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he's just the fifth pitcher since 1900 to win 20 games or more in the final season of his career -- and the first since Sandy Koufax in 1967. He's the only pitcher in that group to win his 20th game in his final start." When his Hall of Fame candidacy is considered, he'll be mentioned with Sandy Koufax rather than a long list of guys who hung around to notch 300.
• Endorsement: "To do what he did as a pitcher in the American League East during the steroid era, it’s a pretty big accomplishment.” (Johnny Damon) That would be an interesting inscription on a Hall of Fame plaque--Bud just winced.
• Shrewd stuff: "Last year, the Yankees overbid wildly (and against themselves) to keep their own free agents -- Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez. This year, they need outside free agents, and they appear set to overbid to get them. Their offer to Sabathia is $40 million higher than anybody else's so far, and one person with knowledge of their plans said they'd be willing to pay Burnett $15 million per year (which would mean $60 million over four years, and $75 million over five, if they want to go totally nuts and add a fifth year).( NJ.com)
• "Scary Rumors." "True, some Yankees fans would welcome a pitcher with the stuff of Burnett, but does anyone want him for five years and $80 million? Desperate strokes for desperate folks, someone has to fill Pavano's place on rehab mountain.
• Confidence builder? "If the season started today, Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera would be the Yankees' center fielders, but Girardi said the club has talked about outside center-field help in meetings."
• "But in Yankees Fan Fantasy World (the place where Mark Teixeira comes on the cheap and Melky Cabrera has trade value), the Yankees could obtain DeJesus to play center field.(LoHud) Teixiera will be anything but cheap, but subtract $80 million for a brittle, overrated Burnett or a mountain of money for Lowe, a 35 year-old pitcher who needs quality defense behind him and the price is right.

Photo/NY Daily News

Cano's Slide

The Yankees try to fill their hunger for premium talent by gorging at the free agent trough. Astute organizations build the foundation on the farm and splurge on the bloated, risky free agent menu as a last resort. Desperate strokes for desperate folks.

The Yanks dire circumstances are a direct result of the failure of their player development efforts. Brian Cashman assumed complete control of scouting and player development in November 2005. The richest organization in sport's history directed its vast resources towards internal development 3 years ago. Multi-million dollar bonus babies were the order of the day.

The 2007 season reaped the first harvest of the reseeded farm. A dour, mercenary roster was rescued by a wave of smiling neophytes--Chamberlain, Cano, Cabrera, Duncan-- were just the beginning. The future was bright as a jaded fan base was reminded of the joy the game brings.

The promising first steps of 2007 were followed by a pratfall in 2008. Hyped prodigies--Hughes, Kennedy, Ohlendorf, Tabata--morphed to projects and trade bait. Melky's energy was depleted by a flailing bat. The smiles were history.

The baby Bombers flop is personified by Robinso Cano's stark regression. Robbie debuted with a flare in 2005, hitting .297 and drawing comparisons to the legendary Carew. Stellar production--2006: .342/.365/.525, 2007: .306/.353/.488-- cemented Cano as a building block of the future. The organization responded by lavishing a 4 year 30 million-dollar fortune at Robbie's feet. Mission accomplished? Not so fast. The 2008 season started and the bubble burst. Lackluster stats: .271/.305/.410 don't paint the whole picture. Robbie's energy enhancing ebullience was replaced by a half-hearted, frustrated, countenance. What went wrong?

I'm reminded of an interview Bobby Valentine gave years ago on ESPN. He was asked if there were concerns over giving big money contracts to players. (The Mets were negotiating with Piazza at the time.) He responded: "It depends on the players goals, if he is playing for the house on the hill, you have a problem, if his goal is the Hall Of Fame there are no worries."(Paraphrased.)

This is just conjecture on my part, for some inside insight let's go to the man in charge: "Robbie Cano got out of whack," Cashman said...He's fine now." Whew, that's a relief.

Photo/Best sports photos

Yankees Dangerous Obsession

The Yanks' newest plan can't be categorized as subtle: "The Yankees' first, second and third focuses are pitching." After blowing MLB away with an historic 6 year 140 million-dollar deal to CC Sabathia, the Bombers have followed with offers to brittle A.J. Burnett and 35 year-old Derek Lowe. "We can't get to where we want to go without pitching."--(Team architect Brian Cashman.) Put these remarks into the context of last year's plan--a neophyte starting rotation, with no track record--and it's clear Brian has had a revelation.

While the Bombers Brass are fixated on the mound, first baseman Albert Pujols wins his second NL MVP, beating out first baseman and former winner Ryan Howard of the World Champion Phillies. There is an elite first baseman with a for sale sign dangling around his neck, Mark Teixiera would provide support to a porous defense and fortification to a floundering offense. It is a matter of fact that the front office has been incapable of filling the festering hole left by Tino's initial departure. Rather than send some love Teixiera's way, ambivalence is in the air. Local press reports suggest that the Yanks can't afford both Sabathia and Teixiera, besides where will Posada go for the next three years? (DH comes to mind.)

Last week the Bombers dealt for Nick Swisher, a potentially productive piece, garnered for a paltry price. The modest transaction has morphed to a blockbuster:"Yankees officials saw Swisher as a cheaper alternative to Teixeira, with considerable power and on-base prowess of his own." A viable alternative for Teixiera was acquired for Betemit and two modest minor leaguers? There is more to the story: " the White Sox were looking less for value than to unload a player they didn't want to deal with any more." It gets worse:"One could make an argument that Swisher, the first-baseman/outfielder for the White Sox in 2008, caused his team more damage than anyone else in the sport. After all, he wasn’t just bad; he was bad a lot."--(Will Leitch/New York.)

The New York Yankees have issues: an evacuated starting rotation, poor defense, anemic bench and regressing offense. The cure is more complex than throwing a mountain of money on the mound. It will take a balanced, coherent, long-term plan. The alternative, "The thought of 365-pound CC Sabathia laboring through a 98° game at Yankee Stadium in 2012 with four more years and $105 million remaining on his contract" is too scary to think about.

Photo/SI

Yanks Play Big Stack Poker

MLB's free agent poker game is in full swing. The New York Yankees are the big players at the table. Having the deepest stack of chips allows the leader to deploy an aggressive style that will bury short-stacked opponents. Guile and savvy only go so far.

Baseball and poker are games that require complex strategies. The Yanks send a signal to their competition with an over-the-top raise for the biggest pot of all. The Bombers are willing to push their opponents all in if they make a move for the CC prize. As a consolation, the Yanks check on Teixiera, an elite first baseman who would fill a perpetual hole. The Yankees appease their biggest CC competitor--the Angels-- and save a few dollars at the same time. The game moves on and will feature: bluffs, tells, winners and losers. The Yanks sit behind a mountain of chips, and compete in a contest with a stacked deck. Losing isn't an option.

Photo/NickSwisher.net--(Hat tip LoHud)

Book Review: "Fantasyland"

"Fantasyland"--A season on baseball's lunatic fringe--documents a journey taken by sportswriter, Sam Walker into the fray of Rotisserie baseball. The book, published in 2006, chronicles the 2004 season and Walker's participation in Tout Wars, an elite fantasy league.

I read the book to glean a better understanding of a world I know little about. Walker's chronicle is an excellent insight into a different dimension--a twilight zone of stat wizards and computer programs.

The author gets, "A chance to spend a year getting under the fingernails of baseball." He travels from the Grapefruit League of Florida to the Cactus League of Arizona in an amusing attempt to out-work his competition. Old school scouting observations, gathered from clubhouse conversations are combined with Sabermetric methodology to generate computer programs capable of spitting out a winning formula.

Fantasyland's trip is fueled by Sam Walker's perpetually entertaining writing style. Humor is the link that connects divergent dots.

Yankees fans hit paydirt with a few pinstripe related threads:

• "I'm looking for a high-priced pitcher I've identified as a turkey, a choke artist,or a sure fire flop. Seconds later, I have my man: Sidney Ponson.
• "I tell Guillen that the guy that traded him actually took Sidney Ponson in exchange. Hearing this, Guillen throws back his head and laughs demonically...Guillen shakes his head and puts a finger tip to one of his temples, "Dat guy, got a beeeeg headache rye now."
• "The Yankees use a mathematical formula, pioneered by former GM Gene Michael that allows them to measure the caliber of each new Yankees team against championship squads of the past."
• Theo Epstein, on former Yankee Doug Meintkiewicz, "He's a better real player than Rotisserie player.

The journey ends and Walker draws an interesting conclusion," I assumed the game was the game and Rotisserie was just a preposterous satellite in its gravity. Now I know I was wrong. It's the other way around."

Whether you grew up playing baseball on the field or behind a stat sheet, "Fantasyland" is a quality read and delivers good stuff.

Yanks Start Feeding Frenzy

The Yankees acquisition of Nick Swisher from the White Sox serves as an appetizer to the free agency main course. Swisher gives the Yanks a 28 year-old switch hitter who can play four positions and is considered a clubhouse asset. The Bombers are in dire need of versatility and youth, Swisher provides a viable step in the right direction. As always there is a catch, Nick is coming off a poor season. The risk is neutered by the cost--Wilson Betemit and two minor league pitchers won't be missed. The frenzy of media reporting on this modest transaction shows how hungry everyone is for the main meal:

• ""He had his worst major league season," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "We did our due diligence and engaged our scouts and do believe and certainly are hoping that '07 and '06 are more representative of Nick Swisher than '08. It's certainly a risk that were willing to take on."--(USA Today)
• "emblematic of the kind of player Swisher is: very strong, but also prone to swinging and missing." (NY Times)
• "Giambi Lite"
• '' general manager Ken Williams said. ''And while we still love [Swisher] and the energy he brings -- and he will certainly have a bounce-back year next season -- the fit wasn't good enough to continue down this road.''
  "By the end of the season, the fit seemed awful."
• "In this era of lowered bars, however, fans of the Yankees' big picture must take what they can get."
• "not sure he's the answer at first,.."
• Here's the details on the whole transaction.

Photo Gallery/ Chicago Tribune

Yanks Fill Bullpen Hole

Mike Stanton figures to be at Old Timers Day, Billy Traber is a flickering memory, Marte is the man. The Yanks re-signed left-handed reliever Damaso Marte to a three-year contract Wednesday and the question, "How is it possible to build a Yankee roster without a southpaw in the bullpen?" goes away. Mission accomplished.

The Bombers trade with the Bucs that sent heralded prospects Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf and two pitchers for Marte and Nady represented a shift in the youth movement dogma. Instant gratification was the goal as the Yanks clung to a pennant race pipe dream. Marte arrived with a stellar resume as a durable, potent southpaw. He produced a 1-3 record with an ERA of 5.40 in 25 appearances while wearing pinstripes. His poor production was influenced by a balky elbow. Stat wizards, in search of a silver lining, will note Damaso held opponents to a .214 average while striking out more than an opponent per inning.

Bringing Marte back was a no brainer, the way they chose to do it--a multi-year deal for a high mileage veteran with recent elbow issues vs. an expensive one year deal is debatable. Nothing is simple for the Yankees. The good news is that the bullpen is now a strength. Years of flailing attempts to build a potent pen have payed off. Last year's emerging unit was 5TH in the AL with an ERA of 3.79. 2009 figures to be better, with an arsenal of Bruney, Coke, Veras, Ramirez, Melancon and Marte set to support The Great Rivera, the Yanks are loaded with viable options. With the bullpen fortified, the Bombers Brass can get to work on building a starting rotation, bolstering a disappointing offense, improving a porous defense and filling out an anemic bench. Onward and upward.

Photo/NY Daily News

Yankees Black Friday

The Yankees shopping calendar reads Black Friday, Nov. 14TH-- let the binge begin. No word if the Bombers Brass will be sleeping on the sidewalk in front of CC's mansion the night before, but Yankees fans figure its the least they could do. This years plan is to whip out the checkbook while looking for love--back where it all began.

While we wait, there is some interesting Yankees gibberish floating around:

• "It isn't true that the most exciting thing to happen last week at the General Manager Meetings at the St. Regis Resort Monarch Bay in Dana Point, Calif. was an overzealous security guard hassling Yankees GM Brian Cashman about whether he belonged in the hotel -- though, it may have seemed that way at the time.(S.I.) Sounds like the guard may have been an astute Yankees fan.
• CC, come on down: "When does anyone ever leave a dollar on the table, much less 20 or 30 million dollars?'' It will be hard for the Yanks to miss a target this big.
• The new Boss speaks, " I asked him about getting personally involved with free agents and he said that he planned to, after stressing that Brian Cashman’s job is to negotiate the deal." --(LoHud) Hal, the man behind the curtain enters the fray, fingers remain crossed that he can compensate for Hank and Cash.
• More from LoHud, "You sort of get the impression with Hal that he would rather he someplace else." When Dad ruled the roost there was no question where he wanted to be, his competitive nature was legendary--some would suggest, infamous-- but he got the job done.
• "We have not changed our approach that I put in place here,” Cashman said this week. --(NY Times) As Reagan once said, "There he goes again." This time last year Brian was being touted as the inventor of the youth movement--sort of like Al Gore and the Internet.
• "free agency) is a vehicle to sustain (playoff-caliber clubs) and I’ve done it in the past to help win championships.(Boston Herald, quoting Cash.)
• Some history Cash forgot to mention: "When Cashman warned against splurging in 2006, he was mindful of his experience in 2004. That was the year the Yankees reacted to a bitter playoff loss to the Boston Red Sox by signing Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright, and then trading for and signing Randy Johnson...The Yankees did make an international signing that winter, Kei Igawa, who has been a bust. In hindsight, they would have done better to sign Lilly or Meche." The soundtrack should be Sinatra's "I did it my way."
• Uh Oh: "Wang said that his physical therapist warned him against jogging since his ankles are still too weak for intense activities...Many are looking forward to Wang's notching 20 wins in the future baseball seasons." (Taiwan News) That's more like it, someone has to fill the Moose tracks.
• That's a relief: ""We’re trying to work with our fan base and understand what their needs are,"--Yankees Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost (pronounced Trust?) " the market has slowed, adding "so you don't have 10 people banging on the door. You may only have two people."
  Trost said in August that 44 of 51 suites priced at $600,000 to $850,000 had been committed, and that the $650,000 and $850,000 suites had sold out." Gee, I hope the Yanks don't spend too much on free agents this year.

Photo/NJ.com

Yankees Free Agent Fight

Synchronize your watches Yankees fans, the countdown to the main event is on. The free agent signing period starts in three days and the New York Yankees aspiration to regain their traditional championship belt hangs in the balance. The Bronx Bombers are armed and ready to dominate this contest, there are no excuses this time. (Not yet anyway.)

The weigh-in tells us that the Yanks need: A) Pitching, let's hear from our corner man: ""We have to address our pitching staff, our starting rotation especially," general manager Brian Cashman said recently. "That's first and foremost." Somewhere, the ultimate big ticket, CC Sabathia is smiling. The hefty-lefty is the big foot of this year's mercenary class and is virtually vital to New York's needs. All you can eat baby. B) Offense, Torre's traditional juggernaut floundered in his absence. Hitting guru Kevin Long was at the helm and has an idea: "In terms of Manny, Kevin adds, “He’d be a great fit for the Yankees. We’d love to have him. We have the resources and it’s hard not to think about what the Yankees could do with him in the lineup." Can you say desperation? Manny would temporarily relieve Kevin's pain and not much else. C) Defense, consistently rank near the bottom in a category that is vital in supporting suspect pitching. Mark Teixiera would fill a long-standing void and finally answer the annual question, "Who's on first?" D) Bench, another category, another gaping hole, Yahoo #22 come on down: "Consistently good and perpetually versatile."

The Yankees climb back into the ring and hope to land a haymaker that would make George Foreman proud. Winning on points isn't good enough, we need a knockout.

Notes:

• The rumor mill is churning, it helps to maintain a sense of humor. Was Watching, points to some silly stuff : "This is funny."
• Sound too much like Igawa? :"Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Tuesday that his club has no interest in Tazawa."

Photo/Sox Nation

Rooting for the Ethically Challenged

My mail box is mired with mundane Yankees news:

• Pettitte files for free agency.
• Spending binge to start Friday.
• Free agent rumors.

Yada, yada, yada.

Everyday, we are besieged by a storm of real life dire straits:

• Economic collapse.
• Two wars.
• Government bailouts.
• Soaring unemployment.

"And so it goes."--(The late, great Kurt Vonnegut.)

"Being a sports fan mostly involves blissful ignorance, of the outside world, and that is just fine."--(Will Leitch, God Save the Fan.)

I guess he's right, but "blissful ignorance" for Yankees fans gets tougher all the time:

• Dominican scandal.
• New stadium shenanigans.
• Fiscal improprieties.
• Tax payers foot the bill.

If you are obtuse, it is deliberate. Root,root,root for the home team? It gets harder by the day. Should we get worked up in a lather over which mercenary multi-millionaire player will be bought by some ethically challenged billionaire? It will be a cold winter.

The game of baseball is a tonic. The crack of the bat eases our pain. How many days until Spring Training? It can't come soon enough.

Yankees Farm System Report

The clock ticks towards Nov. 14TH, when a feeding frenzy of free agent activity officially kicks off. The Yankees go back to the future in an attempt to buy all the premium talent their bloated budget can seduce. The Bombers championship credibility hangs by a thread.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. A rebuilt farm system was supposed to nourish an aging, all-star-laden roster. Three years and a long list of multi-million dollar bonus babies has produced an injury riddled, meager crop that needs time--lots of time.

Baseball America (issue/no. 0824) produces an analysis of the Yankees farm system and its top ten prospects: "The failure of the Yankees' top young players was especially galling as the Rays and Red Sox rode theirs to the post season. That subject was the focus of the organization's postseason meetings--trying to figure out why New York's young players haven't translated minor league success to the majors.. New York nevertheless re-signed general manager Brian Cashman to a three-year contract.."

The Yankee organization and its followers aren't noted a bottomless pit of patience. With this in mind, I scanned Baseball America's list of top ten Yankees prospects looking for an estimated time of arrival in the Bronx:

• Austin Jackson,OF: "A robust start could propel Jackson past Cabrera and Gardner for the starting job in New York in 2009." Jackson, an elite athlete , produced: .285/.354/.419 for Trenton (AA) in 2008. Austin is on the express, lets hope he's not the latest victim of Big Apple hype.
• Jesus Montero,C: "He'll start 2009 at high Class A as a 19-year old and could jump on an even faster track." Catchers take years to develop and Montero's defensive issues are well documented.
• Andrew Brackman,RHP: "Raw for his age." Spent all of 2008 on Rehab mountain.
• Austin Romine,C: "ready for New York by 2011.."
• Dellin Betances,RHP: "yet to prove he can stay healthy.." BA projects a 2011 arrival
• Zach Mcallister, RHP: "Figures to spend most of 2009 in Double-A."
• Alfredo Aceves,RHP: "limited ceiling..needs quality defense behind him. He has a leg up on Kennedy and Hughes for a rotation spot in 2009."
• Phil Coke: "Has earned a spot in the Yankees plans."
• Mark Melancon,RHP: "He'll compete for a set-up role in 2009."
• Bradley Suttle,3B: "could push Rodriguez to a different position in 2011."

The projections point to a young, deep, bullpen with no proven bridge to the Great Rivera. Aceves potency depends on the defense, good luck with that. If Jackson survives the express, Cabrera's ship sails and Gardner assumes the Dave Roberts role on the bench. That's it, nothing else on the horizon. "..the Yankees next wave seems further away now than it did at this time a year ago."--(BA)

Is it any wonder the Bombers Brass is salivating over the free agent market? The lean cuisine of the organization's home cooking, leaves everyone hungry for more.

Photo/Daylife

Yankees Love Life

"Go after them all and see who goes after us," Cashman said of his agenda with Monopoly season officially opening on Nov. 14, when all teams can talk money with all free agents. "We're going to show a lot of love, but we're going to need somebody to love us back. That doesn't happen often, though."--(MLB)

Those words have a befuddled Andy Pettitte feeling a tad jilted. "“I let them know a few weeks ago I’d like to come back and play,” Pettitte said...My agent said he would call me if he had heard anything and he hasn’t heard anything.”--(NBC) Andy's sobering tale of woe is nothing new, just ask Bernie Williams. When the love-light shined on the stars, in their heyday, they played hard to get. Bernie flirted with the Red Sox, Andy pondered premature retirement. The skills fade but the heart yearns for the good old days. The Yankees lust after new faces, it's all part of the fickle game of baseball love. (I'll wait for the movie.)

Notes:

• Go figure: " The Astros acquired Hawkins from the Yankees at the trading deadline July 30, and he did not allow a run in his first 22 appearances with Houston." From AL batting practice fodder to NL fireman, miracles happen.
• Trade him to Houston: "Surely there be some sort of market for Igawa? Perhaps a National League team with a big park?
  “No,” said Brian Cashman. “Nobody has asked me about him.”
  Nobody?
  “Nobody.”--(LoHud) I guess he's still in the mix.
• Is there a salesman in the house? "I'm not trying to sell anyone on New York. I don't think you have to sell people on playing in this organization."--(The captain on Sabathia-NJ.com) The Boss sold Mr. October. Torre was a great ambassador for the Big Apple. Jeter needs to do whatever it takes to get some big time talent in the Bronx. Derek has sharpened his sales shtick by peddling Fords, it's time to step up.
• The love-light shines: "The Angels want Teixeira. The Red Sox want Teixeira. The Yankees want Teixeira.
  And they all have money to burn."(Boston.com) The Yanks/Sox rivalry is hotter off the field than on these days.
• Stop the insanity: Manny Ramirez stars in this years "“idiocy factor”. Here's some cogent advice: " The Yankees are not swooping in. Call his bluff.." The catch is, Manny is still Manny. If he reluctantly signs a short-term deal pouting may dwarf production--good luck with that.

Photo/SI

Yankees Notes and Quotes

The hot stove boils over with talk about big ticket pitchers and booming bats. One of the Yankees long list of deficiencies won't make headlines. Porous defense has become a Yankee trademark, without a significant improvement in this key area, the road to recovery is ominous. The site Roto Graphs, provides some eye opening numbers and concludes: "If Cano rebounds, Teixeira signs, Abreu moves on and Jeter moves off of shortstop (hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?), the Yankees could improve defensively by a significant margin. However, none of those things are guaranteed, and it’s possible that the club will be sporting little leather once again next season." Yankees followers want to believe that all it will take is a couple of headline snatching big tickets to get the Bombers back in the championship express lane. The roster's rickety foundation suggests that there are no quick fixes.

Notes & Quotes:

• The search for Tino's replacement is a work in progress, these things take time: "“I don’t buy into the idea of using a Johnny Damon or a Hideki Matsui or converting somebody else,” he said. “I’d like us to get a player who knows how to play that position.” -- (Brian Cashman)"And now for something completely different."--(Monty Python) Click the link above for the defensive stats, contrast Giambi and Teixiera, if Cash is serious, get out the checkbook.
• MLB, provides some interesting Cashman quotes: "Go after them all and see who goes after us," Cashman said of his agenda with Monopoly season officially opening on Nov. 14, when all teams can talk money with all free agents. "We're going to show a lot of love, but we're going to need somebody to love us back. That doesn't happen often, though." "We have to figure out how to get better. I have no idea where this ride's going to take us." ""My job is to shore up weaknesses," Cashman said, pointing out that pitching, defense and speed were not Yankees strengths in 2008. "I'd love to have a pitching and defense team first, and the rest fall in place. I don't see any of that transpiring." I read stuff like this, 11 years after Brian took the job, and I have to assume that the Brothers Steinbrenner are obtuse on baseball matters.
• "The New York Yankees' Brian Cashman expressed interest in Cameron during talks with Melvin at the general managers' meetings that concluded Thursday in Dana Point, Calif. The Yankees are looking for a one-year stopgap in center until prospect Austin Jackson is ready for the majors. Talking the youth-movement talk is easy, having the patience and fortitude to go through the obligatory growing pains is something else. Yankee farm hands, noting how Cabrera, Gardner, Ohlendorf and Tabata were quickly discarded while Hughes and Kennedy went up in flames, can't have much confidence in the organization.
• "The Yankees surfaced in a New York Daily News report that cited right-hander Phil Hughes and outfielder Austin Jackson with right-hander Ian Kennedy to round out a possible package." The alleged Peavy package would put an exclamation point on last years Santana sweepstakes.
• " I praised Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman effusively last winter when he had the guts to walk away from a Johan Santana trade rather than give up a slew of his young arms, specifically Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.
  My logic failed me at the intersection of experience and expectations. Santana is money in the bank. He pitched 234 1/3 innings and had a 2.53 ERA. He went 16-7 and would have won 20 games if the Mets' bullpen had been better.
  Hughes and Kennedy? Great arms. Great talents. No track record. They were a combined 0-8 with a 7.45 ERA in 17 starts for the Yankees in 2008.
  Had Cashman shipped Hughes and Kennedy to the Twins for Santana, the Yankees would have been in the playoffs for a 14th consecutive year."
• "The Yankees' Cashman said yesterday he was shopping for as many as three starting pitchers, “but it's not easy. It's hard enough getting one.” We've noticed.

PHOTO/SI VAULT

Book Review: "God Save The Fan"

Will Leitch of Deadspin fame, produces a book, "God Save The Fan" that gives voice to sports fans inundated with sports gibberish. The muted majority who are pummeled by garrulous gas bags while trying to score their sports fix will enjoy themselves. All participants: players, owners, fans and media are skewered with a humorous, take no prisoners style. The names aren't changed to protect the guilty.

The book's strength is in its targets:

• Players: "You're More Interesting Than an Athlete. Really!" From Lucious Pusey to John Rocker, the celebrities behind the hype curtain are exposed.
• Owners:"Why do we assume the owners have more right to our money than the players?" The chapter titled,"Take Out the Second mortgage: We're Off to Yankee Stadium!" will ring a bell.
• Fans: "Being a sports fan mostly involves blissful ignorance, of the outside world, and that is just fine."
• Media: Leitch lands his biggest punches on the heavy bag of sports broadcasting. "Ten Examples of How ESPN is Ruining sports." and " Ten Most Loathsome ESPN Personalities and Their Worst Moments" set the tone.

Yankees references of note:

• Giambi, Jason. "Proof that steroids are good for you and will make you money. Signed nine-digit contract with the Yankees after years of steroid abuse..."
• Jeter, Derek. "Somehow has navigated the New York media rigmarole so that he is beloved regardless of his actions and however many vapid quotes he gives."
• "Paul O'Neill is an American Hero video montage, scored, bizarrely, to Pat Benatar's, "The Warrior." Mr Leitch suggests that this Yankee Stadium practice may be a tad over the top.

"God Save The Fan" is a must read for any sports fan looking for shelter from the sports gibberish storm. Humor is a tonic and Will Leitch's book helps ease our pain.

(Editors Note: The book came out in January, this site isn't big enough to get on the free stuff bandwagon yet, I scored my copy at the Public Library.)

Photo/Deadspin

Yanks Can't Admit Mistakes

The New York Yankees took two steps in the right direction yesterday when they declined the options of Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano. The infamous legacies of two failed, big ticket, free agent acquisitions will linger and should provide a cautionary tale for organizations salivating over the pending free agent frenzy.

Giambi played 7 years in pinstripes, hit 209 homers, walked a lot and played first base with the dexterity of a fire hydrant. Jason was a prime time player in MLB's steroid scandal but was popular in the clubhouse and with the press. $120 million dollars paid for an inconsistent, injury riddled, defensively challenged, nice guy with a good OPS. GM Brian Cashman said, "We certainly love Jason, he's been a pleasure to have as a Yankee.."

Pavano was paid $39.95 million over four years and produced a 9-8 record in 26 starts with an ERA of 5.00. Carl's tenure in pinstripes was noted for a never ending string of injuries including the dreaded bruised buttocks. The man responsible for signing Pavano speaks, "When Pavano is healthy he can do what few can do."--(Cashman/2008.) Wait, it could get worse, there are reports that Cash is actually considering the return of the Raja of Rehab. LoHud in an article titled, "Say it isn't so about Pavano" opines, "Cashman has long been stubborn about Pavano, insisting that he isn’t a dog. But it’s one thing to defend a player you signed, it’s quite another to bring him back."

Peter Gammons recently profiled Red Sox GM Theo Epstein for Baseball America: "One of Epstein's traits is his ability to admit he has made a bad decision. He is someone who constantly asks, "What am I missing," and does not worry about the talk show ramifications of moving on from a bad decision."--(Baseball America, issue#0822)

Contrast Epstein's method--acknowledging errors, learning and moving on with Cashman's consistent stubborness. (Is Igawa still in the mix?) Someone said, "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Deja vu all over again.

Yankees News and Rumors

MLB's General Managers Meetings get under way in Dana Point, California. Baseball executives make the ultimate sacrifice and toil under oppressive conditions, in hopes of improving their organizations future. Yankees fans are kept warm by a blanket of news and rumors:

• Strike One: News that Phillies GM Pat Gillick would remain as a consultant is bad news for Yankees followers hoping that the Yanks could add the Hall of Fame caliber executive to their think tank. Gillick has Yankees ties and would have added the decision making skills and player evaluation ability that the Bombers front office is sorely lacking.
• Just the beginning: "The signing of Mitre could be a precursor to a busy week for the Yankees. Cashman arrived in Dana Point, Calif., on Sunday for the General Managers Meetings, which opened on Monday at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Hotel.
  "We hope to do bigger and better than a Minor League contract with some people, but we'll see," Cashman said."
• Sounds familiar: LoHud reports on the Yanks latest acquisition: "The trainers in Tampa must be paid by the patient. The Yankees have signed right-handed pitched Sergio Mitre, who had Tommy John surgery in June." As usual we hear that Mitre has a big upside and will be ready by mid-season. Here are a few pesky facts, "He is 10-23, 5.36 in 78 career games, 52 of them starts. He blew out his elbow in spring training and did not pitch in 2008." "Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends."--(ELP)
• Be very afraid: "The Yankees reportedly have cooled on Melky Cabrera, and Johnny Damon is no longer an everyday option in center. Now that Cameron is off the table as a free agent, the Yankees may have to swing a trade to fill their need. One option might be Gary Matthews Jr., a high-priced No. 4 outfielder in Anaheim." The Beltran snubbing, cotinues to haunt.
• For the defense: Baseball Musings offers some strategic insight on buying a starting rotation: " Do you want both Lowe and Wang in a rotation, or do you want more strike out pitchers? Lots of strike outs covers for a poor defense." Defense doesn't sell luxury boxes but does win games, let's hope it's on Cash's things to do list.
• Decisions, decisions: "In the end, the choice comes down to a matter of taste. Do you prefer the older, "safer" choice, or the younger guy who performs like a No. 1 when he's on his game?
  "I'd take Lowe," said an NL front-office man. "His age doesn't bother me as much as Burnett's entire injury portfolio."
  "Burnett by a mile," said an AL executive. "He'll be 35 in the last year of the deal whereas Lowe will be 39 at the end of the deal. It's not close for me." Decision making skills can never be underestimated.
• Please stop. Jake Peavy's agent is doing his job, but it's painful to follow: " "What kid doesn't grow up dreaming of wearing the pinstripes?'' Axelrod said. Yet, for geographic reasons the Yankees remain below the five NL teams on Peavy's list, and perhaps also the Angels, who have a distinct advantage in that they are the nearest team to Peavy's new home in San Diego."
• Zen Master:"In a scene unlikely to be duplicated in the new Yankee Stadium, Cashman took off his sandals, sat on the floor with his legs crossed and discussed what he believed was the team’s most pressing need: starting pitchers. “ No word if Humberto Sanchez will be ready soon or if Igawa is in the mix.

Photo/Lodging for vacations

New Sports Blogs

There are two new blogs of note, check out Yankees Scrolls and Daddy Sports for some good reading. They can be found, for future reference, in the "Yankees Rotation" section of this site.

Yankees Hunting Season

The dynasty is dead, the heralded youth movement exposed as a public relations ploy, but the Yankees are still king of the financial hill. Money may not buy love but it does purchase perpetual baseball contention. The offseason kicks into gear with the GM meetings on deck and MLB waits for the Bronx Bomber bucks to make a grand entrance.

Let's lead off with some customary over-the-top expectations:"One agent said - without any hint of a joke - he would not be surprised if the Yanks signed CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez. "Beyond having a conscious, there is no reason the Yanks cannot take their payroll to $250 million or more."
An NL GM said, "The Yankees are the wild card of the offseason. Do they blow everyone away or do they operate like a real team with a real budget?"--(Fox Sports.) Somewhere George Steinbrenner is smiling and Hal is retching. The new guys don't have the cajones to swing for the fences. Let me guess, Hank really wants to (Just ask him.) but Hal and his best buddy Cash don't think it's prudent. I miss the good old days.

Unfortunately, acquiring productive players requires more than writing a check. History teaches us that most players aren't capable of thriving in Gotham's glare. Here's a knee-buckling report: "While the Yankees aren't in Peavy's preferred National League, the idea isn't completely wacky...He said to me at one point, 'Gosh, every kid growing up dreams about the pinstripes.' "Even an Alabama native accustomed to the sleepy backcountry instead of a city that never sleeps?"He wouldn't even be intimidated by pitching in Yankee Stadium ---- he is not Ed Whitson," (Note, Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod has good stuff too.) Remember Ed Whitson? Hard to forget: "Whitson's Yankee tenure was also memorable for constantly being heckled and booed during home games. This was the result of being a high priced free agent that under-performed in the eyes of Yankee fans and the New York media." Don't you hate when that happens. Paying a premium price in prospects for a reluctant Peavy is a recipe for failure.

Hopefully, augmenting big ticket purchases with useful role players will be part of one of this years plans. Here's an interesting name: "Casey Blake, third baseman/first baseman/outfielder. Versatile player came through big for the Dodgers. A possibility for Yankees if Teixeira goes elsewhere." Baseball Prospectus delivers a scouting report:"Casey Blake might not be an impact player, but that doesn't mean he's not incredibly valuable...what makes him integral is his versatility...This sort of player is always underappreciated." Sounds like a talented version of Wilson Betemit.

The New York Yankees start the offseason with a cash register full of advantages. At some point, decision making skills will be required. There is always a catch.

Photo/ESPN

Yankees Free Agent Feast

The free agent frenzy boils on the Hot Stove. The New York Yankees, flush with cash and hungry for redemption, look to get their fill. Sixty-five names are on the menu--all you can eat baby. The main course is gourmet quality. CC Sabathia, a durable, dominant lefty in his prime, would hit the spot. Mark Teixeira, a consistent, switch hitting, run producing bat with a glove of gold would fill a big hole. A.J. Burnett has the right stuff. The big three make for a bountiful feast.

A precautionary tale, from somewhere says, "Don't count your chickens..." What happens if the elite entries don't make it to the Bombers plate? The left overs aren't appetizing. Need pitching? Ben Sheets features Pavano-esque durability, Lowe isn't interested in the Bronx and Oliver Perez is consistently inconsistent. How about a bat? Manny's legendary baggage in the Bronx is no bargain.

The blustering Bombers are in a tough spot. If the prime cuts are off the table, do they have the discipline to pass on the left-overs or do they fill up on the junk food? You are what you eat.

Photo/Daylife

Yankees Notes & Quotes

The games are over, the obsession never ends. Here's an assortment of notes on all things Yankees:

Baseball America, keeps us warm all winter with relentless coverage:

• International Signings: "The Yankees were big spenders as usual...This year was a turbulent one for the Yankees international scouting department." They document the signings of six sixteen year olds for $3.975 million. At these prices, is it any wonder why youth movements are fashionable.
• Draft: "It's hard for any club to overcome failing to sign two of its top three picks, especially when one is the draft's hardest thrower." The front office's failures reached from top to bottom in 2008.
• Top 20 Rookies: "#7 Joba Chamberlain: At his best, Chamberlain performed as well as any rookie in the game. But he didn't last as a starter..." The importance of Joba's ability to last as a durable, dominant starter can't be minimized. Can the Yanks get lucky one time?
• A new year: "I don't think there are guarantees for a whole lot of people in our rotation."--Girardi. "It would be a surprise for anyone in my situation to be guaranteed anything."--Phil Hughes. The "Franchise" transitions from prodigy to project as the age of entitlement finally ends.
• LoHud reports on Mussina's projected retirement: "There is no evidence that he will be back." Moose saved the best for last and gets to leave on top. The Yanks try to replace 20 wins from the rotation. Another hole to fill.
• Common Sense:In the words of Monty Python, "And now for something completely different," the Yanks make a sensible offer for an aging veteran.
• Manny Rumors: My initial reaction to the Ramirez conjecture was disdain. Why would an old team add a veteran, one-dimensional, head case at a premium price? What would be gained? Headlines, a return to offensive potency, a short term fix. Is that worth the distraction and inevitable over-paid meltdown that a multi-year deal would bring. A prudent franchise in search of viable long term solutions would dismiss the notion. But what about the Yanks? The spoils of a new stadium demand an entertaining successful team immediately. 2008 redux won't do. The Yankees core--Jeter, Rivera, Posada--need fortification now. We found out last season that the rebuilt farm is a mirage, something tangible is required. Desperate strokes for desperate folks?

Photo/Sports Illustrated