As someone who was an advocate for the hiring of Joe Girardi as Yankees manager it pains me to write this.  There needs to be some accountability in the Bronx and a change of culture.  For far too long dating mostly back to the end of the 2004 season, there has been far too much of a prevailing "fat-cat" attitude in which veteran players would stroll into town looking to gravy train a ride to a championship on the backs of the guys who've done it four times before.  Except there's only four guys left from that run and they're getting older and their backs are breaking with nobody else picking up the water.

While a shouting Hank Steinbrenner is much better than an empty missive from "The Boss" via a publicist, those words need to be followed up with action, pronto.  It's not enough to tell A-Rod to go jump in a lake when he opts-out, only to come back and reward him with $300 million, especially when your captain starts talking like the Yankees won before without him and with gamers like say perhaps a Mike Lowell type at 3rd.  You can't complain or should take action if your GM didn't want Johan Santana and you did, you're the new boss, you have the final say to sign off on it.

This Yankees team should've unloaded some fat contracts along with Torre and Cashman after the 2004 ALCS debacle.  The problem here is when you scream at these guys (especially the hitters) they realize that the Yankees can't move 'em because of their contracts and there's no competition off the joke of a bench (somewhere Bernie Williams is laughing) and nobody but the likes of Brett "freaking" Gardner to pressure them from the minors.  And why if you're pegging Ian Kennedy as a big part of your future or you have guys in the minors touted as the next "Joba" or "Mo" such as Mark Melancon, J.B. Cox or Daniel McCutchen are you stunting their growth with stop gaps like Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner and LaTroy Hawkins?

In my view if the Yankees after playing the next five games against Boston and Tampa, end up ten games out of a playoff spot at the All-Star break, I would advocate making some serious changes.  This team can't have it both ways, either trade for some big ticket guys who'll help your squad for the next 3-5 years or rip it all down and start getting rid of the old overpaid guys. 

So far there have not been any high expectations held on Girardi like there were on Torre, whose contract renewal was dependent upon incentives such as say reaching the ALCS in 2008.  And why was Girardi chosen?  The same reason Lou Pinella was not: Brian Cashman wanted all the power and Lou Pinella with his popularity, track record and high regard from The Boss, would've usurped Cashman's power with the Yankees in wanting his own players in his clubhouse. 

So if the Yankees are ten out at the All-Star break or trading deadline, I say start making changes at the top.  Hence my new GM would be Gene "Stick" Michael and my new Manager would be Buck Showalter and if A-Rod doesn't like it, tough he can leave just like Roberto Kelly, Mel Hall and the like of the early 90's.

Following that I would try to make some deals to bring back some younger players.  For example the Yankees have a few guys in the last year of their contracts.  Thus I might try and deal a guy like Jason Giambi to a team that needs a bopper and is in contention like his old team the A's, his old manager Joe Torre and the Dodgers or even the Giants who are incredibly still alive in the sorry NL West. 

After that I'd try to flip a guy like Mike Mussina who is having a fine season to a contender where he'd get a shot at a ring.  Moose lives in Pennsylvania and the Phillies with Brett Myers blowing up, could use a vet to help bolster a post-season run and team him up with the guy he was compared with, "slow and slower" Jamie Moyer.

Though he is a quality character guy in the clubhouse and has won in New York before, would be good with the young pitchers and they would risk him not returning next season, they might be able to get something back for Andy Pettitte.  If Texas continues to hover around .500, they need pitching.  Perhaps if Arizona (closer to home) or old skipper Joe Torre comes calling in L.A. Pettitte would be open to it if for just a 2-3 month playoff run. 

Maybe a team with closer issues such as the Tigers or Cardinals takes a bite on either Kyle Farnsworth or LaTroy Hawkins.

Finally, both Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon are swinging the bats well enough this season to warrant some interest.  Perhaps a team with the need of a veteran presence comes knocking, like Oakland, Minnesota, Florida or Milwaukee.

Of course I could be way off here and the Yankees wheel off 15 wins in a row.  But in any event someone has to stand up and be accountable or held accountable and decide where the Yankees are headed in 2008 or start getting ready for 2009 and beyond.  Because you can't have your cake and eat it for too long, or else you risk getting really fat and imploding all together.

It sounds odd to say just days after Friday afternoon's debacle, but when one takes a step back and looks the the 2008 New York Yankees after 81 games (44-37) they are much improved compared to the 2007 version (40-41) at this point.  Which not to slight Torre, but makes me wonder with the kind of talent he had if Buck Showalter wouldn't have done as good if not better or if Don Zimmer really was the "man behind the curtain" whom Torre had little post-season success without from 2004-2007.  In any event the Joe Girardi Yankees aren't perfect but they are better.

Jorge Posada (A): I know Jorge hasn't had a huge sample given injuries, but he can still flat out hit and his presence alone on this team really shows. 

Jason Giambi (B+): Who says the ghosts don't still come alive at Yankee Stadium?  This guy was dead in April, but now leads the team in homers and is in the top five in the American League and probably should be an All-Star.  Contract year sure, but Girardi really cracked the whip on him in Spring Training and it shows.

Robinson Cano (F): I know that Robbie has picked it up the last two weeks or so, but given his new contract he has just looked lethargic this season.  Terrible on base percentage.

Derek Jeter (B-): Ok its a bit of a pass but Jeter is a gamer, coming back quickly from a strained quad and playing regularly after getting hit on the hand.  Jeter like Cano has picked it up in the average department the last couple of weeks, but it would be nice to see some more power output.

Alex Rodriguez (A): Sure Mike Lowell would've plugged in nicely, but like with Posada and Kobe and Shaq, the Yankees couldn't do without A-Rod.  A-Rod has been blazing a trail since his return and is still near the top of the A.L. with 15 homers and a .327 batting average.

Johnny Damon (A): Another guy who looked almost completely lost but has been burning up the basepaths of late.  Damon has been the consumate table setter, leading the team in hits with 93, doubles with 20, steals with 13 and is sporting a .322 batting average.

Melky Cabrera: (C): Melky got off to a hot start which really raised expectations in a hurry.  No he's not Bernie Williams yet (if ever) but he does give the Yankees a plethora of contributions either in the field or on the bases even when he's not hitting.

Bobby Abreu (A): Probably the most consistent of all Yankees hitters to date.  Abreu leads the team with 53 RBI, is second in hits and third with 10 homers.

Hideki Matsui (A): Was tearing it up, now his knee might be torn up, again.  Helped to carry the team in the early going, but with all of these knee injuries I really have to start wondering about steroids with this guy.

Bench (D): The bench pretty much gets a D.  Duncan didn't play enough, Betemit was hurt too much and Ensberg was a Josh Phelps-esque bust.  Moeller and Molina have provided some stout defense as well as Gonzalez but this group just can't hack it.  Bring back Bernie anyone?

Mike Mussina (A): Speaking of those ghosts at Yankee Stadium, Mussina has been flying around New York but instead with a super-hero's cape.  Moose was being counted on as a 4th/5th starter to win 10-11 games.  In order to keep the Yankees in the race he's had to pitch like a 3rd starter and has already won 10 to lead the staff before the All-Star break.  He would've probably tied last year's total had the Yankees game in Pittsburgh not been rained out.  Who would've thunk Mussina would be the leader in wins and Giambi the leader in homers at this point? 

Andy Pettitte (B+): After a rocky start Andy looked a little tired from all of the off-season circus that was the Mitchell Report.  But with 9 wins and a recently concluded 20.2 scoreless innings streak, Pettitte looks primed for another huge 2nd half.  Pettitte is the best 2nd half pitcher in baseball and who wouldn't rather have him at $16 million for this year than Johan Santana for $150 million minus your best prospects? 

Chien-Ming Wang (B+): Wang looked as if he'd put those doubters to bed with a rapid 6-0 start.  He tailed off a tad and was just starting to get back into a groove before his freak injury.

Darrell Rasner (C): Some of his early starts Rasner got no run support.  In some of his more recent starts he's gotten knocked around.  But Rasner is what he is, an adequate back of the rotation guy who can eat up innings and keep you in the game.

Phil Hughes & Ian Kennedy (F): It should probably be an incomplete because of injuries but a combined record of 0-7 doesn't cut it boys.

Joba Chamberlain (A): Last year contrary to popular belief, he not Roger Clemens spurred this team onto the post-season.  Joba was lights out again in the pen and will try to save the Yankees bacon again, this time as a starter.  One can tell already just how mentally tough those late inning situations out of the pen have helped in Joba's progression.

Mariano Rivera (A+): You can tell I don't throw around A+'s lightly.  Think the Yankees may have wanted to give MO a 4th year on that contract?  Rivera an ERA under 1.00 and perfect in saves with 22, enough said.

Kyle Farnsworth (C+): Has been better than most in the Yanks pen which isn't saying a lot, but he does seem a little more confident with Girardi at the helm.

LaTroy Hawkins (F): I'm sorry but did anyone mention to Brian Cashman that this guy has the worst ERA of any pitcher at Yankee Stadium?  Forget O'Neill or Clemente, why does this guy have anyone's jersey number? 

Ross Ohlendorf (F): Maybe the Yankees should groom his as a starter because his confidence looks shot.

Edwar Ramirez (C+): If this guy could learn a pitch to compliment his change-up he might really turn out to be something good.

Jose Veras (B-): Sometimes he's lights out, sometimes he's lit up.  Effectively wild with some great velocity.

Bullpen etc: Bruney and Albaladejo were solid early before getting hurt, Giese was decent in long relief, but Traber and Igawa have looked like flops as lefties out of the pen.

All in all Joe Girardi has navigated this group fairly well in the early going.  He's done a much better job of balancing the bullpen and seems to have instilled more aggressiveness into this squad.  Given injuries to A-Rod, Posada, Wang, Jeter, Matsui, Hughes, Kennedy, Bruney and Albaladejo, considering the Yankees are only four games back in the loss column to Boston speaks volumes about Girardi.  No Girardi hasn't been as "rah-rah" in public as say Billy Martin, and sometimes he does look like a 2nd year manager still learning the ropes, but he does know and uphold the principle of the "Yankee-way" of the late 1990's. 

This Yankees squad, somewhat in transition is in almost the same place as another pioneer Yankee team.  The 1993 Yankees under 2nd year manager Buck Showlater posted a record of 46-35 after 81 games.  That was the last Yankees team in a non-strike year to miss the playoffs, however had there been a Wild Card back then they would've made it.  This Yankees squad is better than that one talent wise and this time around there is a Wild Card, but the division is still very much within reach.

So apparently in Spring Training Yankees Manager Joe Girardi asked his players to drop and give him 15. And they did so accordingly, dropping right onto the 15 day DL. So now the Yankees try to figure out just what condition their condition is in. Thus far one really has to wonder what the impact was of all that.

When looking at the Yankees roster from top to bottom there has been a plethora of injuries. Jorge Posada will be put on the 15 day DL for the first time in his career with a potential shoulder tear.

Jason Giambi had groin issues in the early going. Andy Pettitte was pushed back in the rotation at the beginning of the season with back spasms. After losing about 20 pounds in the off-season, reliever Brian Bruney may be done for the season with surgery on his right foot. Kyle Farnsworth felt a twinge in his elbow, throwing off the mound in Chicago. The Yankees are without a lefty in their bullpen because Sean Henn developed shoulder tendonitis this spring.

Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez have both suffered quad injuries. Pitcher Jeff Karstens is on the DL with a groin injury. The Yankees other catcher Jose Molina was beset by a hamstring injury. Infielder Wilson Betemit is also on the 15 day DL with corneal ulcers. Even Joba Chamberlain tweaked his hamstring while slipping on the mound in Chicago.

And Mike Mussina's renewed commitment to a more rigorous regiment hasn't exactly translated to quality outings or increased velocity on the hill.

So while I applaud Girardi's philosophy of really pushing his players to bust it and get in great shape, I do find it to be a precarious situation to have evolved this far to this point with these injuries.

Are they too old or were they just pushed too hard? Well here's my take, playing in the cold weather is horrible for older clubs and it takes them longer to get loose and comfortable. Discounting the steroid allegations, even an old 46 year old workout freak like Roger Clemens broke down on numerous occasions for the Yankees last season, so it does happen to old guys. I also believe that more than anything else Girardi was simply trying to foster a different, more focused mindset so that his players would know to be ready from day one.

The offense exploded and Mike Mussina never imploded as the Yankees cruised on by the Tampa Bay Rays by a final of 6-1 Monday.  The win gained the Yankees a split in the series and finished off their first homestand with a record of 4-3 as they head off to play the Kansas City Royals.

Mussina was superb, going six strong allowing only one run on two hits.  Moose, who also had three K's was dialed in enough to tie Hall of Famer Bob Gibson with 251 career wins.

The offense struck early as Bobby Abreu who finished a double away from the cycle, continued his barrage of hitting heroics with an early 2nd inning HR, a two-run shot to put New York out in front 2-0.  Abreu is hitting .400 on the young season.

Flashing ahead to the 6th, Abreu tripled, Alex Rodriguez singled him in and Hideki Matsui doubled in A-Rod, increasing the lead to 4-1.  The Yankees tacked on two more in the 7th on hits by Matsui and Cano, making the final 6-1.

Finally Brian Bruney, Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins pitched brilliantly, thus saving the arms of Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera for the next series in KC.

Bomber Bites: Should the Yankees have hung on to Doug Mientkiewicz or Andy Phillips instead of signing Morgan Ensberg?  I'm getting the feeling he might be this year's version of Josh Phelps.

Brian Bruney is making me feel a lot better about the Yankees trading away Scott Proctor.  The guy who was the "2006 version of Joba" has looked sharp thus far, velocity wise and with his control.

Hey Joe Girardi, with Derek Jeter out can I please see A-Rod at SS, if only for a few games?

Phil Hughes faces former Mets pitcher Brian Bannister in KC and they wonder why people decry the "Los Mets" philosophy, this guy for Ambiorix Burgoss?

Jose Molina, what a steal!

No not quite a bloop and a blast.  But how about two bunts and a bloop?  Yes it was ugly, but it sure beats losing pretty as the Yanks improved to 2-1 on the season, beating the Jays 3-2.

Phil Hughes was particularly sharp throwing six strong innings of two run ball while striking out four along the way.  Phil's velocity wasn't quite up as much as the Yanks would've liked but his control was marvelous all night in his first appearance in the cold Bronx since he picked up the Yankees only win in Game 3 of the 2007 ALDS. 

From there Billy Traber and Brian Bruney looked solid in their respective 2008 debuts, with the lefty Traber striking out the only batter he faced.

Offensively (and some of this could be attributed to being an older team playing in colder weather) the Yankees still have some kinks to work out, though Toronto pitching has to be given a tremendous amount of credit. 

A wild pitch and sac fly resulted in the Yankees first two runs to tie it in the 6th.  Then in the 8th Melky Cabrera found himself in another rally with a single to right, a Johnny Damon bunt muffed by pitcher Scott Downs gave the Yanks two runners aboard.  Derek Jeter then laid down a sacrifice of his own (though wrongly called out at first) and the Yankees had runners in scoring position.  Then it was Bobby Abreu dunking one into short left-center to plate Damon and put the Yanks in front for good.

Then it was Joba Chamberlain giving the 'ol "Omaha Haymaker" to the Blue Jay bats for his first victory of the season.  That kept the seat warm for Mariano Rivera, who with Vernon Wells on 3rd serving as the tying run with two outs, struck out Aaron Hill looking to pick up his 2nd save on the young season the 445th of his illustrious career.

Bomber Bites: The "kiddy carousel" continues Friday night at Yankee Stadium as Ian Kennedy takes to the mound against the Rays or whatever they're calling themselves these days.

Ok Joe, now that we've seen all the relievers, can we also see some bench guys like Duncan, Betemit and Ensberg?

The mark of a solid manager is one that knows how to play situational baseball and knows how to make adjustments throughout the course of a game.  And seeing as how his big boppers weren't booming, Joltin' Joe Girardi-o decided to change it up and play some small-ball rather than waiting on the 3-run homer. 

Perhaps Jason Giambi and Mike Mussina don't speak Spanish, but apparently Bobby Abreu certainly must've heard the words uttered... "contract year."  

No folks, contrary to popular belief the sky is not falling.  But one would have to say that the New York Yankees looked a little long in the tooth in game number two.  I'm sure you were all waiting for it too, you know the post-game comments from Mike Mussina about how the initial rain out somehow had a negative influence on his pitching even though he was slated to go on Wednesday regardless? 

 Aside from pitching 5/2/3 of four run eight hit ball, Mussina could've been virtually perfect but it wouldn't have mattered much considering the Yankees couldn't hit.  However if I'm the Yankees, I desperately try to avoid starting this guy against teams not named the A's, Royals, Rays, Orioles, Twins and Rangers.  And while given the state of the Yankees bullpen at the outset of the season, this is the reason why I clamored all off-season to get Joba Chamberlain into that starting rotation.

Alas the only guy to really do much of anything last night was Alex Rodriguez, who delivered a two-run shot off of A.J. Burnett, for his 1st HR of the season and the 519th of his career. 

 Bomber Bites: Watching LaTroy Hawkins wearing # 21 ranked right up there with being as odd as seeing Ruben Sierra wearing # 24 and Donovan Osborne with # 46. 

Yes he is a young phenom, but can Phil Hughes live blog and pitch at the same time?

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the New York Yankees may want to follow the lead of the Boston Red Sox in grabbing what could be a bargain of a pitcher.  While the Red Sox inked Bartolo Colon to a minor league pact, the Yankees would be equally wise to inquire about the services of Freddy Garcia. 

Though Garcia may not be ready until about June or July, he's well worth the risk.  Because aside from his injury last season, only once in his career (2000) has he ever not hit at least 200 innings in a season.  As evidenced by their 2007 campaign, one can never have enough pitching and Garcia seems to fit the bill as a solid insurance policy.  He's even younger than Colon and would add an effective veteran presence to the staff, even moreso than Roger Clemens did when he joined the staff last June. 

Signing Garcia if even for a short time works well for the Yankees needs.  If say for instance Andy Pettitte is worn down by off-field distractions, Mike Mussina really is over the hill, Phil Hughes pops a hammy, Ian Kennedy is back down in Wilkes-Barre and Joba Chamberlain is desperately needed in an ultra-thin bullpen, Garcia could truly be that pick-me-up the Yankees need.  Now hopefully none of those things happen, but this could also be a beyond 2008 plus for the Yanks. 

Assuming Garcia pitches well, at 33 as one of the veterans on the staff he could take Mussina's spot in the rotation after his contract is up or if for some reason Pettitte decides to ultimately hang 'em up. 

Garcia is also needed because if the Yankees truly plan to limit the amount of innings on their young trio of Hughes-Chamberlain-Kennedy, to say 150 innings a piece, it is paramount to have someone to be able to eat those innings.  Another plus out of this is that unlike Roger Clemens, this won't cost them $28 million either.

Did I mention that Garcia also has an impressive post-season resume?  Overall he is 6-2 with a 3.11 ERA and 45 K's in 55 innings.  He won a ring with the Chicago White Sox in 2005, pitching a gem in the World Series against the Houston Astros allowing no runs in seven innings striking out seven along the way to pick up the win.  His first post-season win if you're wondering came at... Yankee Stadium.

After another disappointing first round post-season exit if I were New York Yankees Owner George M. Steinbrenner III, I would make some serious changes to this ballclub.  In fact I would make a lot of changes to this roster and get back to square one.  Though it seems odd a 94 win playoff team with a payroll in excess of around $200 million would need a drastic overhaul, but alas here we are and here are the changes that must be made:

  (Moves to be made by The Boss)

First the General Manager Brian Cashman.  While I continue to applaud Cashman's willingness and philosophy to develop young talent in the farm system and holding onto prized prospects instead of dumping them for the Eric Gagne's of the world, I wouldn't bring him back.  Whether since 2001 you want to blame him or the Tampa contingent for moves like Jason Giambi, Kevin Brown, Steve Karsay, letting Andy Pettitte go etc. is your call.  However since supposedly took back the reigns in 2005, he's responsible for Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, Kei Igawa, Tony Womack, Kyle Farnsworth, re-signing Mike Mussina and letting Bernie Williams go.

  (OUT)

My new General Manager(s): Gene "Stick" Michael and Buck Showalter.  These guys layed down the foundation for the turnaround of the Yankees and this most recent dynasty in changing the culture of the way things are done in the Bronx.  Both are excellent talent evaluators, know how to run an organization, how to bring in quality people and hard nosed ballplayers and especially how to cultivate, scout and develop a farm system.

 (IN)

What to do about the manager Joe Torre?  There's two ways to look at this.  1.) Torre always wins and gets the Yankees to the playoffs, despite starting the year with two-fifths of the starting rotation comprised of Carl Pavano and Kei Igawa and followed by the many rookies that would come.  Not to mention in the post-season they essentially had about two automatic reliable relievers in Mariano Rivera and Joba Chamberlain.  In addition to having 45 year old Roger Clemens not able to pitch more than two innings and Mike Mussina pitching so poorly down the stretch he has to be relegated to long-man status, while Chien-Ming Wang had to get run out there on three days rest.  That and Jason Giambi was a total $20 million waste just sitting there on the bench because he's all roided out.  2.) The Yankees have a lot of All-Stars, Hall of Fame guys and have spent hundreds upon millions of dollars to at least do something more than get bumped in the first round for the 3rd straight year.

  (OUT)

My new Manager: Joe Girardi.  Girardi is just a flat out winner everywhere he goes.  As a player Girardi made the playoffs as a catcher with the Cubs, Rockies and Yankees.  As a manager Girardi won with the Florida Marlins, with a payroll of $15 millon and a bunch of Double and Triple-A players not named Dontrelle Willis or Miguel Cabrera.  Some have compared Girardi's managerial style and makeup to former Yankees skipper Buck Showalter.  Girardi knows talent and how to motivate and get the best out of youner players and is a no nonsense type of guy.  Which is a positive because he won't be attached to this roster, will be given a clean slate and there are a lot more youngsters on the way.  Girardi also knows how to succeed in New York which is very imporant, he learned strategy from Don Zimmer and how to handle a clubhouse from Joe Torre and there are enough of his old teammates still around to back him up and support him, namely Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte.  Girardi would be the logical fit to replace Torre, much in the way Ralph Houk replaced Casey Stengel. 

  (IN)

The Thirdbaseman: Did A-Rod light it up in the playoffs this year?  No.  Was A-Rod the absolute reason the Yankees lost in the playoffs this year?  Hell no!  Honestly here's my take, if A-Rod wants to stay and sign an extension and end his career with the Yankees then bring him back.  However if A-Rod wants to opt-out, get paid $40 million a year and ultimately take up one-third of the payroll they might just want to spend and use their resources elsewhere.  A-Rod is very marketable for YES, the new Stadium, the All-Time HR chase and on and on.  He's a good guy who seems more relaxed and more comfortable with the city embracing him and he seems to have taken on more of a leadership role in the clubhouse.  Either way I don't think the Yankees can lose.  If A-Rod is back, they have one of the All-Time greats in the lineup.  If he's not, they probably have a solid guy like Mike Lowell holding down the hot corner, who has a great glove, came up with the Yankees, is mostly a doubles hitter and can hit for average and power and the Yankees have won with players like him at 3rd before, like the guy who stood in his way back in 1998, Scott Brosius.  That and the Yankees can allocate more money towards pitching and or outfield help.

Speaking of the outfield, nobody is safe.  It will be quite interesting to see if the Yankees try to perhaps package Melky Cabrera in a deal for Johan Santana.  Or whether they keep Melky in center or move him to one of the corner spots given his arm and bring in a Torii Hunter or Aaron Rowand who are excellent defensively and provide much more pop at the plate.  Will Bobby Abreu's 2nd half resurgence and steady post-season be enough to retain his services or will the Yankees do a Gary Sheffield, pick up his option and trade him for some pitching help?  Hideki Matsui rebounded well this season, but has been injury plagued the last couple of seasons.  Though Matsui has been pretty solid as a Yankee and the organization likes the whole Japan marketing thing, the next GM or skipper might want to consider a different path and deal him for some pitching help before he potentially breaks down.  Lastly Johnny Damon may have saved himself with his October heroics, that or he possibly showcased himself for another team should the Yankees look to deal him for some pitching.  I say the Yankees have to at least bend off one of those guys for some pitching help and need some serious pop either for the outfield or DH spot. 

Catcher: Obviously bringing back Jorge Posada is a no-brainer and retaining Jose Molina would be a wise decision as well.

1st base: Working out something between a platoon of Doug Mientkiewicz, Andy Phillips, Shelley Duncan and Wilson Betemit should be just fine at the moment for the Yankees.

Up the middle the Yankees are more than set with Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano.

Finally the most important, the starting rotation.  Assuming everyone comes back and they don't pull off a blockbuster for a Johan Santana type, here's what my starting rotation would be in no particular order.  Andy Pettitte, Chien Ming Wang, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy.  That's right, no more Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Kei Igawa or Carl Pavano.  Go with youth here and you heard me right, Joba starts! 

In the bullpen Mariano Rivera must be brought back, even at his age, when it counts he's still better at 80% than most closers in this league at 100%.  Plus who else are you going to sign Eric Gagne?  Please.  Kyle Farnsworth must be shown the door.  They have to make some deals as I mentioned earlier to bring in some workhorses.  They should probably bring back Luis Vizciano.  And there should be a healthy competition between more young guys (if they're not traded) like Ross Ohlendorf, Humberto Sanchez, T.J. Beam, Darrell Rasner, Jose Veras and Chase Wright.  Perhaps Mussina is retained as a long-man or a spot starter in the pen or if Girardi is hired as manager they bring in Jon Lieber for help as an innings eater.  Another option might be to try and swing a deal for Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan. 

Finally the deadweight must be cut.  Some how some way the Yankees have to shed the bad karma and equally bad contracts of Carl Pavano, Kei Igawa, Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina and Kyle Farnsworth.  A big reason the Yankees can't afford to give A-Rod the moon if he opts out is that these guys are taking up a huge chunk of the payroll without actually living up to those salaries or in some cases not contributing at all. 

 

In summary the Yankees have an array of directions they can go.  Continue to get younger and more fiscally responsible.  Trade some of that youth or those big contracts for some "sure things," i.e. Johan Santana or Joe Nathan.  Spread out their resources to create more depth on the roster.  Or they could just go all out and spend $300 million. 

I'm not expecting them nor do I want them to revert back to the 1980's style of doing things or even what happened after the 2001 season.  With potentially more payroll flexibility and more leverage for the owner, this will be the biggest turnover since 1995 and 1997, both year's the Yankees made the playoffs as a Wild Card and got bumped in the ALDS.  Oddly enough it may all turn out to be very cyclical for Joe Torre, who like Buck Showalter before him was a successful well like skipper by the fans who brought the team back from extinction to the playoffs only to lose and be let go.  Hopefully these changes like those made in '95 and '97 bring about a new dynasty for these Yankees and hopefully they'll remember what those changes made at that time that were, when they're thinking about making them this time around.

September is a time for call-ups in baseball.  Which was further illustrated last night when the Yankees went through a slew of players in their 14 inning afair with the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium last night.  Thus it begs the question, when teams are forced to cut back down to 25 on the roster for the playoffs, who makes the cut for the Yankees?  It will be the first time since 1981 that a Yankee playoff roster will not include Bernie Williams.

Jorge Posada: The starting catcher, batting over .330 with over 20 HR's and 85 RBI, been through the battles and has the rings to show for it. 

Derek Jeter: The starting shortstop, captain clutch, you've heard it all before, he's got the hits, the rings and a nice shiny World Series MVP trophy from 2000, the last time they won it all.

Mariano Rivera: Not to take away from his career in the regular season, but if anyone could get into the hall on playoff numbers alone, Mo would be your guy.  Once again another guy with the rings along with the 1999 World Series MVP and 2003 ALCS MVP to boot. 

Andy Pettitte: Is it any suprise or wonder I went with the dynasty guys first?  Pettitte is back with the Yankees just like David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen, no more imposters with the likes of Randy Johnson and Kevin Brown playing the roles of Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone.  Oh yeah, Andy also has the rings, 14 playoffs victories and a 2001 ALCS MVP.

Alex Rodriguez: A reminder to come back and read this after the playoffs are over, without A-Rod in 2007 there are playoffs for the Yankees.  A-Rod thus far has 52 HR's and 143 RBI, if he just tries to stay relaxed and not try and duplicate those numbers within a span of three weeks, he should no doubt thrive in October.

Robinson Cano: Has had quite a jolt of power this season, hopes to revert to his playoff form of two years ago.

 

Hideki Matsui: Salvaged his season with a hot July and August, however he's also endured a bit of a September swoon.  Absolutely tore up the playoffs in his first two seasons in 2003 and 2004, the last two not so much.  Will be counted on once again.

Bobby Abreu: Another guy who when on can beat you in so many different ways with the bat.  Nice to have a third hitter who can lay down a bunt in a crucial spot and also have 16 HR's and 98 RBI.  One of the few guys who hit in the playoffs last year for the Yanks.

Melky Cabrera: Has cooled off somewhat of late, but speed and defense don't go into slumps for very long and count big time come playoff time.  It's the little guys like Melky who emerge as the un-sung heroes with big hits in October.

Doug Mientkiewicz: Staying on that theme of defense, with apologies to Tino Martinez, Mientkiewicz has to be the best defender at first since Don Mattingly.  While on occasion Doug can slug, his defense will same at least one to two runs a game and when one scales that down to a playoff series, usually that's all it takes to win a game.  Again has a ring and the playoff experience, he'd be my starter at first and is a sleeper pick for a clutch hit or two.

Johnny Damon: Damon can still be useful, has the ring and has been through the playoff wars before.  Another guy capable of beating you in so many different ways.  He'd be my starting DH and depending on Matsui's health, possibly LF.

Jason Giambi: Don't push it with this guy, he reminds me of Jose Canseco circa 2000.  Can still be useful as a pinch hit bopper off the bench or as DH, but in the field, uh no thanks.

Chien-Ming Wang: Ace of the staff, 18 wins.  Won their only playoff game last year, Yanks just feel confident when he pitches, no matter what.  A cool customer on the mound, important in the pressure of the playoffs.

Roger Clemens: Just get him to October in one piece please.  Given his Hall of Fame ledger, Rocket's playoff stats aren't quite what one would expect them to be.  However his presence and ability at any time to pitch dominantly to the tune of two hits and one run over seven innings, still makes him very dangerous.  Has the rings from the days of the "old guard."

Mike Mussina: Veteran who has rebounded of late and deserves a roster spot, possibly even a start.  Not so sure if I'd pitch him with my season on the line in game four.  It will be interesting to see if pitches like David Cone did in the 1999 playoffs after falling off a bit down the stretch or if he'll be like the Cone of 2000 and see little to no action.

Phil Hughes: Has stepped up of late and might warrant a start in October.  That or he could be a righty specialist out of the pen or relieve Clemens or Mussina in case of injury or if they're getting pounded.

Joba Chamberlain: An absolute witch on the mound.  Chamberlain is clutch, embraces the big moments and soakes in the spotlight.  Don't be shocked if you see Joba coming in during the 6th inning of some playoff games if the situation dictates it.

Jose Molina: If the Yankees need to pinch run for Posada in a late spot, they won't lose much in Molina defensively, very important.  Won a ring with the Angels and has actually hit some in limited post-season action.

  Luis Vizcaino: Meet the new Ramiro Mendoza of the Yankee bullpen.  If kept fresh, Luis is lights out.  Another guy with a ring from the Chicago White Sox.

Wilson Betemit: Has had his action and plate apperances reduced of late.  However he is Mr. Versatility, Betemit can play virtually any infield position, has some pop from the left side off the bench and can switch-hit.  Blasted the ball with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2006 NLDS.

Ron Villone: On the roster if for no other reason than he's a veteran lefty.  If fresh can be effective, best not to push it though.

Shelley Duncan: Gets the team pumped and is a long ball threat off the bench with some righthanded pop.  Also has a rocket arm in the OF. 

Ian Kennedy: Another solid young arm who can get the Yankees innings should one of their starters go down or i####ame goes into extras.  Having guys like Kennedy, Vizcaino, Hughes, Chamberlain, Rivera out of the pen could make most games a 5-6 inning affair.  These guys will be important especially if Clemens and Mussina can't give them length for whatever reason.

Kyle Farnsworth: As much as it pains me to give him the 25th spot, they're paying him way too much and probably won't leave him off.  Though with the depth they have in the pen, I'm not sure what his role is anymore and if it's end of the line aka 14th inning guy, he's not the guy you want in there with the game on the line like Jeff Weaver in the 2003 World Series.  Other candidates would likely be Edwar Ramirez and Ross Ohlendorf.

It's time, enough with the Moose, no more Sean Henn or Ron Villone.  It's time for Boomer III in the Bronx.  David Wells is out there on the market and the New York Yankees would be wise to take a shot at him.  He's cheap, has a rubber arm and a post-season/New York track record to die for.

Honestly for what he'd be getting paid is David Wells any worse of an option than Mike Mussina in the rotation or Sean Henn and Ron Villone as a lefty out of the bullpen?  And don't scoff about age either, especially considering the Yanks have trotted out the like of Mussina (38), Roger Clemens (45) and in recent years Randy Johnson and Kevin Brown.  Heck in 2003 they were so desperate to find a lefty out of the bullpen that they eventually took a chance on the ancient Jessie Orosco.  So why not take a chance on Wells?  He's a guy who loves New York and thrives there and should have a chip on his shoulder to go out on top. 

They wouldn't be asking Wells to be a savior, just better than what they've got.  Now if one wants to argue prospects Joba Chamberlain or Ian Kennedy should take Mussina's rotation spot then fair enough.  But are Henn and his 5.34 ERA and Villone and his 4.42 ERA any better than Wells?  For the Yanks who were desperate for some innings, for a long man could've used Wells' arm big time last night.

In 22 starts, Wells is 5-8 with an ERA of 5.54 in 118.7 innings this season, while Mussina in 22 starts is 8-9 with an ERA of 5.22 in 120.7 innings.  What's the worst that could happen if Wells was brought back for another go-around in the Bronx?  Wells is career 68-28 in Pinstripes including seven post-season victories in his Yankee career and a World Series Championship as the ace in 1998.

If nothing else the Yankees try to find a little bit of lightning in a bottle.  Heck it worked with Al Leiter when they made their valiant comeback in 2005.  Boomer III in the Bronx, make it happen Mr. Cashman, you're on the clock.

The way the New York Yankees and New York Mets were tearing up the basepaths, one would've thought they were sprinting for glory.  But as the back and forth nature of yesterday's game showed, the baseball season is not a sprint but a marathon. 

Despite getting some shaky pitching, the Yankee bats paced themselves quite well, especially Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter who both homered on the day.  Jeter, A-Rod, Hideki Matsui, Robinson Cano and Miguel Cairo all knocked in two runs a piece as the Yankees held off the Mets 11-8.  After scoring a plethora of runs during the nine game winning streak the Yanks bounced back with 11 after getting shut out the day before.  Roger Clemens who followed Andy Pettitte with a brilliant performance of his own, like Pettitte earlier in the season must feel snake bitten with the lack of run support on Friday. 

Reading in-between the Pinstripes: The Yankees have sent down 5th starter Tyler Clippard, who showed promise but still needs to work on his command.  Being called up to replace Clippard as a bench player for their NL trip to Colorado and San Francisco is Kevin Thompson.  Once the Yankees need a 5th starter again they'll call up Kei Igawa or just call the avon lady.

Ken Griffey Jr. could be making his way to the Bronx in short time.  With the Cincinnati Reds in last place in arguably the worst division in baseball, Junior is rumored to be dealt to the Yanks, Boston Red Sox or Atlanta Braves.  Start trying on that 1stbaseman's glove Johnny.  Speaking of 1stbaseman's glove, Jorge Posada may be trying it on for size when Wil Nieves is behind the plate to catch Mike Mussina against the Rockies and Giants.

Milestones: Manager Joe Torre has 2,006 career victories, just 3 wins shy of passing former Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants manager Leo Durocher for 9th on the all-time win list. 

A-Rod hit HR number 490, just 10 away from 500.  A-Rod also passed Reggie Jackson for 28th on the all-time Yankee list with 145 and needs just 2 more to pass Bob Meusel.  In addition A-Rod also knocked in Yankee RBI number 427 which ties him for 42nd on the all-time Yankee list with Roger Peckinpaugh.  A-Rod now 50th on the all-time Yankee list for runs scored with 412.  A-Rod is 4th on the all-time Yankee list for slugging % at .565, putting him ahead of Mickey Mantle at the moment and only behind Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio.

Derek Jeter hit Yankee and all-time HR number 188 putting him just 5 homers shy of Tino Martinez for 13th on the Yankee list. 

Hideki Matsui now has 400 RBI in his career and as a Yankee which places him 45th on the Yankee all-time list.

Roger Clemens passed Jim Bouton for Yankees innings pitched and is just seven K's away from passing Allie Reynolds for 10th on the all-time Yankee list.

 

Remember back when Roger Clemens was making his proclamation from the owner's box at Yankee Stadium of his return to the New York Yankees?  And how after that Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox beamoned that they didn't really "need" the Rocket's services anyway?  Well the Yankees are now 7.5 games back of the Red Sox for first place in the American League East after just two weeks ago trailing by 14.5. 

The Yankees have won 12 of their last 14 games including the last 9 in a row, having taken the last four series in a row which included 2 of 3 at the Red Sox, 3 of 4 at the White Sox, and sweeps of the Pirates and Diamondbacks.  The Yankees are 11-2 so far in June.  In fact it only gets sweeter for the Yankees who start a series this weekend at home against the reeling New York Mets and then travel to play the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles.  If after that trip you were to tell me with the way the Yankees are playing that they'd arrive in the Bronx for their next homestand against the Oakland A's riding a 21 game winning streak and leading the A.L. East, I might be shocked but in the same token none too suprised.

Everything about this team looks so alive.  Manager Joe Torre ever since getting ejected on that Friday night up in Boston looks rejuvinated standing on the steps of the dugout whenever the Bronx Bombers are up to the plate.  They seem to be a lot more comfortable and relaxed in their roles.  No doubt they are getting sparks from guys like Melky Cabrera and Miguel Cairo playing regularly and contributing to keep the team loose.  It's quite apparent that Cabrera and Cairo are doing for this year's club what Cabrera and Bernie Williams did for last year's team when Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield went down. 

If we're comparing this season to 1978 Cairo who was essentially forgotten for the first two months may be the 2007 version of Brian Doyle.  Doyle was the 2ndbaseman who took over after Willie Randolph got injured and batted .438 in the '78 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Cabrera gives the team another dimension as well, the best centerfielder this team has had since Bernie Williams in his prime, with a cannon for an arm to boot.  Cabrera's presence in center gives him more confidence as the every day guy and allows Johnny Damon to stay fresh and set the tone at the top of the batting order.  It's no suprise that having guys like Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano out of the picture has helped this club to move forward.

Of course these moves allow everything to click in the batting order.  With Damon regularly in there at the top, that allows Bobby Abreu to settle back into the 3rd spot between Derek Jeter who has been consistently solid all year and Alex Rodriguez who is putting up MVP numbers again and he is backed up now by Jorge Posada who is 2nd in the A.L. in batting and that is aided by having some pop at the bottom with Matsui, Robinson Cano looking like a batting champ again and even Cabrera lifting his offensive game.  The only thing this team may be lacking is a bopper off the bench, perhaps that will come in the person of Giambi or they make a deal for Cincinnati Reds slugger Ken Griffey Jr. who has 16 HR's and could be looking for a ring after playing for the reeling Reds could be brought in as a DH and reunited with A-Rod.

A-Rod ignoring and silencing the off the field critics with his impressive play and Abreu looking like he won't turn into the 2001 version of David Justice or the 1997 version of Cecil Fielder are by far the best news of cranking the Yankee machine.

Finally it's the pitching that will always serve as the backbone of this ballclub if they're going anywhere in October.  Bringing Clemens back has been a gigantic boost to this ballclub.  Clemens just brings that something extra to push guys harder and gives them that drive to take their games to the next level along with an added sense of excitement.  Andy Pettitte is getting run support and is still lights-out.  Mike Mussina has picked it up and doesn't look quite ready yet to turn into the 2000 version of David Cone.  Chien-Ming Wang looks like the ace who won 19 games last year and not the shell of a pitcher who was hobble by early injuries thanks to the brilliant signing of Marty Miller as strength and conditioning coach.  Most importantly they're getting length and consistency out of the starters, which keeps the offense in ballgames allowing them not to have to press so often, keeps the bullpen fresh and allows Mariano Rivera to get a normal workload.

News & Notes: Jorge Posada with his 206th homerun puts him past Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Winfield for 9th on the all-time Yankee list.  Posada is just 17 away from passing Yankee hitting coach and former 1stbaseman Don Mattingly for 8th on that list.  Posada is only 7 RBI away from passing Winfield for 15th on the all-time Yankee RBI list.  Meanwhile Derek Jeter needs just 6 more HR's to pass Tino Martinez for 13th on the list with 193.  And A-Rod with this next HR will give him 145 as a Yankee passing Mr. October Reggie Jackson for 28th on the Yankee all-time HR list. 

Speaking of A-Rod, he picked up his 67th and 68th RBI on the season in the finale against the Diamondbacks.  If you're wondering who has the record for most RBI before the all-star break, that record is held by Detroit Tigers great Hank Greenberg back in 1935 the Tigers slugger knocked in 103 RBI which is still the MLB record and get this Greenberg that year wasn't even selected to the all-star team, imagine that?

Andy Pettitte with Yankee win 153 in his career is 5 away from passing Waite Hoyt for 8th place on the all-time Yankee win list.  Mike Mussina with 95 is two away from passing Ray Caldwell for 16th on the list.  Mariano Rivera with 61 is 1 away from passing Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Urban Shocker into a tie for 40th on the list and is only 4 wins away from passing Catfish Hunter and David Cone. 

And of course Manager Joe Torre picks up his 2,000th win in Chicago last week, with many more to follow.

One of the best things about baseball is that if you happen to have a game where you lose 20-2, it's only one game out of 162.  The problem being if you're the one who wins a game like that, you can't re-distribute your runs to the follwing day's game either.  Therein lied the problem for the New York Yankees (4-4) against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night.

After Mike Mussina went down early with a leg injury, the Yankees were aided by a sac-fly RBI from Alex Rodriguez and the continued brilliant relief of Sean Henn to hold the Twins at bay 1-0. 

However close games are where Minnesota thrives, with small ball and a deep bullpen.  Kyle Farnsworth was not sharp, walking leadoff batter and speedster Luis Castillo in the bottom of the 8th.  Castillo came around to score on an RBI single from Joe Mauer and the flood gates opened from there as the Twins rolled on to win 5-1.

Yanks go to Oakland to take on the A's starting Friday night.

The New York Yankees (1-2) went down to the Baltimore Orioles (1-3) by a score of 6-4 at Yankee Stadium on Friday.  While the Yankees improved defense finally put up a goose egg in the error column, it wasn't about the Goose but rather the ineffectiveness of the Moose which led to the Yankees demise.

Reminiscent of the scene from the movie Major League II where "Wild Thing" Rick Vaughn arrives back at his apartment only to be told it's the bottom of the second and asked if he started that night's game, so too has that been the case with Yankee starters who've been unable to make it past the 5th inning thus far. 

Granted the Yankees were 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position, but it's tough when you're down and constantly having to play catch-up.  When the Yanks got down early and bounced right back, Mussina let the O's hammer right back the next inning, a big no-no after your team rallies the previous inning.  It's not that this Yankees team can't score ten runs on a daily basis, it's when you're pressed to score that many every game there's no way you can be perfect all the time.  One also has to give a huge deal of credit to a vastly improved Baltimore bullpen.

On the plus side, Derek Jeter passed Don Mattingly on the Yankees all-time hit list, Robinson Cano looks like this year's A.L. batting champ and Sean Henn seems to have found his niche in the bullpen working three scoreless innings in relief. 

Kei Igawa faces off against Steve Trachsel, the vendors and their $10.00 beers are salivating.  One can only hope that nobody translates to Igawa what inning he's in until he's well into the 7th.