On the Yankees beat

SP-McCarthy\A-ROD Trade
3B-Crede\A-ROD Trade
RP-Gagne\Incentive Contract
SP-Eaton\Incentive Contract
1B-Garciaparra
C- Piazza

Here's who I like for each open roster spot:
1B: Nomar
Backup C: Zaun or Lieberthal
Backup Inf: Cairo
Backup Inf: remove Phillips, add Mentkeivicz(sp?)or Mabry
Backup OF: Bernie!
SP's: Choice of Zito; Padilla or Lilly
RP: Bruney and Justin Speier, w/ an eye toward working in Britton.

This assumes we didn't win the bidding for Matsuzaka.

I pretty much concur with Jim A.I'd go after the Pirates Ryan Doumit switch hitting catcher .Also add Mulder to your list.Maybe Steve Kline instead of Villone for lefty reliever.

I thought about Kline too, except he had a terrible time with Baltimore so I figured he hated the AL. Mulder could be a great 2 year deal type person. One year to get it straight after surgery, the next year to prove he is all the way back.
I wonder if Zito will use the Yanks and Mets just to drive up the price from some west coast team.

Here's the problem with relievers.....the problem is that Joe Torre falls in love with a couple and rides on them for months and then by August their arms fall. Examples: Paul Quantrill, Scott Proctor, Ron Villone. I understand that he doesn't trust the other guys to be a bridge to Mo, but Joe can't do this and expect them to be lights out during the playoffs.

They need their rest (btw, Farnsworth does not fall in to this, he can't pitch 2 days in a row). Ship him out!!

If we lose out on Matsuzaka, the FA SP's that are available are really not a top notch group. And, we all know by now that in the post season, it's all about pitching. So, my plan is to trade A-Rod to the Angels for E. Santana and Scott Schields. That gives us a quality young SP and one of the best RP in the AL. And since this team has alot of aging stars, it is built to win a ring NOW. With that in mind my suggestions are as follows:

#5 OF - BERNIE (do I have to explain this one).

Backup C - M.Piazza (RH) because Posada is aging & will need more days off, so we need someone who can contribute to the offense while playing 40+ games. And, $1.25 mil for a hitting backup C is not bad at all. And, he can PH & be the #3 1B.

1B - K. Millar (RH) for a two year deal because his .374 OBP fits in with the Yanks scheme & he doesn't wilt under pressure. He actually rises to the occassion.

3B - Nomar (RH) With A-Rod traded, I say go to Nomar for a two year deal (another clutch performer who can handle the pressures of the spotlights). And, I am sure he would enjoy playing the Red Sox 19 times.

RP - S. Shields (from the A-Rod trade) and rotate in some of the AAA kids.

SP - Along with Wang, Santana (from the A-Rod trade), and Mussina, I say sign Lilly (a solid performer, left handed, can handle NY, much cheaper than Zito, etc.). Four QUALITY guys is all you need anyhow. If we must blow some money, then go ahead with Zito in lieu of Lilly.

#5 SP - Should be filled with RJ when healthy or rotate in each of the kids for a few starts each. This spot is just to get through the regular season anyhow. A #5 is not needed in post season.

If you noticed also, I listed (RH) after alot of these new hitters. That is because with Sheffield and now A-Rod gone, many people worry about our lineup being short handed of RH hitters. I was carefull to address that issue with these new faces.

By the time the post season rolls around, RJ should be back completely, and Hughes should be ready, so you can pick your best four from Wang, Santana, Mussina, Lilly, Johnson and Hughes. Just go with the best 4 as of October 1st and put the others in the pen.

I still don't understand why everyone still thinks that the Yankees will really trade A-Rod. It is not going to happen so don't get your hopes up. So many of you are looking forward to 2007 with unreal expectations of a trade that just won't happen. It is more likely we get Willis, than we trade A-Rod. HE HAS A BLANKET NO TRADE CLAUSE!!!! he is not going to let them trade him, period. They could have the best deal of all time set up and if A-Rod doesn't want to go he is going to say no. so get it out of your head.

Have a great vacation, Jim.

As for filling the Yankee vacancies there is still a lot more wheeling and dealing to come, I would guess. Some may likely be in the works as I type this.

Brian Cashman has been doing a terrific job purging problems and getting talent back. Will those young arms actually ever pitch for the Yankees or will they serve as bait for larger fish?

Time will tell.

Hope your time off gives you rest from the baseball frenzy.

I just can't see giving up A-Rod for a pitcher with a career ERA in the mid 4's, even though he is young. I'd need more than Santana and Shields. If I were to trade A-Rod, I'd rather send him to Chicago for Crede, McCarthy and Garcia, which Chicago wouldn't do because they don't want to part with McCarthy. Still, I wouldn't settle for anything less than 3 major league players. Frankly, I think Cash is up to something by stockpiling these young pitchers. I think he may have some type of stunning trade up his sleeve that is going to catch us all by surprise.

I meant to add that I do not think they will/should trade A-Rod. It has taken a lot of players a long time to get the post season monkey's off their backs (Bonds for one) but I think A-Rod will get it together.

Aaron, ARod had a no-trade clause in Texas. Abreu had a no-trade clause in Philly.

A no-trade clause means a team cannot trade a player without his permission and agreement, sometimes in consideration for additional compensation.

Never say never.

Fellas,

A-Rod is NEVER going to "Git-R-Done" in the post season for NY. He is Dave Winfield all over again. It has nothing to do with his "tools". They are fine. It is all about his "psyche". He can't do it when the lights shine the brightest.

Some guys have IT and some don't. A-Rod don't have IT. It's like one AL scout said before the playoffs, "A-Rod can hit better than Jeter, play SS better than Jeter, run faster than Jeter, throw better than Jeter, and has more power than Jeter. But, Jeter is a better BASEBALL PLAYER.

My goodness, I'll bet Andy Phillips can hit better than .098 in the playoffs! Why do you all think A-Rod is just too valuable to trade for PITCHING? Please explain it to me citing fact, not fantasy.

Let me know what you guys think.....

I say the Yankees sign Justin Speier. He can be our primary setup man as we won't have to depend on Fransworth as much. Also Speier is 32 years old. Then we should resign Cairo. As for first base I say we should let Andy Phillips play. He has a solid glove and he is young. He batted .240 with 7 homers and 29 rbi's. I say keep him at first and let's see what he can do with a full year at first base. Remember we don't need production from every postion. As far as backup catcher why not Rod Barajas? He can handle his fare share of games behind the plate. For backup outfield why not give Kevin Thompson a try for a full year in that roll. As far as the relievers go I say they should have Proctor,Fransworth,Meyers,Rivera,Speier,and Bruney. As far as starters we should have Wang,Moose,Johnson,Karstens,Rasner,and have Hughes and Sanchez waiting in the wings if someone goes down. We do not need to sign any of these free agent pitchers because not one of these on the market is the answer. And if the Red Sox win the bid so be it let them take a 90 million dollar gamble. If he turns out good so what there pitching is not good anyways.

There are a couple of holes in your plan Rick Keyes. A) The Yankees aren't trading A-Rod. B) Nomar is injury prone and not an everyday player anymore, he wears out and usually finds himself on the DL when his team needs him most. He finished the post season on the DL. C) Millar is getting old (35).

I'd say try Duncan out at 1B (he's at 3B now), he's been doing great in fall ball or keep Guiel or use Andy. Andy did a good job when everyone was out injured and he's great defensively. Keep in mind that Giambi might play the field more. The Yankees may be planning on using the DH role to rest the OF and start Melky, on those days Giambi would have to play the field unfortunately. We should definitely get Cairo back for the infield back-up. He’s versatile and a good defender at all his positions and plays a decent 1B. He can also hit. Bernie should be our back-up OF, hopefully he’ll want to. If the Yankees are going to give Posada more rest than last season he should mentor a young catcher (like Girardi did with Posada) so that there is a plan for the next Yankee catcher once Posada is done. He’s going to be hard to replace. He’s got a lot of intensity, he’s clutch, and he cares about the Yankee legacy and has a lot of pride. Maybe try Nieves?

I’m still hoping that the Sox didn't get Matsuzaka and we did (we’ll know our fate by tomorrow). But if we don't get him, I'd focus on getting Lilly. RJ is on his last year and recovering form surgery. We’ll need a lefty in the rotation soon. Pettitte has not been the same since his elbow surgery. His ERA doubled, he allowed a career high 27 HRs, and might not want to play at all or in NY. And definitely give Karstens a shot at the #5 slot if not, then Sanchez. The Rotation (without Matsuzaka): Wang, Lilly, Mussina, Johnson, Karstens. With Matsuzaka: Matsuzaka, Wang, Lilly, Mussina, Johnson (if he wears out then bring up/out the young guns).

As for the relievers I partially agree with the comment made about Joe Torre going to the same guys overworking them. But if the relievers were more consistent then this wouldn’t happen, it’s a vicious cycle. Hopefully Donnie can make some suggestions as the bench coach in this respect. Bruney should definitely be back, he did great, he’s got electric stuff and he’s young. Britton had good outings for the Orioles so he should be in the bullpen too (Britton's numbers in three separate stints with Baltimore were good. He was 0-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 games. He whiffed 41 and walked 17 in 53 2/3 innings, holding hitters to a .228 average, righties batted only .186. Of all AL rookies with more than 40 innings, he had the third lowest ERA). Remember Sturtze, he fell victim to overuse but he might make a full recovery and factor into the bullpen too.

Rick Keyes- In general, our plans are very similiar. We both feel that trading A-ROD is essential if the Yanks are serious about making a run at another championship. He will agree to a trade if told the Yanks don't want him, and has said so publicly. He has left that door cracked open intentionally. The major disagreement I have with your plan is Millar. He is one of those "replacement players", and there is no way I would have any of those guys on my team. I know Spencer was a "replacement player" but it makes no difference. Just a small quibble with your well thought out plan. I also prefer trading A-ROD to the W\Sox as opposed to the Angels.

Roy- Lidle was a replacement player too.

Rick: Until the last two playoff series A-Rod actually had a higher career playoff BA then Jeter, this is fact, not fantasy. You can check it out on baseballreference.com
in 2004 against Boston, Derek Jeter hit .200 for the series, yet people jumped on A-Rod who hit .260. I'm not a big A-Rod advocate or anything, but I just don't see the need to panic and trade him now because he had two bad postseasons. Having said all that, I said this earlier and I'll say it again- If they could trade him to Chicago for McCarthy, Garcia (or Buerhle) and Joe Crede (if his back is okay, he may have surgery), that is a trade I'd make. Crede may be the second coming of Graig Nettles.

Paul, A-Rod still has a no-trade clause, and he wanted to come to the Yankees. If he leaves and gets traded he knows he will always be labeled as the guy who could never make it in NY. A-Rod cares way to much what people think about him to let that happen. so i highly doubt there will be a trade with A-Rod especially with Cash coming out and saying repeatedly they won't trade A-Rod, and Boras and A-Rod saying they would not waive the no trade clause...so ok i wont say never but there is a 99.99% chance he is going nowhere. It is more likely we get Willis before we trade A-Rod.

The only way that the Yanks are going to work out a trade for A-Rod, assuming that he even approves a trade, is to get another right-handed bat who produces in order to replace him. They'd have to do this because of the Sheffield trade since A-Rod is the ONLY right-handed power that they have. The only solid bat on the market who can come close to A-Rod type numbers is Soriano. What are the Yanks going to do with him? They can ask him to play 3rd, but will he do it and can he succeed there. They can put him at 2nd and move Cano to 3rd, but will that work? They can package A-Rod and Cano in a trade to Anaheim for pitching (Santana, Joe Saunders and Scott Shields) PLUS Chone Figgins who can take over at 3rd. The Angels need a 2nd baseman since they aren't going to resign Kennedy and they have a ton of pitching.
However, I don't think that this isn't going to happen!
What I THINK might happen is that the Yanks are going to go after Zito as a top-of-the-rotation guy. They'll probably try to get Lilly (might not be a bad deal as he seems to be a Boston Killer) and either Meche or Batista. These guys can hold the fort until Hughes and Sanchez can step in.

"However, I don't think that this isn't going to happen!"
I meant to say that I don't think this will happen.

POSITION PLAYERS (14)
C - Jorge Posada
1B - Nomar/or aquire someone through a trade
2B - Robinson Cano
3B - Alex Rodriguez
SS - Derek Jeter
RF - Bobby Abreu
CF - Johnny Damon
LF - Hideki Matsui
DH - Jason Giambi
Backup C - no one in FA looks very good except Zahn...but i would rather have a rookie with potential so Yogi and Jorge can get him going from ST on
Backup INF - Cairo
Backup INF - Andy Phillips or Duncan
Backup OF - Melky Cabrera
Backup OF - Aaron Guiel/Tabata

STARTING PITCHERS (5)
SP - Chien-Ming Wang
SP - Zito
SP - Randy Johnson (coming off back surgery)
SP - Mike Mussina (close to signing)
SP - Meche/Bean/Clippard/Hughes/Rasner
(In-house possibilities include Jeff Karstens, Darrell Rasner and Phil Hughes... I guess we'll mention Carl Pavano only because he has a guaranteed contract.)

RELIEVERS (6)
RP - Mariano Rivera
RP - Kyle Farnsworth
RP - Scott Proctor
RP - Mike Myers
RP - Bruney
RP - Cloter Bean/Britton/Sanchez

(In-house options: Brian Bruney, Humberto Sanchez, Chris Britton, T.J. Beam.)

Giving up Cano would be a huge mistake in any trade. He's solidified the middle infield; he's young, athletic and a great hitter. I'd much rather see what the young arms Cashman has acquired can do before doing that. He, Wang and Melky are the next generation. They are home grown Yankee talent. It's ludicrous!

Here's what the 07 Yanks should look like:

Line-Up
1. Damon CF
2. Jeter SS
3. Abreu RF
4. Rodriguez 3B
5. Giambi DK
6. Matsui LF
7. Posada C
8. Cano 2B
9. Erstad 1B

Bench
1. Williams Of
2. Nieves C(Give the kid a shot-there's nobody out there anyway)
3. Cairo IF/OF
4. Millar 1B/OF

Rotation
1)Wang
2)Willis(Cash packages Melky, Sanchez, Duncan, and whoever else, get this guy in here
3)Zito(George is going to be fuming that the Sox got Matsuzaka-Zito is only 28, always throws 200 innings and has a career ERA around 3.50 in the AL
4)Mussina
5)Johnson
Three lefties in the rotation-2 of which are in their prime-I think Zito grew tired of Oakland.

Bullpen
1 Rivera
2 Farnsworth-Unless we can package him to dump some of that salary and maybe take a chance on Lidge in a trade.
3 Bruney-Is he the real deal?
4 Villone-Bring him back
5 Myers
6 Proctor
7 Karstens-Long Man/Spot Starter

NoMar? No way! He's injury prone and a prima donna. His best years are behind him. Please stop mentioning him.

Again Melky, Cano and Wang are the future. Why give Melky away, he hasn't had a full season in pinstripes yet and has proved to be a great player. Will FL trade Willis? He's their franchise. Him and Miguel Cabrera are their fan attraction. They won't be able to survive that. They can barely get 1000 people to attend a game as it is. Can Willis dominate in the AL? How many great NL pitchers come to the AL and become mediocre?

Move Matsui to first and play Melky in left. Spend all you can on pitching.

let's take a look at this.Why would the Pale Hose trade one of the best fielding 3rd baseman in Crede ,he's also an excellent hitter along with a couple of top notch pitchers for A-Rod ,that defies logic ! Some of you think other teams will part with some of their best talent just because the Yanks will benefit from such a move.Give me a break! I'm a firm believer in A-Rod coming back and having a great year.Have faith man!The A-Rod bashing is sicko stuff and frankly I'm tired of it.Dave Winfield for your information is in the Hall of Fame ,he played on the Yankees 1981 pennant winner,and he played on the Toronto Blue Jays World Series winner in 1992.He unfortunately played on Yankee teams in the 1980's which had no pitching to speak of.Check.The reason being Steinbrenner traded all the pitching talent away for retreads.Steve Kline admitted he was out of shape when he pitched for Baltimore in 2005,was in shape this past season and pitched well for the Giants.He's a bulldog much like Stanton used to be and he's a bit of a flake which might be a good thing for NY ,they sometimes seem to business -like.All the Yanks need to do is sign 1 free agent starting pitcher then it will be Wang,Mussina,Johnson,(Zito/Matsusaka ?)or maybe both.Then they have a plethora of possible #5 starters to choose from.Pavano,Rasner,Hughes ,Karstens,Clippard,Sanchez.They're in the drivers seat boys ,the winter meetings are coming up let's see what Cashman has up his sleeve .

I must admit there are plenty of solutions to the Yankee holes in the lineup. I believe there is a pattern to BC's initial moves. Dumping players who don't fit into the plans. I'm really surprised that some bloggers have gone to making the team older. Looking for the win now as opposed to a plan of win now and built for future. I looked at the FA list not alot there and pretty old. Nomar is 33 and has not had an injury free year of late. Also, if he was our answer he wouldn't be available. I believe his time has past. I believe Phillips can be our answer at first base. Yes, he's prone to the curve but he needs at bats. He can play second and third base. He's four years younger than Nomar. Melky proved himself with an opportunity, so can Andy. Wilson just can't hit the breaking pitch and is limited in his uses to the team. I like Cairo for another year. Backup catcher needs to be a young guy who has starter potential. This replacement has to come from a trade. One year of backup to Jorge than start in 2008 or split time. Bernie needs one more year because he's as good as anyone else and knows how to get the job done.

The pitching is more daunting of a task and will not meet our expectations. I believe another team has outbid the yanks for Matsuzaka. Zito wants no part of the Yanks. A-rod will not be traded. So, lower your expectations and realistically approach the problem. Wang, Mussina, Lilly, Johnson and Proctor or Sanchez.

In continuing my BC thoughts. I believe Cashman will fix from within and lower the payroll because the players are right in front of us Bruney, Britton. Hughes will get time this year after he reaches about 120 innongs of AAA ball.

We have the potential to win with our core players. It's a dyamite lineup. The pitching has to be strong enough to get past the 6 inning. If this the case. We will win.

There are so many scenarios with trades, etc. So, I just believe that BC will surprise with his moves but will put a more able and cohesive team together which will be a blend of youth and experience but mostly from people that we know. Our best club last season had guys like Cabrera, Phillips, Williams and Abreu in the starting lineup. Don't look to far the players are in our back yard.

Its is time for Joe Torre and the Yankee brass to start trusting in younger players. The Yanks have the perfect lineup to protect dveloping players. 200 million payrolls can't get you out of the first round than its time to move in the other direction and show patience and tolerance.

By the way I am very happy that the Yankees will not go out and spend 50 million to speak to a player. It shows that we are changing our methods and not just throwing money at a situation and assuming it will fix it. The Red Sox will now have to worry about having a 100 million dollar man that might crack under Boston pressure. The Yankees have proven that bringing Irabu(the Nolan Ryan of Japan) here was a bust as well as Jose Contreras. Japan is a different league in general. Matsui hit 50 homers in Japan has yet to hit 50 here. It is just living proof that this "D-Mat" guy will pitch to a higher era as well as probably getting injured (as the Red Sox love to pitch there guys to the DL) and will be a 100 million dollar bust. And even if he is great who is gonna follow him up? Beckett got rocked last year, Wakefield only pitches well against the Yanks it seems, Schilling's leg is falling off, they don't know where there gonna stick Papelbon, and there middle relief is garbage. They have more holes than a golf course and no closer if Papelbon becomes a starter. The only guy I see in there bullpen is a injured Mike Timlin. So I say this with confidence ...us Yankee fans need to relax because the moves Cashman is already making, make this team so much better than the Soxs. Plus we have alot less holes to fill.

And I know Jose Contreras did not play in Japan I am just proving that foreign pitchers don't live up to the hype here.

Hey Larry ,Did Barry Zito actually come out and say he wants no part of NY ?,what newspaper article are you referring to ? Or are you putting words in his mouth? If Phillips is an everyday player he'll strikeout 150+ times,no way Torre goes with him long term,he'll only play in stretches if someone is disabled.I agree there are a multitude of scenarios to be played out,maybe even some blockbuster deal.The lineup they have right now is terrific.They only need to iron out who's on first whether it be Giambi w/ Melky DHing and spelling the other outfielders from time to time.Torre could probably find Bernie 250 at bats if he choses to play another year.I think BC will iron out the pitching.Hughes ,if he has a good spring will break camp with the parent club,many insiders thought he was ready at the end of last year. Tyler Clippard will be soon to follow.They have a whole wagon full of relief pitching talent w/ Veras,Beam,J.B.Cox and pitchers they've drafted the last few yrs.Everything else involves minor tweaking.

by the way,though it seems the Red Sox have placed high bid for the services of Matsusaka,he doesn't necessarily sign a contract,all the Sox did was win rights to talk to him,he could very well say no to the whole business,turn around and play the 2007 season w/Seibu his present club.He's stated on several occasions his desire to play for the Yanks,so let's keep our fingers crossed and hope he turns down all offers.Next yr he's a free agent ,he can do what he wants.

Ruse: I said, no part of the Yanks. Rosnthal indicated Mets are digging hard for him. No player will come out and Say something against Yanks it hurts the bargaining. I did hear on Espn that he prferred west coast. There is so much info not available to us the makeup of the team could be so different than our expectations. I truly believe Phillips can do it and BC will surprise us big time with the makeup of the team.

I think it's a little early to label Melky "a great player". For a corner outfielder, he had below average power. Yes, he played good defense, has a better arm than Matsui and is young and can run a little, but if given the chance to trade him for a young, proven starter I'd have to do it. Outfielders are much easier to come by than starters. This is no knock against Melky, but we Yankee fans tend to inflate the value of our players because they play in NY.

The Yanks are heading in the right direction with stocking the farm system and all it took was Pavano, Wright and RJ to blow through a $100m or so...

Matsui to 1B

Melky to LF

Proctor to #5 starter

Craig Wilson as backup C ?
or Nieves gets a chance...

Sign the Meche type FA....

Red Sox are not going to sign D-MAT and are just blocking the Yanks as they will not drop $120m total on him..

Jim A,I agree Melky is still developing,he's only 21-22 ,but Torre thinks the power will come with time. He meant alot to the team last year.The supersub.I see a batting title for him down the road.Switchhitter.There isn't really any room in the outfield for him till Abreu contract is up after next year.If he could yield a great? pitcher in a trade I'd say go for it.But I think the Yankee brass covet him.

You are not going to get a great pitcher for him and he has a nice upside...he and Tabata form 2/3 of the OF for the future....

Cano, Wang, Melky....this is the way forward and the RJ and Kevin Brown era will soon be over....

Melky should be coveted. Yes OF are more common find but he's proven to be a contributor to this team and a strong competitor. He featured a walk off HR, and stealing a HR this year. He makes many plays out there that older OFs don’t. Keeps a lot of hitters to singles, which impacts the game. It’s not hype, we saw him and all started thinking how are the Yankees going to get him more starts next season. He improved his fielding in just one season. He has potential to be a better hitter and will work hard and fast to improve. Even if he doesn't get his power numbers up, how many guys on the team have to hit for power before fans are satisfied? Many times all it takes is a single or a sac bunt or a diving catch to win a game. The Yankees have to stop shipping their good young players to fill holes. Why would a team trade a top or middle of the rotation pitcher for Melky + prospects? (Besides the obvious salary dump, which the Yankees should stop taking part in unless absolutely necessary.) Because they would be seeing the same potential and the intangibles a player like Melky brings. Those are the reasons we should keep him. If the Yankees don’t keep him there’s a chance we’re talking about what a great season he had with his new team as an everyday LF. There is a lot to be said about a player that comes up in the organization he plays for. Homegrown talent with that type of up side is something we should hold on to. I’m glad Cashman is moving the team in the right direction and is realizing the value of young players. The balance of experience and youth is getting better. I’m sure Cashman has something up his sleeve for the GM meetings. I cant wait to see what.

Lou,I'm just responding to someone elses suggestion.If an opportunity presented itself that would benefit the Yanks long term I'd say go for it.Yes I would really dig seeing Tabata & Melky in the same outfield together ,but we're talking 2009 at the earliest,Damon'got 3 more yrs,Matsui I believe an even longer contract,and if Abreu has a great yr,your probably looking at a contract extension.Abreu and Matsui are the same age as Jeter and Damon is 1yr older.These guys if they continue to produce could retire as Yankees 5,6,7 yrs from now.

article in the miami herald says the marlins might trade dontrelle for a cheap CF and a relief pitcher. it's another salary dump by florida to stay under $25M payroll.

melky came up as a CF. we have stockpiled relievers. how about melky and one or two young arms for dontrelle?

i know. i'm an idiot.

George doesn't want to wait for a World Series title.

With Wang and Mussina the only solid pitchers on the rotation, look for the team to make strong pushes for Zito and Willis. With Zito, the Yanks only have to name the right price. With Willis, the Yanks have to make a package deal to the Marlins that impresses them. As much as I like Melky, he has the most upside. Look for a deal with recently acquired prospects from the Tigers. The Marlins are known for winning World Series with young players, so accepting this offer isn't so far fetched. I believe the Marlins have one of the best systems for developing young talent and I wouldn't doubt if in the next 5 years, they win a World Series.

Hoping that these two acquisitions pan out, the starting rotation can look like this:

1. Zito
2. Wang
3. Willis
4. Mussina
5. Johnson

JU: If you believe the Marlins will win a WS in 5 years with their lineup. I propose this to you. The Yankees have a far better lineup on paper with an eye toward the future with Melky, Wang, Hughes, Cano, Tabata, Britton , Sanchez, Proctor and a host of young pitchers on the farm. Why mess with the future if we could form a solid pitching staff through FA or a non-blockbuster trade. If we keep the core of our players together. The Yanks should win prior to 5 years. Giving up our young talent always puts us in the hole to fill and overpay for aging talent. Most players are not FA's until 30+. We have been down this road before. I believe BC is trying to remedy the situation to get us back with clubs who covet their young talent. Our young talent is all over the league. We have a need for a backup catcher. Navarro is doing well in Tampa Bay. He would not be my answer to full time but would be a nice replacement at times for Jorge.

Yes, there are times when you have to go to the well and let some talent go for a veteran performer but I believe BC is staying away from this situation. Just how I see it.

Jim A: I agree with you on Melky. I like the youth movement in general and I like Melky, he filled in well last year. However, he is not Mickey Mantle! IF we could package him for a D.WILLIS or other STUD SP, then we have to do it. Pitching is the answer. OF's can be found much easier.

Cano and Wang are untouchables. But, Phillips is not the answer at 1B. Corner IF is a production position. If you want youth, then give Duncan a shot at 1B.

I think your right Melky isn't untouchable. there are a few guys who are...Cano, Wang and Hughes. Besides that i would package this deal for Willis. Melky, Clippard and Duncan, or Melky, Beam and Duncan. I think that is a fair deal, and something that can be done. I am still not sold on signing Zito...i wouldn't be opposed to it since he would be the first guy under 30 we signed in a while, but i don't know yet. I would rather have Willis, the kid is good, has a ton of emotion and heart, something this team needs more of. I just hope Cash does something bigger than sign Meche and Moose. we need a ace to go along with Wang. here is hoping Cash gets the job done.

A lot of the "posters" are comparing the Yankee starting rotation to the Red Sox. Remember the Red Sox finished 3rd in our division. We need to keep our eye on the 2nd place Blue Jays. I see the W\Sox are making it clear that any of their starting 5 pitchers are "available". Their GM wants A-ROD badly, and we could get Brandon McCarthy, Crede, and a good prospect easily. If we include Farnsworth, and make this a 3 or 4 team deal, we could fill many holes at once. The Angels are also offering us good young players for A-ROD. With Aramis Ramirez now off the market, they are again "eye-balling" A-ROD. Dealing A-ROD is the key to whether the Yankees make a serious run at another championship. Adding a couple of the current free agent starting pitchers, will not make this a championship team.

Roy, these are nice things to think about but why would A-Rod ok a trade? he doesn't want to leave and he will not leave. sorry to bust everyone's bubble but he will not waive his no-trade clause. so we have to move on and look at other ways to make this team better. I guaranteed that A-Rod will be starting at 3rd base for the Yankees next year. sorry A-Rod haters

Whow !Roy ,how would Chicago benefit by a proposed trade of A-Rod,outside of trimming payroll,for the aboved mentioned players? I have this imagined scenario I keep playing from time to time in my head of A-ROD who I personally feel is a tremendous talent who just had a so so year in 2006,He's traded to let's say the White Sox they win the World Series again,we're all agreed with the talent they have they'd be quite capable of doing ,even more so w/ the addition of A-ROD.The chickens would come home to roost.Then all Yankee fans would say 'see it was the starting pitching after all'.I like Willis a lot ,but outside of the 2005 season he really hasn't proven to be more than an above average pitcher,he struggled 2/3 of the season last year,and something tells me he'd like to remain in the NL because of his hitting ability,he's a tremendous hitter.The upside is he's still only 24 w/4 full seasons behind him and could really start putting it together in the years to come .I wouldn't give up the farm for him,maybe 3 prospects and cash,certainly not Clippard,maybe advance A type prospects.Zito is an excellent pitcher who I've watched pitch for yrs ,he averages 16 wins a yr w/ a terrible hitting team ,pitches 225-230 innings a yr,never misses a start,and has a lifetime ERA around 3.50,match that up with the other free agents then tell me what you think.Someone said the other day he gets hammered when his curveball isn't working, that's true of just about every pitcher,I've watched Pettitte get pounded without his cutter many times including in the playoffs.Gee this is fun,it's like being on a merry-go-round.

Roy: How do you know that teams are offering the named talent for A-rod?

Roy-

Where did you read the article on the Angels wanting A-Rod again? If you can please link it I am interested in reading up more on it.

I think it is to early to say Melky is or is not as good as Mantle or any other player for that matter. Melky's numbers are not that far from Mantle's first couple season. That is not to say that Melky is going to be anywhere near as good as Mantle. Just keep in mind that Melky is still very young... He has the tools to become a great OF. besides, We have very good young pitchers who will be ready to go in either 2007 or 2008. We do not need to over pay for someone else's pitchers... and Fl is a pitchers park in the NL...

Melky AND Clippard AND Duncan for Willis????

Are you mad?

I would not give up ANY of those three for a NL pitcher from Miami.

Maybe I would trade Melky for Johan Santana. But not for anything else.

Melky is a budding 5-tool player, has a great attitude, and will be a tremendous future Yankee.

Does not have enough pop for a corner outfielder? Balderdash! He was a rookie this past season and we watched him improve exponentially all season.

A-ROD has said if the Yankees told him they didn't want him he would agree to a trade. This is a fact. 3 weeks ago the W\Sox offered Buehrle or Garcia and Crede for A-ROD. This was reported in every sports section across the country. No denial was expressed by the W\Sox GM Kenny Williams, and yesterday he said all 5 of his starters were "available". As for the Angels renewed interest in A-ROD, The signing of Aramis Ramirez by the Cubs has them now looking at A-ROD and free agent Soriano. Check out prosportsdaily.com The general managers meeting this week has the hot stove really heating up.

Regarding a trade sending A-Rod to Chicago: A-Rod has said if the Yanks want him out, he'll waive his no trade clause. The thing to keep an eye out for is Crede's back. He has a herniated disk (like our buddy RJ) and might need extensive surgery. I bet the discussions would really move along if this wasn't the case. Personally, I am hoping A-Rod stays, gets a hug from Jeter and has a monster year including the postseason.
Melky: I love Melky as much as anyone, but pitching wins championships and right now, we're in need of at least 2 if not 3 starters so would I trade him for Dontrelle, and throw in Duncan who has slipped quite a bit? Yes. It's not like trading Melky for Kenny Rogers, Randy Johnson or some other past his prime pitcher, Dontrelle is young, a workhorse and appears to have the makeup to succeed in NY. I would make him wear his hat the right way though, it looks pretty stupid. God, I love the Yankees and tonight's announcement that Boston won the rights to negotiate w/ Matsuzaka will be a kick in the balls, but like I've said earlier, I'd be even more surprised if Boston coughs up the money to sign him. If they do, then they can never whine about the "Evil Empire" again, because they would be acting just like the Yanks, which they've cried about for 60 years.

To JB: I watched Mantle most of his career as a young boy. I have watched Melky his last two call ups from the minors. Melky is no Mantle. There is no OF presently with the Yankees who can be compared to Mickey Mantle, now or in the future. Melky will not hit 30 HRs. in a season or has the blazing speed to go into the gaps and catch fly balls. Take it from a long time yankee fan who has seen them both.

Melky has an upside to the Yanks. He's young amongst 32+ yr. old outfielders. He can be a starter but impact player with 18 WS home runs. I wish he was the second coming of Mickey.

Jim A-

Us Yankee fans should not be upset that D-Mat will go to the Sox. What has the Yankees been doing for the last 6 years? Throwing money at situations. And what has that money gotten us? We threw money at pitching and now we have a old man with no back, also we have a pitcher that claims his eyebrows hurt so he goes on the dl. We threw money at Jaret I chew a thousand pieces of gum in my mouth Wright. Not to mention we traded good prospects for Johnson. As well as trading for Jeff Weaver and Javier Vasquez. So you see when we were throwing money and prospects at "fair" pitchers at best we recieved nothing in return. All I can say is at least we threw money at guys that have proven they can get a major leaguer hitter or two out. This guy D-Mat has not thrown a single pitch in the majors. He might be a huge bust and finally the Red Sox will be stuck with a contract and we can be the ones laughing.

I have to agree with Larry comparing Melky to the Mick is pretty silly.Mantle was 19 when he came up and was batting 3rd his second yr at the age of 20 in 1952.Hit a dramatic home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbitts field in the 1952 World Series.Melky is more in the mold of Johnny Damon will hit you 15-20 homers drive in 80 or so,maybe one day win a batting title.JB your mistaken about Mantles career he hit .311 his 2nd season SA .530 w/ 23 homers and 87 RBI.He established himself as great up and coming ballplayer in his second season.The rest is history.

The article about Zito in today's Newsday says Brian Cashman is figuring his rotation will look like this:
Wang
Mussina
Johnson
Pavano
Lilly or Miguel Batista

Does anyone believe that? I don't. I have a really weird feeling that our boy Cash is up to something huge, I can't explain it, but I'm thinking he is going to shock everybody with some kind of stunner.

AJ: You're right, we've thrown money around and not had any luck with the pitchers we've brought in. I hope Matsuzaka does not live up to the hype (who can?) and becomes the Red Sox version of Irabu.

December 15th,2006 the sports headline will read "Matsusaka declines Red Sox contract offer will return to pitch for Seibu in the 2007 season" rumor has it he still wants to pitch for the Yanks!!!!!but declines public statement for fear of losing face in Japan.

I can live w/ Lilly.Batista recalls the 2001 series which I'd soon like to forget, plus he's 35-36 what's the point?

This is just speculation but i think Cash is up to something big.

I think we make a huge trade this offseason, that does not include A-Rod.

I like Lilly, we need a lefty that's healthy. And RJ is playing his last year of baseball. If we get Lilly it would be a good move.

I'm wondering if Matsuzaka and his team really wanted the bid offer they would have announced it right away. Why are they waiting till the last minute? Maybe DMat said he didn't want to pitch with the Sox and they are trying to spin this rejection to not embarrass anyone? We'll know for sure at 8 p.m. EST

Pitching is what the yanks need. Kip Wells might help and Jamie Walker from tigers. a lefty would help in the pen. Young pitching is the name of the game.Never forget what the tiger pitching did to us....

ya I was wondering about that 2.We'll see.Matsusaka has repeatedly said his team of choice would be the Bombers.

I believe Cashman is going to put together a starting rotation that will be able to keep us in games. The market on pitching FA's is minimal. He will be looking for guys who can get the job done. Why would he insist on Corey Lidle in a trade? The pitcher with a track record of consistent pitching. Also, Johnson and Pavano have to be considered especially at 27 million. The rotation will not be settled probably until May/June with Johnson included or excluded. Pavano will be given an opportunity to at least slip in the shower. There are so many possibilities. I'm sure some teams believe Pavno needs a fresh start but until we get some rotation in order. Pavano still has to be given consideration to play or trade. Thou, the reaction from the stadium faitful could be down rite ugly considering the treatment A-rod was given.

ya poor A-Rod ,like throwing David to the Lions.Pavano may not be able to hold up in NY and in all likelihood will be dealt sometime before May 1st,his trade value will increase if he has a decent spring and the Yanks eat part of his contract.As someone once said "configurations are endless,relax".

It's official: The Red Sox winning bid for Matsuzaka is $51.1 Million...wow. Good luck with that Sox. Now there rotation (if they sign him) is entirely righthanded.

Jim A,now the Red Sox have a month to negotiate a contract which will probably be a 5 yr 65-75 million dollar deal plus the 51 million they shell out to Seibu.Ridiculous! Red Sox are looking at 115 million for a pitcher who has to prove himself in the AL East.All Matsusaka has to do is say thanks no thanks to any contract the Sox have to offer,return to pitch another year for Seibu.Believe me all the available free agent pitchers are looking at this and salivating.This might drive the market sky high.You think Pavano was over paid you ain't seen nothing yet if in fact Matsusaka takes the bait and signs w/the Sox.

Anyone in their right mind would take that. That's money in the bank.

If he waits until next year, anything can happen such as an injury or a bad year, and he could might not get as much money.

I'm sure everyone advising him will tell him to sign with the RS.

Now, as Yankee fans, we must hope he falters and then nothing could be more satisfying outside of winning the WS, that is.

Eric-

That is what we are all hoping for.

I can see the Red Sox fans watching Matsusaka pitch. He's having a so so game against a mediocre lineup. We spent how much for this guy. He'll be expected to get 18+ wins for a number 1 pitcher. In today's world that is some pitching. The pressure to win for the young Matsusaka will be incredible and relentless. I for one believe his potential to achieve at the value paid is highly unlikely.

The Yanks won by lossing the bid. I like our direction with BC at the helm. No, more Oscar Gamble hires.

1b - Melky Cabrera. He's young and canhit

Starters - Barry Zito