| Andrew Perna. 14th November, 2008 - 3:52 pm
 Every winter the Yankees are one of the most active teams on the free agent market. It comes with the colder weather in New York, the heating up of the hot stoves, and the busy phone line of Scott Boras.
After missing out on the playoffs altogether in 2008, GM Brian Cashman has more work to do than ever before. Pundits expect, and fans are hoping, that the Yanks will throw boatloads of cash at guys in the mode of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Manny Ramirez.
However, they’d be better off managing their money, especially with the wealth of talent available on the market this offseason.
Catcher
The Yankees are actually set at catcher, assuming Jorge Posada returns to full strength at the start of the 2009 season. Jose Molina’s weaknesses were exposed in a more prominent role in 2008, but he’s still worthy of 20-40 starts over the course of a season.
Starter: Jorge Posada, Backup: Jose Molina
First Base
The acquisition of Nick Swisher from the White Sox provides the Yankees with a “low-cost” option at first base. He may not have numbers similar to Mark Teixeira, but he will make a significant amount less. I don’t like Cody Ransom as his backup, and re-signing Jason Giambi to split time would be a waste of money. Someone like Miguel Cairo, who has a history in New York, would provide nice depth at multiple positions.
Starter: Nick Swisher, Backup: Miguel Cairo
Second Base
Many expect the Yankees to shop Robinson Cano, who can handle a majority of the starts at second when playing well, this offseason. If they do, they’ll likely ask for pitching and maybe infield prospects in return. Orlando Hudson is the only promising option on the free agent market, which leads me to believe that Cashman will hold onto Cano. If someone like Mark Loretta or Mark Grudzielanek is available for a reasonable price, the Yanks should jump.
Starter: Robinson Cano, Backup: Mark Grudzielanek
Third Base
Obviously, third base is another position in which the Yankees are set heading into 2009. New York will just have to hope that Alex Rodriguez will be focused on baseball rather than Madonna, Kabbalah and his divorce this coming spring.
Starter: Alex Rodriguez, Backup: Miguel Cairo
Shortstop
Derek Jeter will hold down the position for what seems like the twentieth-straight year, but for the first time in his career he might need to rest on occasion. If Cairo is signed to backup Swisher and A-Rod, he could do the same for Jeter.
Starter: Derek Jeter, Backup: Miguel Cairo
Left Field
Xavier Nady showed during his time with the Yankees that he is more than capable of handling the pressure of New York and his spot in the team’s lineup. The presence of Johnny Damon, Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera and even Swisher in town will allow Joe Girardi to give Nady time off when needed. In pinstripes for an entire season, Nady could easily hit. 300 with 30 homers and 100 RBIs. And no, I don’t see Manny Ramirez as a legitimate option in New York.
Starter: Xavier Nady, Backup: Platoon
Center Field
An upgrade at this position is needed, and the free agent crop is thin. A rotation of Damon, Gardner and Cabrera in center won’t cut it again, so the trade market might need to be given a long look. If the Yankees are able to pry Nate McLouth away from Pittsburgh, perhaps with a package involving Cano, he could become their everyday option. I think Gardner will see time this season because of his speed on the bases and his defense.
Starter: Nate McLouth, Backup: Gardner
Right Field
Bobby Abreu has performed well in New York, handling right field and the press better than most, but as a free agent he’s far from a lock to return. If Cashman can get him to sign for less, his return is a no-brainer. However, as one of the better hitters on the market, he could command a lot of money elsewhere. If Abreu doesn’t re-sign, we’ll likely see Nady as the everyday starter in right, while Damon and Matsui share time in left.
Starter: Bobby Abreu, Backup: Platoon
Designated Hitter
Unless he is traded, Matsui should hold down this spot. Girardi would get a huge boost if Matsui is able to play left at times, especially if Abreu signs elsewhere. Milton Bradley is an intriguing free agent option, but he’s also volatile and likely wouldn’t be able to handle criticism in the Big Apple. Giambi is a long-shot to return and see time here.
Starter: Hideki Matsui, Backup: Whoever Needs Rest
Starting Pitchers
Here’s where the heavy-lifting will need to be done by Cashman. As of Friday morning, Chien-Ming Wang was the only lock to be in the rotation on Opening Day. Some might include Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain into the mix, but the organization’s uncertain plans regarding the young guns aren’t concrete enough for me to confidently place both of them in the order.
I’d like to see, and believe that, the Yankees will bring either Mike Mussina or Andy Pettitte back as the rotation’s veteran presence. Based on 2008 performance alone, I’d obviously like to see Mussina return, but he appears much more likely to retire than Pettitte. For that reason alone, let’s count the lefty into the mix.
That leaves Cashman with three open spots.
As any team would, I think the Yankees badly want CC Sabathia. Friday's offer, which is reportedly worth more than the $137.5 million Johan Santana received from the Mets, likely means that the big lefty is headed to New York.
A.J. Burnett would be a nice addition as well, especially because they’d be “taking” him from a division rival. Cashman is known to covet Derek Lowe as well, but getting all three top targets will be difficult.
Ben Sheets, Brad Penny and Ryan Dempster are other interesting options assuming the Steinbrenners are willing to shell out a tremendous amount of money to ensure their postseason drought doesn’t extend to two seasons.
Starters (in no particular order): CC Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Ryan Dempster, Backups: Dan Giese, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves
Relievers
They already re-signed Damaso Marte, who I wasn’t overly happy with despite lofty expectations after he landed with the Yankees. Mariano Rivera won’t pitch forever, but he’ll be among the best as long as he’s on the mound. I also like the trio of Brian Bruney, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez when used properly.
If Chamberlain is in the bullpen as well, they have the arms to feature one of the best bullpens in all of baseball. If Joba is starting, Girardi would probably benefit from an added flamethrower out of the pen. I’m resisting the urge to suggest Kyle Farnsworth, but someone in that mold as an addition wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Mainstays: Mariano Rivera, Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez
Andrew Perna is a Senior Writer for RealGM.com. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail – Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com. |
