On the Yankees beat

Sign a veteran CF that can play solid defense and brings something to the table - like speed. I'd eyeball someone like Scott Podsednik as he'd be cheap. Cameron wouldn't be a horrible choice either.

Let the kids and the veteran duke it out for the starting spot. competition will bring the best player for the team forward. This method costs nothing but money. If the vet wins the starting spot, keep Melky as the 4th outfielder and let Gardner get his ABs in the minors. If a youngster wins, keep the vet to provide an alternative if struggles come up.

In a wild card move - throw some money at Jerry Hairston Jr. He's versatile enough to win a starting job in CF. If he can't start, he can still work out getting enough AB's rotating throughout the lineup giving some of the other position players days off. He can be a sort of Chone Figgins type player. Subbing in for Cano if he struggles, playing all three outfield positions on a given night, even giving Jeter/ARod a random day off here and there....

Just a thought - might not be worth the $$ to do that but would make the Yankees more athletic....

Podsednik?

He's little more than a 4th outfielder himself. And he's been quite injury prone the last few years on top of it.

At this point, Gardner and Melky are both better options - and I'm no fan of Melky at all.

Off topic, but --

Did Kim Jones get a brain transplant?

Since I got alerted to the discussion there a couple days ago I've started watching Francesa and she is a different woman entirely on his show than the one who asked idiotic and banal questions in every postgame interview, and repeated the work 'Absolutely!' with brainless fervor.

And Francesa, who was a complete snooze on his own, looks much better with someone so much more intelligent and current in Yankee knowledge than he to exchange ideas with.

right now until further notice Gardner is a Bubba Crosby with more speed, if you keep him then you have to upgrade at the corner OF spot.

There was a crazy rumblin and honestly I don't know how to view it that Soriano may be available (HIGHLY UNLIKELY!) while he has a No trade he stil l has a soft spot for the Yankees.

Anthony, Anthony, how can you recommend a platoon of Melky and Gardner. Gardner can't bunt and catch up to fastballs on the outside of the plate. A necessary evil for a punch and judy hitter. Can he catch the ball, yes indeed. This makes him a 4th at best OF. Now the other part of the equation is Melky from the right side. He's absolutely horrible from this side.

Jim: I would love McLouth but to give up Cano. Is way too much even for this excellent CF. It puts another hole in the lineup and takes away the best Yankee second base that I have ever seen play of alltime dating back to Richardson. But he needs a brain transplant that I agree.

My suggestion after pitching has been remedied, hopefuly. Go to CF and look for the options that will fill in for a year or two at best.In anticipation of A. Jackson making the club. Rocco Baldelli is a FA, I believe and if healthy would be a plus in OF position. He has that want to win mentallity and I don't know if the Rays have the money or spots to put him on the roster. But Cameron , Matthews trades for Rowand not the answer. Go with youth at all turns, error on the side of guys who can play everyday. If no fixes than I play Gardner because the word is he takes 200 AB's to adjust and his lower half of his body is way out of synch with his upper half for driving the ball. We need patience for the Yankees to turn it around. Look at the Sox's and Rays. Do those guys even shave but they can win.

I'm sure the makeup of the team and the trades will be a surprise this year.

Larry -

Cano is not the best 2nd baseman the yankees had since Richardson.

Willie , Knobby , even Sax on defense is better than robbie at this point

Bronx Bomber:

I respect your opinion on the names that you consider as good of a second basemen but as far as talent and the future if this kid could get it together mentally because that is much of the game. He could be a fixture at second for 10 more years.

He needs a mentor. The Yankees need a better third base/infield coach. Maybe the Yanks could bring back Bowa or a person similar to him. What do you think?

As far as Willie and Knobby, they knew how to win a game surprisingly at the plate.

One point to consider in my statement that he is the best since Richardson. How many of the guys that you mentioned could cover the ground that Cano does with his arm. To me except for the DP pivot which will improve. The kid is lights out. I wish that he had Pedroia's brain than we have ourselves a fabulous second baseman. He frudtrates the hell out of me at times but he's so close.

Bomber, gotta disagree with you there. Willie, yes. Knobby, Sax, no. But let's remember Cano is still a kid and has the potential to become an all-star fixture at 2b.

Yes, he had an awful year, but only relative to our expectations. I keep saying this: he had a horrid spring, but he was the hottest hitter in the game leading up to the all-star break, then came back on a tear before taking a zinger on the hand. It's no coincidence that he never regained his form after that.

Sure, his mental lapses drive me nuts, like everyone else, which is why I'm running around in circles on him this off-season. But I was impressed by his response to the late-season benching. And I wouldn't be surprised if he came back and hit .330 next year.

Still, McLouth is one heck of a ballplayer. If you trade Damon, you could stick the kid in the lead-off spot, and give him a year or two to mature a bit more as a hitter before moving him to RF and down to the 3-hole when Jackson comes up. Or, you keep Damon and put McLouth in the 3-spot right away. He's got some power and raw speed (though his SB% isn't spectacular).

As for 2B, several posters have mentioned that Hudson is dying to come to the Bronx. If that's true, then he'd be a more than adequate replacement for Cano--older, but wiser and more solid, and a nuisance to opposing teams.

Unfortunately, it sounds like McLouth has become the baseball equivalent of Franco Harris for the inept Bucs' franchise and its fans. They seem to think he's the next coming of Parker, Stargell and Clemente rolled into one (with equal small dashes of Tekulve, Drabek and Bonds)--boy, they are a moribund franchise, aren't they?

It's gonna take more than Cano to get him. Hughes and Cano for McLouth & [name your arm]?

I don't know if McLouth is going to be a better ballplayer than Cano in the long run. But I sure like his attitude a whole lot more. He reminds me of a guy I didn't want to trade a certain good CF for about 15 years ago.

There I go again, defending and flipping on poor Robby in the same post. I guess what I'm saying is that I'll be fine if Cano is back; but I'll be okay if he goes for someone in a select group of players. Peavey? Maybe. Are there others? Perhaps. But McLouth is at the top of the list.

The thing about Cano is that if he needs a drill sergeant to stay on his arse night and day that doesn't say much about Cano's ability to stay focused and become the player that some Yankee fans believe he can be.

No doubt the guy's talented, but if he's that easily distracted and complacent - I'm not nearly as convinced as other Yankee fans that he'll ever hit his ceiling.

Why should they need a babysitter for him? The other players don't need their own personal trainer to stay motivated. Why should Cano get one?

Besides, Bowa isn't coming back to NY. He loves Joe Torre and has said in the past that he doesn't want to coach for anyone else.

If Cano needs Bowa - the Yanks should solve that problem by shipping him to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp.

I think there's a decent chance that Manny will re-sign with the Dodgers, so Kemp could be available with their excess of outfielders.

It would also mean that Sabathia isn't going to end up with the Dodgers - too much cheddar for that team.

P.S. I always loved #30, but Willie never could hit like Cano. He had one great year in the .320-.330 range, I think, and a few more over .300, but he never hit for any power at all.

But you're right about the glove, Bomber. Nobody since has come close. Plus, he could handle the bat and run the bases (except for KC in the '80 playoffs--Arghh! But that wasn't entirely his fault.)

Although I'm not ready to give him the job now, I really would like the Yankees to take a long look at Brett Gardner next spring.
1) He is a very good centerfielder
2) He has great speed and base stealing ability.
3) He's got the kind of attitude we need...a gamer.
The one issue is can he hit. And that's a very bit issue. But he has hit decently at all levels including AAA. If he can get his OBP to .350, because of his speed and defense he can be a good option for the Yanks.

If Baldelli will come cheap, than why not? I know he gets injured but his price tag should reflect that. Possibly this could be the year he stays healthy and he is a better fielder and hitter than the other in-house options. I know I will get assailed by saying this but it is something that could be a cheap fix with a better payoff until AJ is MLB ready?

If it did work he would take CF, if Abreu was offered arbitration and took it, he would be in RF...Damon takes LF. Nady goes to 1B and plays some RF and LF while a Betemit or Ransom takes a turn at 1B.

I know there are several "if's" but at this point all any of us blogers can do is speculate as none of us has an idea about what the brass is considering...so please be kind if you disagree ;-)

As far as Cano's overall potential...he is clearly better than Willie, Knobbie, or Sax...but we all know about "potential". They did it, Cano has to "want" to do it...I hope he does as a Yank.

Realist...just read this and tell us what you think. It's sad, but you must take that into consideration...:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/rays/2008-10-07-baldelli_N.htm

Dave,

Wow, thanks for showing me that! I feel so terrible for him and it explains alot! I only hope he is able to have a decent and productive life after he hangs up the glove...

I guess you can pretty much wipe out what I said in my 18:06 post as it makes my point completely moot...thanks again Dave, it's truly sad.

No problem Realist, when I read it I was really shocked and sad for the guy. He had the makings of a super star CF. When he first came up with the rays he impressed me lots. It's a shame that a guy with his talent can no longer show it for what it's worth. I too thought he would be a great option for the yanks, but when I read this it was a definite no, although I still hope he can regain his old form. Good luck to Rocco.

Dave: Thanks for the article on Badelli, Rocco gave an interview about his condition and he indicated medication would be an aid to him for his baseball career. Unfortuantely, he does not appear as an option at this time.

Unfortunately the most he is able to do physically at the moment is be a role player and come off the bench every now and then. Its the only way for him to preserve his energy. It's truly a shame because if he did not have this disease, he would've been a great addition for the money the Yanks would have paid him. Best of luck to him and also to his family. Hopefully with prayers he will be able to overcome what he has and just live life to its fullest.

I like Gardner in CF. This kid can play D and he makes things happen on offense. He also can bunt and late in the year when he played regularly, he started to hit a bit. Bat him 9th and let him play!!!

Re-post from Anthony and Jim's fabulour "Final Score" blog (A&J- you guys owe me for the plug):

Islander- I don't think the price Abreu will ask is the problem, it's the length of the contract that will bother the Yanks and ultimately cause them to part ways with him. I think if Abreu asked for 4 years/$50M, I think the Yanks would pay him a lot of money for a shorter deal, say 2 years/$32M.

As for CF, I was once in favor of Cameron coming to the Yanks but he seems to have slipped defensively and still strikes out way too much for me.
If the Yanks could fix other areas of the lineup, depending on how they replace the offensive production of Abreu and Giambi and if Posada comes back as good as ever and finally if Cano can find his swing again, I really don't think the Yanks will need to count on too much production from CF so they can live with Gardner or Melky while they await Austin Jackson.

Nice debate Jim B. and Anthony!

I think Cano is the best trade chip you've got
Sometimes you need to trade talent to get talent

Like the Rays dealing Young for Garza

Jim A.

I'm pretty sure I saw some highlights of Cameron last summer, but I just can't remember where it might have been. . .

Oh yeah, it was a silent black-and-white movie they were playing at old-timers' day.

He looked pretty funny in the high-speed flannels.

But I loved the Ragtime piano!

Forgive me. Jim.

Just joshin' away,

All those who wanted Lowe, please observe tonight's game

When things go well... he's great
He gets a little rattled... and ohhhhh boy

Sully....

He lost 3-2!!!

If Lowe had Nomar in less than his prime at SS, he might have left the game 2-2!!

You are so far off base here--reading your comment is like you are in a 1-0 nothing game, 2 runners in front of you, 1 out, Dave Kingman up and Mackey Sasser is catching.
You are begging to be picked off..

My wife asked me, "why are you watching baseball." I indicated there are a couple of players who the Yankees might want to acquire. I don't get into FA or trades, please.

So, I set my sights on Kemp and Lowe. I have seen Lowe many times and my inpression is he's a 35 yar old pitcher with something to offer but at the end of the roatation which could be reserved for internal promotions or Andy P. and can he survive in the AL East which is the beast of baseball after observing the Dodgers, Phillies and Brewers.

Kemp, honestly, I have seen one time. So, I reached out to baseball reference. I believe Cano has more upside offensively than Kemp at a quick glance. Defensively, did not see blining CF speed. He's big like Bernie but not as fluid.

It all gets back to pitching. Spend the money on pitching. CF and first base will work themselves out after we solve the pitching. I can live with some of Cano's short comings because I believe that he's a good kid who'll correct them but lapse back in due time.

Can't wait for the end of the playoffs.

if your going to sign a 35 year old or older I could offer better options than lowe.

Andy

Moose

Pedro

At least Andy is lefthanded and if the Yanks don't get CC, they're in some trouble in that dept.

CF: ABC (anyone but Cabrera) he's a .250 singles hitter, no walks, no OBP, no run production, no plate discipline a 4th or 5th OF at best!

I'm trying to remember if the people who want NYY to give a really long look at Gardner are the same people who were in favor of wasting a lot of at bats on people like Phillips and Duncan and giving away free rotation spots to a whole generation of untried young pitchers.

Nice to enjoy the puppies growing up in your back yard but when you want to win you grab championship material, regardless of whose back yard it grew up in.

LOL @ gene in fl! ABC, very funny and I couldn't agree more!

As far as Lowe goes..........I would rather pass and give the spot to one of the kids or Pettitte/Moose.

Islander, I know it was 3-2, but it was how quickly it unravelled from "He's cruising!" to "Get him out in the 6th inning" that rang so familiar.

He lets up a hit to the 8th place catcher.... and next thing you know the bases are loaded.

He gets an error behind him... and next thing you know his sinkers aren't sinking and he's coughed up the lead.

And he gets that "Derek Lowe" look where you aren't sure if he is going to drop kick his glove into the stands

Even Torre knew that as he got him the hell out of there before it got worse.
Trust me, I saw him pitch for my team between 1998 and 2004... and when he was good he was great.

But things could fall apart faster than you can possibly imagine.

What I am saying is LA is the perfect place for him
Put him in NYC where reporters ask follow up questions... ohhhh boy

The Yankees need to privately ask Jeter to move to CF (if he declines publically ask him).

Trade Kennedy, Aceves, Cabrera and Abreu (exercised option - 2/3 paid) to Rockies for Tulo and Holliday.

Bring back Moose
Sign CC (bigger bucks less yrs)
Posada/Damon to 1st base
Posada/Molina catching

Damon - DH/1st (1)
Jeter - CF (2)
ARod - 3rd (3)
Posada - C/DH/1st (4)
Holliday - RF (5)
Nady - LF (6)
Tulo - SS (7)
Cano - 2nd (8)
9th spot goes to Molina when Posada DH or 1st (9)
Matsui moves to 6th spot as DH when Posada C and Damon 1st (10)

Pitching
Wang (11)
CC (12)
Joba (starting!!!) (13)
Moose (14)
Hughes (15)

Rivera (16)
Veras (17)
Coke (18)
Edwar (19)
Bruney (20)
Robertson (21)

Bench
Gardner (22)
Ransom (23)

2 spots left for ???

Signing Lowe is a really, really, really, bad idea. I'm completely with Sully on this one.

Both Moose and Pettitte are much better options and I would suspect the Yanks would prefer to have them back then to sign Lowe.

If not, be prepared to see Lowe fail miserably in NY.

Steve,

I will mail you a certified check for $500 if the Yankees acquire Tulo from Colorado this off season

Sully,

And with that check we will go out for drinks.

They should give the position to Gardner.

They will have plenty of power. He brings what they do not have - youth, speed, defense, and he will hit.

If they go the other way it will show that they haven't learned much.

Starters are harder to come by, and that is where they should use the $$$.

Take care of the pitching first. Wang will be back as the Ace. Moose may retire. There has to be at least one lefty, and idealy two in the rotation. If not CC, then you've got to re-sign Pettitte for near the back end of the rotation. Then add a Free Agent AL innings-eater like a Jon Garland. Sheets is an injury risk, and AJ Burnett, while an injury risk also, at least signing him makes a divisional opponent weaker at the same time.

I'd be happy with Wang + Burnett + Garland + Pettitte + Chamberlain/Hughes. I'd even leave Hughes in AAA, and Joba in the bullpen if Moose re-signs, as Hughes could fill in for an injured starter, which we've learned ALWAYS happens to at least 2 starters each year.

This will be an exciting season for our 2009 NY Yankees. After the 2008 debacale it can only get better. Had Yanks signed Santana they would have won the AL East with ease. First of all, $90 mil will be comming off a bloated payroll of $209 mil. More than enough to get some quality ace pitcher like: Sabathia, Burnett and maybe even Sheets as well. Outbound free agents; Giambi, Abreu, Mussina, Pettite will free up an astounding $90 million in payroll...wow! Padres have said they will entertain offers to trade Jake Peavy for players with upside like Cano and Kennedy. So if CC decides to sign on the west coast, Peavy would be great with Burnett, Sheets, Chien and Hughes. Orlando Hudson will be a great replacement for Cano, and McClouth of the Pirates will soon join his ex-Bucs mate Nady roaming the outfield. Texiera could end up at first for the Yanks, talk about a great young player with tremendous upside. Just hope, Cashman forgets his total youth immersion movement. So this will be an interesting off season as Yanks address their weakness' and trend towards a younger group. This has the makings of a great 2009 season at the old new Yankee stadium.....

One CF option that some may not have thought of - Rocco Baldelli is a free agent at the end of the season. Since he's coming off a long absence (due to illness) he might come a lot cheaper than some others. This guy was a definite all-star before he got sick and has worked himself all the way back to the big leagues. With BJ Upton now in CF for Tampa it's likely that he'll be moving on. He's a low risk in terms of cost with a very big upside if he returns to form.
All of this said, this should only be a plan B. Nate McLouth should be their primary target.