To be honest Justin (and not that I want the Yankees to become contenders again) I don't think going out and getting more pricey free agents is the answer to their problems. They've been throwing money at their problems since they lost to the Diamondbacks in 2001 and it has got them nowhere. Looking at teams like Tampa and Boston I think the best route would be to build from within. It's cheaper and that's the way teamwork is truly built.
If I were playing Yankee GM the first thing I would do is let guys like I-Rod, Giambi, Pavano and Pettitte go to Free Agency outright. Those spots can go to up and comers who are hungry and have their minds set on becoming Yankees and getting their shot, not trying to milk the cash cow. I would also not sign Marte or Abreau. Marte has an ERA of 4.91 in New York, which is way too high for a set-up man. Some players just can't take the spotlight of the big market teams like the Yankees and Red Sox and he is one of them. Abreau's numbers certainly do not justify his contract...or even half of his contract. He is vastly overpaid and that spot would be better suited for a youngster coming up.
Mussina is a touchy subject. Yes, he's having a very good year and may win 20 games (especially if the Sox send in the scrubs on sunday) but he's going to be 40 years old and his skills are only going to decline. He would be nice in the rotation as a mentor (in a Tim Wakefield type role) but I would tell him he has to take a pay cut if he wants to remain in the Bronx. If he won't (which is probable considering he may finally hit the 20 win mark) then let him go.
I would also try to negotiate something with the teams not listed in Johnny Damon's partial no-trade clause to see if I could broker a deal to get rid of him. At $13 million a year he too is vastly overpaid...even if means eating some of that contract, just so I'd have another spot for a prospect to get his shot. You've got to remember those kids down in Scranton and other areas of the Yankees organization are probably getting frustrated because they are not getting their opportunity and you could very well have a future Hall of Famer down there. Meanwhile the MLB club keeps on picking up the big name free agents and making trade deals all because Steinbrenner is Yiddish for "Star Fucker".
Brian Cashman is a very good GM, but he has to be allowed to do his job.
No, you are absolutly right. What I should have said was they need to spend the money the right way, as in get good young talent that's available
or a reliable veteran esp in pitching.
But yes, the best thing they can do is continue to build from within and work the farm system alot more. Thankfully the Steinbrenner's have listened to
Cashman a little in that regard. Young and talented guys like Joba, Cano and Melky came from the system and they need to continue to work it.
Not everyone is going to make an impact right away, hell some should head back down to work on their fundamentals esp Kennedy, I think Hughes may
be ok but they still have problems that need to be worked out.
They definatly need to do what you said about some of the veterans, some can still produce but they should not be eating up payroll as a result. Paycuts
have to happen here and if their not willing to take the cut, then you dump em or trade em away.
I dont want I-Rod, Giambi, Pavano or Pettite to stay because they cant produce as well as they used to and keeping them around for alot of money
is just a bad idea. I would keep Abreu if he is willing to take a paycut, same with Damon. Johnny may not be great but he was very good from the leadoff
position this season when he wasn't injured.
Mussina is going to be tricky, yeah he was awesome this year but how much longer can it last? I also hope he would be willing to stay for less pay.
I'm glad you agree Brian Cashman is a good GM, I really like him. He's done alot of good things for the club but the Steinbrenner's have tied his hands
in certain places and that needs to stop, they have to let him do what he has to do in order to rebuild this team. They did that with the farm system
and now they have to let him deal with the veterans the right way.
I'll be following the offseason very closely to see what happens. Your very honest assesment of their situation was most welcome.