Now that the Yankees have won their 27th World Series, here are some thoughts on the season and what they should do this winter in order to repeat as champs.
This season we saw a lot from these Yankees, the core four were as reliable as ever, especially during the World Series, free agents to-be Damon and Matsui made Yankee personnel decisions even tougher after the playoffs, A-Rod is a completely different player, we saw some young talent develop that could play big roles in the upcoming season, and the the free agents we signed last year have been worth every penny thus far.
Now comes the offseason and the Yankees have some decisions to make about the upcoming season. The Yankeed should let Nady, Molina, Guzman, Hairston, and Hinske walk, all can easily be replaced by younger, better, more athletic players. Cervelli will take up the backup catcher position, Ramiro Pena can serve as a super-utility role-player. The Yankees should make 1-year offers to Pettite and Damon. If and only if Damon does not take the 1-year offer, then make the 1-year offer to Matsui.
I think that Yankees should stay away from Matt Holiday, Jason Bay, John Lackey, and Curtis Granderson. I think that a trade for Roy Halladay is a must. With the Derek Jeter negotiations looming next year, as well as a potential bidding war with Red Sox over Joe Mauer, it would be in the Yankees best interest to acquire Halladay now before they lose out on him to somebody else. Especially if Damon takes a multi-year deal elsewhere and Pettite decides to retire, it makes the most sense. Potential trade chips could be either Joba or Hughes packaged along with: Cano and two minor leaguers, or Melky/Romine or Montero, or Austin Jackson.
A frontline pitching staff of Halladay, CC, AJ, with Wang hopefully back by May and a bullpen with Robertson, Coke, Marte, Hughes/Joba, and Mo, together with the Yankee lineup pretty much guarantees a repeat in 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment