The Final Score

Quick question is, Rocco Baldelli available after this season? Being that Bj Upton has emerged as the Rays Cf. I think he would fit nicely for a yr until Austin Jackson is ready. Then Rocco can move to a corner postion. He would be perfect for the yankees.

Rocco Baldelli is a free agent - the Rays declined his option before the year - but he is a major injury risk, obviously.

Yes the injury risk is big, but he can possibly be had for cheap, i think its worth a look. Thanks for the response.

I agree with both in a way. Give Brett Gardner a shot. If that doesn't work out, I like the idea of moving Cano for Nate McClouth. Please stay away from Mike Cameron.

Baldelli has that mitochondrial disorder - he is an american league DH/4th OF at this point. I like the idea of McClouth for Cano, although the Yanks would have to pay most of Cano's salary.

This is why the Yankees should resign Abreu - better to only have one OF question than two.

I am not in favor of having bad defense in CF. McLouth is supposedly a minus defender. Granted, his hitting is great, but to win championships, you need pitching, defense, and timely hitting. For this reason, I believe we should platoon Melky and Gardner. This brings me to another point that we should stop signing stars at every position and go back to the late 1990's when we had a bunch of platooning going on [we even platooned Tino w/ Cecil Fielder]. In 1999, Chad Curtis was our LF and he batted .243. Platooning will also result in an improvement in our bench late in games.

Give Gardner a full shot. (at least throughg the All-Star Break).
The guy has got game breaking speed and can win a lot of games if he can figure out how to get himself to 1st more often. (100 drag bunts a day in the off season please, followed by another 50 to the left side, followed by 70 inside fastballs to work on bat speed getting in front of that pitch...never saw him pull an inside pitch all season).
Start Gardner in the 9 hole with an eye on a long-term leadoff guy if he can get his avg and obp up to respectable levels.

Melky is a very good defensive centerfielder but a dope when it comes to basic baseball knowledge and can't hit worth a can of beans from the right side.
I see no hope for Melky with this squad. Anyone who consistently dives into 1st base and can't figure out that there isn't an ump in baseball that will rule a close play safe when that happens does not deserve to wear the pinstripes.

Gardner shows promise of being an outstanding defensive CF'er.

NO CAMERON.

The Yankees do not have an in house answer. Melky is a fourth outfielder and Gardner is a guy with no power and is an under .300 hitter in the minors. Thus, he is not a good enough hitter to nullify his lack of power. Austin Jackson is highly touted but he has yet to light it up in the minors. The Yankees farm system is very weak in the outfield. They must acquire an outfielder now, especially since their entire outfield is subject to free agency between now and next off season. In that vain, for CF consider -- McClouth, Dejesus, Dukes. McClouth is a decent if not great CF and a five tool player. Dejesus is a solid CF who is a good hitter with power and some speed. Dukes is finally starting to live up to his potential and could be great (and has more potential than any Yankee CF).

TORII HUNTER / SPIDERMAN.

By the way, while Cano had an unspectacular year, people seem to be forgetting that historically, he compares favorably to most second basemen and most players. As such, the only reason to use Cano as a pawn would be to acquire a big fish (e.g., Matt Holliday, Jake Peavy, Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum, etc.)

By the way, while I like Nady, the Yankees should trade him now while his value is highest rather than be forced to deal with him being a Boras' free agent next off season, ergo unreasonable dollars.

Is there any reason why part of the outfield discussion should not include Abreu? He is a steady hitter who wears out pitchers not just with his bat, but his effect on pitch counts. I keep hearing the Yanks are sure to let him go. Why not convert him to first base and give a little thought to doing the same with Damon. His rainbow arm would not be a liability there. Both these guys are athletes enough to make a switch, as is Matsui. It would open up a lot of options for developing Gardner without having to throw around a lot free agent money that could be spent on pitching.

Phil, the predominant thought about Abreu is that he is gonna ask for too much on his new contract and price himself off of the team.
I like him as our RF'er (despite a clear case of wallitis) and thought he was one of the more consistent and few clutch hitters this year. (granted, that's not saying much).

But it's all about economics.

Nobody's gonna like this idea, but a growing weakness on the Yankees, one that will only get worse with each passing day, is the defense being played at shortstop. While Jeter is still passable as an everyday shortsop (and that's being polite), he won't be for long.

Move him to the outfield and, in my opinion, he would automatically become the Yankees best defensive outfielder. I would even put money on a gold glove or two out there before his career ends.

The Yankees need a trade similar to the one the Sox made in 04, jetissoning Nomar for speed and defense. I'm not saying the Yanks should trade Jeter (they shouldn't) but they should consider moving him to the outfield at some point and, through a trade (with Cano as a chip) get defensive minded up the middle of the infield. Or Trade Cano, move Jete to second and sign Orlando Cabrera.

Pains me to say it, but the Captain is starting to get old.

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!

What a good idea.

PUT NADY IN CENTER

Jim A

I agree with "the length of the contract" being the central issue over keeping Abreu. That's kinda what I meant, but didn't state clearly, in my "price of the contract" comment.
I agree 100% with no more than a 2 year deal for him.

Gardner needs to be given a shot in CF. Speed is something you cannot teach. This guy was a reason the Yankees played better the last few weeks of the season. He is an excellent defender who is capable of turning a game around with his speed. He will hit .260 - .280. He doesn't need to have power. Enough with this " Yankees bloodlines in CF " nonsense. There was quite a gap between Mantle and Bernie Williams. If the rest of the lineup produces the way the are supposed to, he will score 100 runs next year.

Also, if I traded Cano, it would not be for Nate McClouth. If you trade Cano, you trade him for a good, young pitcher. I don't even want the Yankees to think about Mike Cameron. That is the wrong direction to go with this team.

I think the Yankees will see what Melky can do as well. He fields and throws well and hit .273 in 2007 and .280 in 2006. He needs to stop chasing pitches. If he ends up going somewhere else, i would not be surprised if he hits in .280's or .290's at some point. He is also a year younger than Gardner

Rocco is somewhat of a risk and wouldn't take much to land him..take a shot, if his disorder is in check which he worked hard to get back to the bigs, then we would have a solid centerfielder with an arm! If you remember Rocco was absolutely the bomb before his disorder. Strong defense, could run anything down and could hit and with some good power. We're getting old in the outfield, I don't think Melki is the answer because of his hitting. Gardner isn't ready yet...I think Rocco is a small risk for the amount of reward!

To seriously suggest Mike Cameron as an option for CF only shows a complete ignorance of the game of baseball. I wouldn't want Mike Cameron on this team for league minimum. The absolute LAST thing the Yankees need is another guy in his mid 30s who can't hit the ball. You can pick a random fan off the street and he won't strike out as often as Cameron.

Assuming this team can get to the playoffs next year, Mike Cameron's lifetime playoff average is about .163. You know why? Because people who strike out all the time, can't hit the ball against the best pitchers in the league, and the best teams, have the best pitching.

So you are talking about replacing not one, but TWO plus defenders, with a guy who can't hit any better, and can't field any better. Yeah, it's worth going outside the roster for that.

Why not propose to sign Giambi to a multiyear deal while you're at it?

I'm not saying Gardner/Cabrera is the answer, but neither is Mike Cameron.

The Yanks should sign Sabathia and Burnett. These signings would allow the Yanks to deal some excess pitching for a young, speedy, long-term answer in centerfield. To be fair to both teams trade Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and Jose Veras to Detroit for Curtis Granderson and Brandon Inge. The Yanks could open the 2010 season with Granderson and Austin Jackson in the outfield while also keeping Cano in this scenario. Inge could be a super-utility type while adding some grit and feistiness this team desperately needs.

Maybe Melky learned a lesson this year. Sounds like he went to the minors and drew walks, which is what they told him to work on. He's still a very young player. Garner could be a fourth outfielder and give everyone a rest.

Don't trade Cano. This idea that you trade guys when there value is lowest is stupid. The kid had one bad season (and only by his previous lofty standards). He obviously benefited from Bowa. He needs better coaching. Melky, too. Girardi should sit him down every time he doesn't hussle. Take him out during the middle of an inning if he nonchalants it to first or lackadaisically goes after a ground ball.

I think Jeter to first would be a good move if and when the Yanks find a superstar shortstop to take his place. Oh, that's right. They have one on third.

What really matters though is signing Sabathia and bringing Moose back and not trading the young pitchers.

Cabrera and Gardner are fine fourth outfielder candidates: good defense and speed but as far as starting, it's no go. Melky has struggled for two years now and Brett is a .270 type hitter at best and can't bunt so his speed is nullified. If you platoon them you still get below expected production. Austine Jackson is the man of the future but not the present so I like the idea of getting a relatively cheap short-term free agent like Cameron (still hits some home runs, drives in some runs and although a step slower a good defender. Baldelli'e healthmakes him is too risky; Edmonds is too old; Paterson and Podsedrik could not hold their spots elsewhere so why give them a starting spot on our team; and, Bloomquist, Jerry Hairston Jr., Gabe Kapler, and Mark Kotsay don't offer enough to warrant a slot. Best bet is a trade for a good young CF such as McClouth. Unfortunately, we will probably have to settle for a Melky/Brett platoon.

Austin Jackson

The Yankees should look into moving Jeter into centerfield since he is on the downside of his career defensively. This move could add length to his career and he could be the next great Yankee centerfielder like Mantle and Dimaggio. There are more available infielders that can help the Yankees then free agent outfielders.

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 ???

Attempt to trade for Matt Holliday. Give them Matsui (Picking up $5M of his salary) Nady and Ian Kennedy. They may have to offer a second pitching prospect. Resign Abreu for right field (Two years only) have Damon/Gardner and possibly Austin Jackson platoon in center and have Holliday play left field.

The Yankees must consider not only this year's picture but also next year. In that regard, the Yankees need to look out their pitching, entire outfield and first base. Abreu, Damon, Nady and Matsui could all be gone between this year and next. Wang is the only proven started who is signed for the next couple years. Joba is great but we need to see if he can stay healthy for year and therefore cannot currently project him as an ace even if he has ace stuff. Also consider that the Jeter is no longer a good defensive shortstop in any regard and that ARod is mediocre at third. What does this equate to:
1. Either sign Texeira or move ARod to First.
2. If ARod is moved to 1st, move Jeter to 3rd or CF.
3. Trade for Hanley Ramirez for any players not named Joba --the best all around shortstop and a great player who could increase our on base prowess, power, ferocity, and speed at the top of the lineup.
4. Trade for Matt Holliday.
5. Sign Sabathia and acquire either Lincecum, Cain, Peavy, F. Hernandez -- all players who could be available because theri teams and farm systems are that bad -- if not, then sign Burnett.
6. Trade Jason Bay while his stock cannot be any higher and before he asks for unreasonable dollars.
7. Trade Matsui even if it means eating dollars -- he is aging quickly.
8. Re-sign Abreu - two to three years -- his OBP and clutchness is difficult to replace.
9. Give Gardner enough at bats to see if he is worth full-time status in 2010 or sign Baldelli as a fourth option.
Other alternatives: Greinke, Votto, Dejesus, Atkins, Tulowitzki, Dukes

Look at this potential lineup:

Damon - LF/CF/DH
H. Ramirez/Tulowitzki -SS
Jeter - 3B/CF
ARod - 1B/3B
Holliday - LF/Texeiria/Votto 1B
Abreu/Nady - RF
Cano/Hudson - 2B
Posada/Molina - C/DH
Gardner - CF

The top six hitters all have power, speed (except Texieria and Votto) and a high OBP (except Nady). Pitchers will have to pitch to ARod. Seven or eight of the position players have high OBP. ARod would be a solid IB (and better than Giambi) and his health would likely be better long term. (The other IBmen are very good defensively). The all around defense would be improved. Plus, the youth movement would be progressed to a degree.

SP

1-2 Sabathia/Peavy/Cain/Lincecum/F. Hernandez/Burnett
3 Wang
4 Pettite or Mussina
5 Joba

Scary staff and generally young.
This would be a team for the present and future. This team is possible too. Why? The Yankees have enough prospect depth to make to to three significant trades and some combination of the above is likely to be available due to a variety of internal reasons. The other players could be acquired via free agency. Hank, please read my blog. We cannot compete in the east if we do not have at least two aces, something which Boston and Tampa Bay have. Also, when is the last time the Yankees had an exciting and versatile offense. When was the last time the Yankees had a web gem. These changes would make that happen.

Go with Gardner, he's a .265 hitter with the potential to swipe 50 and get on base at a .300-.315 clip who could be a sparkplug for the 1,2,3 hitters. Melky can provide backup versatility or be used as trade bait. Cameron strikes out far too often.

I can see the Yankees go after a Casey Kotchman, or Nick Johnson for 1B but I'd prefer a Pat Burrell who is always around 25-100 and is showing a knack for clutch hitting in the post season, even over Texiera. Cano may need to be dealt for pitching (Matt Cain?) because I dont see CC signing with the Yankees, and I think Burnett is anouther Pavano. Derek Lowe would be a solid pickup but he cant be the marquee pitching add as a 35 year old. Orlando Hudson would slide in nicely to cover Cano's absence.

Melky has hit in the past and I believe he will hit again. I like Gardner's attitude and speed, but that doesn't yield hits. Both Melky and Brett should work on their weaknesses in Winter Ball and compete for the 4th outfield spot in Spring Training. If its a close call I would go with Melky. In the past Melky and Cano the Yankees a boost when they needed it and he can do it again. With a new Stadium and 3rd place finish the motivation is there.

The yankees should sign Rocco Baldelli and platoon him with garnder in CF. nady shift shifts to right, damon stays in left. baldelli a young speedy CF who plays good defense and can hit. exactly what the yankees need.

the yankees should sign nick johnson to play first base and split time with juan miranda. Tex is another arod who will fail to live up to the hype. lets devolop players, keep draft picks and build for the future.

1b- johnson/miranda

2b- cano

ss- jeter

3b- arod

catcher- posada/molina

LF- damon
CF- baldelli/ gardner
RF- nady

DH- matsui