Offseason Agenda: New York Yankees

The Bronx Bombers have a few things to do this offseason. Most importantly would be dealing with Alex Rodriguez and they have said that he probably won't be back. Then C Jorge Posada and CP Mariano Rivera are free agents. The Yankees would like to bring both back but we'll see. The rest is pretty much like most teams. Maybe a starter, a reliever and some depth. Overall the 2007 season was only ok. A 94-68 record was good for the AL Wild Card, but lost in the first round to the Angels. That meant good-bye to Joe Toree.

Pitching
The Yankees have some of the best young pitching prospects in baseball. Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy are on a lot of team's wishlists. Yankees could get some nice return. Wang and Mussina are the only real locks in the rotation for next season. One of the three prospects will probably start, maybe two if Pettitte isn't brought back. I don't like the idea of three rookies in a rotation but who am I to tell the Yanks what to do. Pettitte declined his option, so the Yankees will talk with him, but the Yankees will still be looking for a veteran pitcher. Or is a Johan Santana trade in the works?

The bullpen was ok last season. If Rivera isn't back next season, than Joba Chamberlain might get a shot. Otherwise the bullpen will look ok. Still, the Yankees will look to add an arm or two in the offseason.

Infield
No A-Rod wouldn't make a signifacint change. Jeter and Cano will man SS and 2B, unless one of them moves to third, the Yankees will look for a 3B. Wilson Betemit is an option for first or third. Yankees will probably be looking for a corner infielder. Maybe a Joe Crede trade? Free Agent options would include: Ryan Klesko, Mike Lamb, Pedro Feliz, and Mike Lowell. Jason Giambi is still under contract and could be used at 1B or DH.

Outfield
The Yankees outfield doesn't look to bad. Matsui, Damon, and Abreu should have the starting spots, and will rotate in Melky Cabrera. The DH spot is currently available. Trading one of the outfielders is an option, but the rotation strategy makes sense to me, and will keep the outfielders fresh. Otherwise the outfield looks fine.

Prognosis
The Yankees will be a threat because they are the Yankees. They have the money to bring in whoever they choose. I think that the BoSox will do better than the Yankees, but unless the Jays figure it out than the Yankees should have a good chance in 2008.