So in terms of retaining their key potential free agents, the Yankees have so far locked up three out of four. Jorge Posada, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera have all at least told the Yankees that they plan to accept the contract offers from the club, evven if physicals have yet to be passed. Technically, you could also say they'e ensured the return of four players, as the Yankees picked up the option on Bobby Abreu, but the Yankees had full control in that situation. The big question remaining is whether Andy Pettitte will return or retire.
The Yankees know Pettitte's pitching for them is hugely important. In a conversation with Hank Steinbrenner yesterday afternoon, he mentioned Pettitte about a half-dozen times. He said he expects the team's pitching to be better and knows it will be if Pettitte is back.
Alex Rodriguez was solid on the conference call yesterday. He said all the things fans would want him to, about being appreciative of an MVP but also that he would trade his three MVP Awards for one World Series title. As for questions about recent events, he said he'll address those all at an appropriate time.
Of the five players mentioned above -- Rodriguez, Posada, Rivera, Pettitte and Abreu -- which one are you most excited to see back (or would you be in Pettitte's case)? Which one do you think is most critical to the Yankees' success in 2008?
Comments (16)
At this point, Jorge is Mr. Yankee. He's the most intense, he's going to be huge for the young pitchers and if he comes close to the monster offensive numbers he had in 2007, he'll be awesome.
As for which player am I "excited" to see return, the answer would be "none". I get "jazzed" over "championships" and the "teams" that produce them. As far as "critical", my choice by far would be Posada. Not even close. Without anyone ready in the minors, and Molina not really an everyday option if avoidable, the choice is easy. I still "shudder" at seeing Posada behind the plate in "01", but that discussion is for a very cold winter day.
All of them are important. No one more o less than the others.
Make that "11" regarding Posada.
I think bringing back Andy would be huge. Given the inexperience in the rotation with the three kids (and Wang who isn't exactly a grizzled old vet himself) Andy is a stabilizing force. He is the best free agent pitcher on the market, knows how to handle this town, this circus, and the expectations. Sure the Yankees could trade for a "better" pitcher but the question is how that player would handle New York. We know how Andy handles New York - he is, to quote the Boss - a warrior. And his three year absence was the biggest mistake the Yankees have made in my 29 years.
As for the players already back in the fold, all of them are perfect fits for this team and as such I'm happy to see all of them back. They each could have been replaced, but their replacements would not have been nearly as good. Consider that of the four players, three of them (Alex, Posada, Mo) are the best available at their position and Abreu is an ideal fit on the Yankees.
Pitching, pitching, pitching!!! We need Pettitte back badly and then some.
I hate to choose just one because I believe two are equally important:
Posada and Pettitte- the team desperately needs both of them. Okay, I'll pick one: Posada, because he's simply irreplaceable at this time.
However, I still contend that we are not talking about an improved team at all at this point, If anything, they are worse than they were before because everyone is a year older and I don't think Posada will repeat his career year and I don't know that A-Rod can keep up his pace.
I guess it can be argued that the pitching staff is improved, but it can just as easily be argued that it isn't considering they are all unknowns (they being "the 3").
I know there is a lot of time left but this team needs to address the bullpen and quite possibly the starting rotation.
All were important to the team in regards to winning another World Series . Though I do believe Petitte's return may have the biggest impact on the youthful rotation. Not only is he a veteran , lefthander but a huge part of the past WS success , that imo would be of great value.
To clarify....All were important to the PURSUIT of a World Series championship. Without them , that pursuit would have been much more difficult.
Pettitte's coming back would excite me the most because its all about pitching. A solid lefty at the top of the rotation mentoring the three kids would mean more than a bagful of A-Rod homeruns, Posada doubles to left, or Abreu full counts. It's all about pitching. And if they dont get some more help for Rivera, the pen will still be the bugaboo of this team.
I would say Andy Pettite. Yanks kiddie corp need a leader in the rotation who has some "bulldog" in him and Andy fits the mold. He would be a good mentor for these guys and he never gives up. Perfect example of a winner and also a Yankee.
If Andy would play another 3 years, let alone one, I think he would be have an outside shot at making the Hall of Fame
The Red Sox Nation looks forward to defending it's title against the same old men from New York. Plus your "Primmadonna" "Stone Cold in October" A(Albatros)- Rod
Should be an easy defense of the AL East Title.
The "New Order" has begun! The 2007 World Champions: The Boston Red Sox are the "New Deal"!
The Dynasty's are a plenty in ol' Boston Town!
the nation is deluding himself ... the old men are located in bean town and they will not luck in this year with their mvp now picking his nose in la la land.
The Nation? C'mon....2 world series after a 80+ year drought? Get a life, it takes alot more than that to go head to head with the Yankees.
Besides who won the season series this year my friend? Enough said.
Except for for seeing the E(gotistical))-Rod back, the Yankees definetely need Posada and Rivera. Petitte is a great presence in the Yankee clubhouse and is a fighter and it would be nice if he could come back. In order for the Yankees to get back to winning the World Series however, they will need to bring in another strong pitcher such as Santana to bolster the starting line up. Mussina was great but he has gotten to old and has not adjusted well in the last ywo years. It would be great to say goodbye to the underachieving, ovepayed Giambi as he always seem to get injured (the likely chronic consequences of having used anabolic steroids).
Except for for seeing the E(gotistical))-Rod back, the Yankees definetely need Posada and Rivera. Petitte is a great presence in the Yankee clubhouse and is a fighter and it would be nice if he could come back. In order for the Yankees to get back to winning the World Series however, they will need to bring in another strong pitcher such as Santana to bolster the starting line up. Mussina was great but he has gotten to old and has not adjusted well in the last ywo years. It would be great to say goodbye to the underachieving, ovepayed Giambi as he always seem to get injured (the likely chronic consequences of having used anabolic steroids).