Are the yankees in trouble?

Ok. I know Yankees don’t have a bad record so far. However, there are two things very obvious right now.

First of all, Yankees certainly don’t have the same luck this year as they received last year in the injury department.

And then Cashman’s offseason moves don’t work out too well, do it? Most of predictions I made on the post of What Cashman has done this off-season become reality.

I know Hideki Matsui doesn’t perform so well in LA land. However, at least, he is playing. Who knows how he will perform in the Yankees lineup. But, Nick Johnson is hurt again and sits on the 60 days disable list.

The plan of replacing Johnny Damon with Curtis Graderson doesn’t work, either. Not to mention that Austin Jackson plays quite well in Detroit. On top of that, Javier Vazquez seems can’t handle the pressure of playing in New York while many old players show their ages, including Posada, Andy and Mo. These problems only prove my concerns about the catcher and bullpen are legitimate.

We only can hope Yankees can weather this storm.

Let’s Go Yankees!

What Cashman has done this off-season

Let me get straight to the point. I don’t like the moves Cashman has made this off-season even though I have been in Cashman’s supporters’ camp. It seems everyone likes his moves. Not for me. Those moves make Yankees better on paper. However, I have a hunch that those moves may come back to bite us. As a diehard Yankees fan, I hope I am wrong about my prediction.

I also start wondering whether Cashman has the ability to make good signings or trades in order to improve his team when he can’t throw money at the problems.

I believe Cashman makes those decisions based on the numbers. I am pretty sure you guys get tons of analyses like that. You are not going to get one from me. My opinion is more based on my observation.

I believe chemistry can affect the team performance. I believe some players can perform better under the pressure or at the clutch time than others. I also believe the team overall performance can be better when some players play with certain players.

From this point on, barring some surprises, two things are more likely happening in Yankeesland. First of all, Cashman may add a second-tier left outfielder. Secondly, he may add one bat off the bench. So, it will be a great time to review what Cashman has done this off-season?

Well, he basically replaces Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Melky Cabrera and numbers of no.4 starter(Joba chamberlain, Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre, etc) with Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, Jamie Hoffmann and Javier Vazquez while he almost empties the depth of minor league system except catching department.(P.S. You can’t count Joba and Hughes because they are already major leaguers.)

Of course, I don’t count players don’t contribute that much this season, such as Bruney, Nady, Wang,etc. I also don’t include the possible impact of losing Molina, Phil Coke, etc.

Because I already commented on what I think regard of Curtis Granderson trade, I am not going to repeat one more time. But, in short, you can say it is a push when it comes down to Johnny Damon vs Curtis Granderson because Johnny Damon is a contact hitter with more speed who can put together more good at-bats and Curtis Granderson is younger with more power.

As for Nick Johnson deal, let me make one point clear. I understand Yankees don’t bring Matsui back due to age and injury concerns. The days he plays on the field are gone, it makes Yankees very difficult to rotate DH spot for Jeter, A-Rod, Teixeira and Posada. But, why bring into a younger version of Matsui? I know there is slight difference when Nick has high base percentage and Matsui has more power. But, he also can’t stay healthy and will be our full time DH with occasional first baseman.

These analyses above are rational. Irrationally, I rather have Damon and Matsui than Nick and Granderson because I trust them more to delivery at the clutch time. If I were Cashman, I would trade for Granderson and sign Damon back.

Of course, I don’t have problems with Nick instead of Matsui if Yankees spend over their budget they claim they have again and end up with getting Damon back in the end.

If Cashman ends up with a second-tier left fielder(not Damon) along with Nick and Gradnerson after trading Melky, I am afraid of this experiment may not end too well.

There are just too many players in the lineup we are not sure what we can get. Don’t forget A-Rod has a hip surgery that requires second surgery originally. Don’t forget Swisher actually perform better than most people expect. Let alone Posada stays healthy while Jeter plays well. On top of that, we actually have Melky and Gardner platoon for center fielder. I am not sure what we can get from Gardner when he plays everyday.

As for Javier Vazquez trade, it is a good deal if the only thing we ask him to do is pitching behind CC, AJ and Pettitte. If one of top 3 gets hurt that is high possibility after the workload they endure for 2009 season and we ask the other guys pitch at the spot they are not supposed to be along with a uncertain no.5 starter, I can see the disaster waiting to happen.

I just don’t feel too comfortable with the combination of three-year workload of CC, injury history of AJ, age of Pettitte and uncertainty of Joba and Hughes. That is why I don’t like the trade for Javier Vazquez.

I know Javier Vazquez has a nice track record of durability. But, it doesn’t guarantee it will happen again in 2010. Let alone what happened in 2004. If I were Brian Cashman, I will push for a front line starter who proves he can handle American league, such as Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, John Lackey,etc. Even if we can’t get one of them, I will use the same amount of money given to Javier Vazquez to sign both Chien-Ming Wang and Ben Sheets that will bring us two potential two frontline starters.

The other two things what Cashman has done this off-season I don’t like are bullpen and catchers. He basically hand the job to Cervelli. Don’t get me wrong. Cervelli has done a great job. But, can he handle the job as a full time backup to Posada? Let alone the possibility to be a starting catcher if Posada gets hurt again. I think Yankees underestimate the value of Molina.

Of course, I know Yankees have depth in catching department down the farm system. But, are they ready?

The other thing is no move at all made by Cashman for the bullpen. I know relief pitchers except closers perform differently every year. I know Girardi shows the ability to manage the bullpen well. However, I am not too sure Girardi has enough options after Cashman almost empties high level of Yankees minor league system this offseason.

Don’t forget Mo is 40 year old, especially when you consider the workload he endures during playoff run. On top of that, it seems to me Mo loses his stuff a little bit after the injury he suffered at previous year. Not to mention, he told to reporters after playoff he pitched with some sort of injuries.

Even if Mo is Mo and someone from somewhere can do the good job in the bullpen, Yankees certainly need a more certain setup man. I believe that guy will be Joba who Yankees finally stretch him out enough as a starter. Keep in mind two things. There are more frontline starters available while Pettitte is more likely retired next year.

That is why I would sign or trade someone to be Mo’s setup man if I were Cashman this off-season. Just in case, Mo may get hurt or pitch not so well. If the guy perform well, he may be the potential heir to Mo next season or use as leverage to get Mo back at reasonable price. By getting a new setup man, we can put both Joba and Hughes into the rotation where they are supposed to be. Because there are some uncertainty surrounding with Joba and Hughes as starters, The signings of Ben Sheets and Chien-Ming Wang as safety net will work out perfectly.

Among CC, AJ, Pettitte, Joba, Hughes and Sheets, someone will get injured or pitch not so well. Of course, the other 5 guys can form a great rotation. Because the depth we have in the rotation, we can ease Wang back to his old form right around All-Star break for potential injury. Even if Sheets and Wang don’t work out well for Yankees, they are one-year deal and we can see what we can get from Joba and Hughes.

That being saying, I bet one of Sheets and Wang will perform well in 2010. By the way, we can save some depth in the minor league system by not making a trade for Javier Vazquez.

Hopefully, I am wrong and Yankees have the same luck as 2009 season in terms of injury.

Let’s Go Yankees!

Curtis Granderson and Brian Bruney trades

It seems Yankees never stay still during any point of season, including off-season and playoffs. This certainly gives Yankees fans many things to talk about and have chances to love Yankees more which is a good thing.

There is no exception this off-season as well.

As for Brian Bruney trade, I really can't say I will miss him because it seems to me he always walks tons of guys that is a big no-no for me to a pitcher. I rather pitchers to give up hits than walking guys.

As for Curtis Granderson trade, my first reaction is Yankees giving up a little bit too much for him. Personally, I won't give up Austin Jackson for him. That being saying, I will rather Yankees have him than giving another big long term contract to relative older players, such as Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Of course, I know they are much better overall players than Curtis Granderson. But, at some point, you have to ask how many long term contracts Yankees want to tie to for at least next 5 years.

I don't know prospects good enough to say which team gets the best deal out of this three-way trade. However, no one knows for sure how all the prospects will turn out to be.

If what Brian Cashman says is true which Yankees’ priority this off-season is pitching and a left fielder with no-so-firm fewer pay roll on hand, I think this deal means few things. First of all, I think this deal pretty much closes door on Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Brian Cashman always likes to have flexibility. I don’t think he will go out to give another long term deal.

As for Johnny Damon, Yankees probably gain some leverages during negotiation. If Damon asks more than 2 year deal which I won’t give to him, I can see Yankees go to lesser players in order to add some depth. As we see this season, Melky and Gardner can handle the platoon situation. That being saying, Damon is a good fit to no.2 spot as DH and plays some games at the left field in order to give DH spot for Posada, Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeira once a while.

Brian Cashman probably focuses on starting pitchers and bench players from this point on. However, I think this deal may have an impact on Roy Halladay deal for couple of reasons. Of course, I assume Yankees will get Pettitte’s deal done at some point of this off-season.

Firstly, I don’t think Cashman is willing to give up prospects and giving another big long term contract to a pitcher after signing AJ and CC the past off-season. As history shows, there is a big risk to give any pitcher a long term contract. One will think two long term contracts to pitchers will be enough. I know Roy Halladay is an ACE, but he will be 33 year old in 2010. Do you really want to sign him through 37,38?

Secondly, I don’t think Cashman want to give up all good prospects he has at the same off-season after dealing Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy and Phil Coke. You don’t give up prospects and let him walk at the end of 2010 season. Draft picks mean much less for Yankees than other small market teams. As Girardi shows he can handle the bullpen well, Yankees will need all the pitching depth they have on the higher minor league system to fill up their bullpen and(or) rotation. You can’t deal all of them away.

If I have to guess now, I think Yankees will bet and sign one or two veteran starting pitchers for a short term deal this off-season in order to fill up the end of rotation. Let us wait and see.

Let’s Go Yankees!

No-tender Wang?

I have read comments from quite a few experts believe Wang will be willing to accept any kind of deal to stay with Yankees in order to get his big endorsement deals. As a Taiwanese who loves Yankees for a long time, I can tell you this belief is totally wrong. This belief definitely comes from an American’ point of view. I can’t blame many experts from U.S have that thought when you consider how big franchise Yankees is in the United States. I realize this when I was in the United States few years ago.

In Taiwan, we have quite a few successful people in all kinds of fields who are very famous around the world, such as Ang Lee, etc. Among them, we also have few other very successful athletes as well. But, I believe Wang means so much to Taiwanese than anyone else because his personality, his work ethics, his charity works, etc.

As long as he keeps fighting and pitching at least at average level in the major league. No matter which team he goes, most Taiwanese will follow him around and support him as usual. In fact, Wang just get a new big sponsorship deal from one of his biggest sponsors, Acer, few days ago. Acer not only pays Wang the same amount of dollars as previous years but also promise to let him leave earlier for rehab without making ads for them. In the past two seasons, Wang still gets quite few endorsement deals even though he was injured most of time.

Furthermore, more and more Taiwanese hopes Wang chooses to leave Yankees. Most of Taiwanese understand baseball and the business side of baseball. Believe me, most Taiwanese expect much more out of Wang than any Yankee fan. Many Taiwanese just feel Yankees front office don’t show enough respect to Wang. many of them hopes Wang not to keep saying how much he wants to stay with Yankees because that may decrease his leverage.

For me, I have mixed feeling regard of Wang’s situation. I know many pitchers can not come back from shoulder surgery. However, I hope he stays because you never have enough pitching. Any pitching staff can be looked terrible when they suffer one or two injuries. Even if Wang comes back at 50% of his 2006-2007 form, he can be a good enough no.4 or no.5 starter.

But, I don’t think Wang will be back. First of all, at this moment, Wang needs playing time to reestablish his value. Small market teams can fill that bill. Secondly, I think one of 30 clubs will give Wang a major league deal and is willing to gamble on him. Thirdly, Wang may have some hard feeling toward to Yankees front office because the way they treat him even though most Asian don’t express their feeling much. Fourthly, Wang once says he like the life style of Seattle, LA, etc. Fifthly, Brian Cashman and his front office staff express more than once how much they like to have power and strikeout pitchers on Yankees staff. Lastly, I believe Wang can accumulate service time if he gets a major league deal somewhere. At the end of 2009 season, it sounds Wang knows Yankees don’t want to have him back when he was interviewed by Taiwanese reporters.

It’s interesting to see how the things turn out. Hopefully, Yankees can work out a deal with Wang because Wang wants to stays. Wang once says Yankees is a great team and the only team he has played for.

A setback for Wang

Wang plays catch before the game for 10 minutes. Unfortunately, Wang suffers a setback and will stop 4 more days.

When Wang suffers the injury on July 4th, Yankees coach staff and front office are more optimistic than Wang himself regard of the his return date. The same thing happened last season when Wang injured his right foot.

Hopefully, Wang can get healthy and come back to help us in time. However, Yankees can't count on him and need to get a back end starter to add the depth of rotation because Yankees will be in deep trouble if they lose another starter. I don't think we are able to get Roy Halladay. I also agree with Cashman not to pay twice. Don't get me wrong. Halladay is one of my favorite pitchers to watch. I like to have Halladay on Yankees team. The best thing can happen to us is Blue Jays to trade Halladay to a NL team.

The reality between Yankees and Wang

Since MJB(one of my loyal readers) was wondering about how Taiwanese react to Cashman's comments regard of Wang in the comment section, I am going to talk about that issue now.

According to Taiwanese news, Cashman called Wang's agent immediately right after Andrew Marchand's report comes out. Cashman apologies for his improper comments regard of Wang. He says he loses control and then leads to those improper comments because Andrew Marchand keep questioning the moves Yankees make regard of Wang. Andrew Marchand pushes so hard that leads Cashman to says something he shouldn't say. Cashman says Yankees still view Wang as a starting pitcher and hope Wang can regain the form as soon as possible in order to go back to rotation.

Here is my take regard of Yankees with Wang. Yankees never thought Wang would succeed. Let alone think he will have long term success. In Yankees' prospect, Wang is a fragile pitcher(a bad shoulder+ a bad foot) with one good pitch(sinker) and so few strikeouts. Yankees think Wang will lose the ability to get big league hitters out at any moment. Every time Wang shows any red flag, Yankees will immediately think "Is he done?"

Therefore, Yankees will try to get out of Wang as much as they can at the cost as low as possible. They never think to re-sign Wang once he hits free agent market. Let alone sign him a long term contract before he becomes free agent. They may be ready to trade him away once Wang rebuild his trade value.

I guess this is also what most Yankees fans think. That's why Yankees are not afraid of making Wang angry and don't take care of his feeling because they don't think Wang can come back to bite them. On top of that, how Hughes and Joba perform impacts how people view Cashman's legacy directly. Cashman certainly will give them every chance to succeed.

Don't get me wrong. I agree with Yankees not giving rotation spot back to Wang solely based on his track record. Yankees may bring Wang back too early, but there is only so much Wang can do against minor league hitters. Wang needs to face major league hitters little by little in order to rebuild his confidence. Wang has to show he can throw the ball any place he wants consistently before going back to rotation. To blame whose fault won't do anyone good.

However, Yankees should set up the whole plan before they activate Wang and then Yankees has to do a better job to communicate with Wang in order to make him comfortable and ease his concern. That is what get most Taiwanese upset during the whole process, not losing rotation spot.

Eventually, Yankees will need Wang in the rotation because innings limit of Hughes and Joba and the potential injury to one of starters.

I know Yankees don't think Wang will come back to haunt them, but no one can predict the future and no one know what kind of career any player will have. I know Wang is under Yankees control, but it won't hurt Yankees to make him happy and comfortable as much as possible when it won't hurt Yankees' chance of winning. By the way, Yankees may need Wang more than expected if new Yankees stadium turnout to be a homerun happy place for hitters.

I am always a Yankees fan no matter Wang is on the Yankees team or not. However, as a Taiwanese, I always have a soft spot for Wang. Don't blame me to have a different view regard of any issue related to Wang. Taiwanese expect so much out of Wang. You guys can't image how much pressure Wang has from his native country.

Why Veras and Berroa are still with Yankees?

As you guys know, I expect to have a busy May and June. That's why I can't blog and watch Yankees games as many as I would like to. Please stay with me, I will be back at full speed when July comes around.

When our bombers are doing great, I have the same question as many Yankees fans have. Why Veras and Berroa are still with Yankees?

I know Veras has a great live arm, but he can't control where the ball goes that is the big problem for any relief pitcher in the bullpen.

When we have Pena as our utility infielder, why we need Berroa on our team?

I don't get it.

I know we are only few days away from getting Molina and Nady back. On top of that, our bombers are doing great right now, so it seems it doesn't matter at all.

What to do with Wang?

Lohud's blog confirms the news that Wang gets called back. However, it will be interesting to see how Yankees deal with Wang's situation.

I think Jonathan Albaladejo will be the one to get sent down. After Aceves pitches multi innings two games in a row and many relief pitchers pitch many games in a row, Tomko and Bruney are only two fresh relief pitchers left in the bullpen.(Updated: Bruney is injured) On top of that, Coke may be available for Phillies those left handed batters. If A.J has another short outing, Yankees will simply burn their bullpen and leads to a disaster weekend series against Phillies.

As far as I know, many Taiwanese fans are so mad at how Yankees handle Wang's situation. I agree with them to some certain degree, not all of them. Before going into the details how I feel, I have to say this first. I understand the concerns Yankees have over Wang in term of his velocity. I understand every player needs to prove he can stay in the major league no matter how great his track record is and how much money he makes. I also understand the superstition baseball players have, especially Yankees are on a winning streak. I tell you guys most Taiwanese fans are mad and I don't like the way Yankees handle Wang's situation because there is high possibility that Wang feels the same way. We all come from the same culture. There is huge difference between American culture and Taiwanese culture. Wang is not going to express how he really feels.

Yankees front office and coach staff have done few things wrong in terms of handling with Wang's situation.

First of all, Yankees medical staff and front office misjudge the aftereffect of Wang's foot injury and then don't allow Wang to run until Wang blows out three games in a row. They didn't admit this fault at all.

Secondly, Yankees should discuss with Wang before making any kind of decision given his track record. It seems to me Yankees jerk Wang around and only "inform" Wang decision, not "discuss" with him. Yankees should treat Wang more like a veteran, not a rookie.

Thirdly, coach staff don't tell Wang their decisions in person before telling media. That happened many time that Wang was caught by surprise for news when Taiwanese reporters told him and asked his opinion on that. Girardi needs to at least tell Wang first before telling media.

Finally, Yankees should just say what they really think regard of Wang's situation. They should just say they have concerns regard of Wang's velocity. Until he gets his strengths back, they are going to put him in the minor league. Obviously, how Hughes pitches has impact on how Yankees deals with Wang. That gives Yankees more time to get Wang right. But, they claim how Hughes pitch has nothing to do with Wang's spot in the rotation. Yankees also say they will simply put Wang back to rotation once he is ready. That is also the reason they send him to another minor league start as original plan because he is not ready yet. If they tell the truth, why bring him back because of Joba's short outing? If they tell the truth, why say they need to know the condition of Joba before making decision on Wang's next step? Yankees just jerk him around and don't treat him as a veteran.

Ok, let us go back to the decision Yankees makes which brings Wang back. I know Yankees are doing great right now. It seems to me many Yankees fans feel we don't need Wang and we can live without him. I can't disagree with this notion more. Yankees need Wang and need to get him right because Yankees need his long outing he regularly delivery when he is right. Even though Joba and Hughes pitch well, they are 6 inning pitchers at best at this point of their career. They more likely put up those 5 inning outings which eventually will catch up Yankees later in the season. Not to mention both have innings limit.

On top of that, A.J hasn't pitched that great so far and he is an injury prone as well. Pettitte is an old pitcher with a bad shoulder he suffered last season. Finally, are you really to put heavy workload on CC three years in a row when you consider 7 years contract Yankees hand out to him?

That is what I think how Yankees should handle Wang. Before I say it, I want to say one thing. Yankees need to have that no.6 starting pitcher ready in the minor league when there is an injured or ineffective starting pitcher from rotation going down. Not to mention, Joba will hit his inning limit eventually. Yankees should not put Hughes in the bullpen once Wang proves he is ready.

I agree with Yankees bring Wang back to major league. They can't hide him on the DL forever. They need to find out Wang is right or not one way or the other. Pitchers can only pitch at minor league for rehabilitation assignment for 30 days. There are only so much Wang gain from minor league starts. Wang doesn't put on 13 scoreless innings at AAA by accident.

You never know when Wang's velocity will be back. I think the more Wang pitches, the quicker his velocity will be back as long as he is healthy. I believe his velocity will be back to normal when summer comes. Yankees need to find out how Wang pitch against major league hitters anyway. Stop being that superstition.

I will skip Joba next start to make sure he is right. Yankees can limit his innings by doing this. Putting Wang in Joba's spot and let him pitch few innings out of pen to keep him sharp. Yankees also can get an idea when Wang pitches against major league hitters.

After burnig through bullpen on Hughes' and Joba's starts, Yankees need a fresh arm in the bullpen anyway. When Joba feels right and comes back, Yankees can put Joba in Hughes' spot. Of course, Let Hughes keeps pitching at AAA to practice his changeup more.

If Yankees ends up with pitching Wang more innings than they would like to tonight, they can rest Aceves for next few days and prepare for that start. Or they can simply let Joba makes that start if he feels right.

Again, I understand the concerns Yankees have on Wang's velocity, accidents forces Yankees to make adjustments on the fly and three terrible outings Wang put on earlier season. But, Yankees really should communicate and deal with this situation better to show Wang more respect.

Baldelli hits DL at 14th game of the season

Rocco Baldelli will be placed on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his left leg.

It is a high risk and high reward signing, isn't it? Don't get me wrong. I don't want any player to get injured. I just want to point out this when a lot of Yankees fans blame Cashman not to take the chance with certain player when Red Sox front office is very smart and willing to do so.

Find someone can hit and play 1B/3B decently

Cashman really has to think about upgrading bench. The depth of outfield is fine. When you consider the way Cano plays defensively and offensively, I think Cashman needs to find someone who can hit and play corner infielder(1B/3B) decently to give A-Rod and Teixeira some breaks because A-Rod will need that after coming back from hip injury and Teixeira will need that after Swisher becomes everyday right fielder.

Updated: Peter said Teixeira got a cortisone shot in his left wrist on his blog, it only increases the needs to my point.

I am not good at coming out names. Who do you guys think who will be ideal candidate?

We need to upgrade bench

I know not only there are a lot of rumors flying around regard of what exactly happen to A-Rod right now but also there are different opinons regard what Yankees should let A-Rod to have surgery now or not.

I can't make up my mind. On one hand, We often want to avoid surgery at all cost. The same thing may apply to baseball players. On top of that, there is no doubt A-Rod is a tough player. If Jeter can play through a broken wrist and Mo can play through a painful shoulder injury most of last season, A-Rod may be able to do it as well. Not to mention, Ultey and Lowell did the same thing last season when they have similar injury.

On the other hand, why not do it now if A-Rod will need surgery eventually. Not to mention, playing through this hip injury may lead to another injury. When you consider A-Rod was signed through until age 42 and Utley and Lowell were not the same player last season, we may just let A-Rod have that surgery now. If we do it now, we have a free March for rehab. If A-Rod needs 5 months to recover, we still can get him back in August for playoff run.

So, I trust any decision Yankees make because they certainly have more information on hand than us. If I have to guess now, Yankees will let A-Rod play through it if this happen during season. Because we still have a month of spring training, some options on trade or free agent market on this bad economy and long term commitment to A-Rod, A-Rod will have his surgery. Right now, Cashman may just try to play game to gain some time in order to get a player to replace A-Rod.

It's impossible to replace A-Rod's production. I won't trade good prospects for a star 3B for this 4 months rental with potential of eating another bad contract. I won't think about moving someone on Yankees now to play 3B(Teixeira, Cano, Nady and Swisher) because it is hard enough for them to step up their games in order to make up A-Rod's absence.

The more I think about it, the more I think the thing Yankees need to do now is upgrading their bench. In the past few years, We have a bad bench because no one wants to sit on Yankees bench when they know they won't have much playing time. Even if we go with Cody Ransom at 3B, we still need another utility infielder. Even if we let A-Rod play through this hip injury, he need to rest more. That's why we difinitely need to upgrade the bench.

I like Mark Grudzielanek or Chone Figgins if we can get them. Because Chone Figgins was signed to almost 6 million and we need to trade prospects for him, it may be better to get Grudzielanek. However, Chone is younger, can play many positions and can do a lot of different things for us when Grudzielanek haven't play at 3B.

P.S After hearing few games in spring training, it seems Berroa's defense is very terrible. It further proves we need to upgrade our bench.

oh,No.No.No. 10 weeks out for A-Rod?

I just post a post regard of A-Rod's injury and wish he is fine. And then I get this terrible news regard of A-Rod. Image that we hear this news when Teixeira is on Red Sox. So, if this news is true, all we do now is thinking about the solution. The good news is this happens in March. If we have to have injury, it's better to have sooner than later in the season.

Cashman may need to work out a trade to bring someone who is capable 3B. How about an internal candidate or a free agent? Swisher? any prospect down the farm? Eric Duncan? I don't know. Any good suggestion? If we have Cody Ransom to play 3B, we need to bring in another utility infielder. This certainly puts more pressure on newcomers(A.J., C.C, Teixeira) or other players on the team(Cano, Gardner, etc.) to perform.

By the way, Anyone feel happy about any players' injury should feel shame on yourself.

It turns out Cashman is right

Like everyone else, I was surprised at Yankees not offering arbitration to Abreu, not Pettitte. However, I did trust Yankees' judgement based on information they have on hand. It turns out Cashman foresee the market right. That's why I always say don't rush to judgement. Yankees got Pettitte back at 5.5 million guaranteed with 12 million at maxium and Angel signed Abreu at 5 million guaranteed for one year deal. By the way, Adam Dunn signed with Nationals at 20 million for 2 year deal. Manny will decide one team pretty soon. My bet will be either Dodgers or Giants. I believe Giants will win division if they sign Manny when you consider the pitching they have.

A lot of news regard of Torre's new book

I know I haven't posted for a few days because there are so many news regard of Torre's new book out there. Unfortunately, I don't want to talk about before reading the book.

I heard the interview Torre did on WFAN. I must say this. Torre is really good at talking to media that obviously is quite important for any manager of New York Teams. But, I can tell two things from Torre's interview.

First of all, If he can do it all over again, he won't write this book because a lot of unexpected reactions he got. Secondly, The main thing Torre wants to address in this book is Brian Cashman, not A-Rod and other players.

Cashman's interview with Kay

There are few points regard of state of Yankees.

++Teixeira is the guy Cashman targets and wants all the way. He persuade ownership to commit this long term contract.

++Yankees really want to lower their payroll and commit to make it happen.

++Yankees receive offers from other teams and consider to trade one of extra outfielders for starter. However, they don't have to trade. It will only happen when the deal is right. It won't be Damon and Yankees don't want to put him in the center as well. A center fielder will come among Melky, Gardner, Damon and Swisher(someone are within organization).

++Cashman just told to Pettitte' agents yesterday and had a good dialogue. They were talking about the number of contract. Nothing is guarantee. Based on what I heard, Pettitte is the guy they want to sign. If they can't get Pettitte back, Yankees prepare to have options as many as possible to compete for that no.5 spot, including youngsters and veterans(Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves, Jason Johnson and Coke).

Wang attend "Pitchers and Catchers Training Camp" and raise funds for children

I told you guys earlier Wang wasn't sure he would attend "Pitchers and Catchers Training Camp" which is held by Yankees and Chinese Taipei Baseball Association at January in Taiwan as a special guest due to his schedule. After asking by Cashman, Wang will attend this training camp on Jaunary 7th and leave Taiwan to start his personal training shortly at the same week. Wang said he wants to start his personal training earlier.

As you guys know, Wang tries to help people and attend many charity events. When he got to Major league, Wang told himself he would help more people when he has that ability. Finally, Wang will start to raise funds for children in the middle of January. Because he hasn't had enough ability to have his own foundation, he will raise funds first. He will open a website to get more people to help children with him.

Updated: Yankees did have a official release about the details of this event.

Updated: 1999, Dodgers conducted a similar clinic in Taiwan. Wang was a freshman in the unversity. He was in that clinic Dodgers conducted. The coaches from Dodgers was impressive about the potential Wang has in the clinic. Next year, Dodgers was one of major league teams trying to sign Wang. Yankees certainly know what they are doing when they decided to conduct this clinic in Taiwan.

Thoughts on Pettitte's rumors

There are a lot of rumors flying around regard of Pettitte's situation. I doubt any reporters know anything about it. There are so many reporters guessing wrong about a lot of things this off-season.

If I were Pettitte, I would make up my mind before Christmas whether I want to go back to Yankees or not. I really doubt he will keep waiting until January. After CC and AJ's signing, the market for starting pitcher should shape out nicely. If Pettitte hates the feeling of not being needed or loved, why he wants to keep waiting offers from other teams after they fail to sign their top choices in January. Pettitte should have options on hand before Christmas. One way or the other, he will make up his mind before Christmas.

Pettitte may accept Yankees' offer before Christmas and Yankees will announce it after Christmas. I also really doubt Yankees only can choose Pettitte or Teixeira because Pettitte is a short-term deal(1 or 2 year).

I also really doubt Yankees just suddenly are interested in signing Teixeira on Monday night and make up their mind without considering all the options on hand, payroll and plans. If they really only can choose Pettitte or Teixeira, they definitely will check with Pettitte's agent before making decisions on Teixeira.

One thing I know for sure. Signing Teixeira means Yankees want to win it all in 2009. This leads me to believe they will sign a verteran pitcher at one year deal as a no.4 starter and a safety net. Of course, they refer Pettitte. If Pettitte reject the offer, they will get one from free agent market.

Don't forget the Cashman's interviews I mention earlier. Yankees have their off-season plan on hand.

Cashman is a honest person. If something he doesn't want to say, he won't comment on it. He doesn't want to comment when asked there is a room financially for a big ticket bat or not. Here you go. Yankees sign Teixeira. Yankees know they have to upgrade their offense before 0ff-season. I also say all along Yankees should and will get an impact to protect A-Rod and they did. The way they did it because they want to fly under the rader and play chess game.

He not only wants to get 600 innings from free agent market but also doesn't want to sign one more multi-years contract to the other starter and block spot for youngster. He will try to get one veteran starter at one year deal as a no.4 starter. If he can't get someone to sign a one year deal which I doubt under this bad economy, he prepares to go into the season and let youngers compete for no.5 spot.

Cashman's plan this off-season

I heard Cashman's interviews with Mike Francesa and Michael Kay yesterday. If you miss them, go to their websites to check them out. They can give you the sense of the state of Yankees so far this off-season. There are some important points I get from those two interviews.

1.Pitching remains the main focus this off-season. Keep upgrading pitching and defense still the main task for him. Main goal is to get at least 400 innings from free agent market(CC&A.J). It will be better to be able to get 600 innings.

2.Only some bad things happen to Mo or a strong show from Phil Hughes will create the chance for Joba back to the bullpen.

3.Last 4-5 seasons, Burnett pitches around 150-160 innings averagely. When he pitches, he pitches well. Cashman doesn't mind to fill up other 50 innings from youngsters in the farm system if necessary.

4.If Pettitte decides to take the offer, Yankees won't get more starting pitchers. However, there is no alternatives if Pettitte rejects the offer because Yankees don't prepare to give multi-year contracts to another starters that will block spots for youngsters in the farm system. So, If Pettitte rejects the offer, Yankees will go into the season with no.5 spot open and let youngsters compete for no.5 spot.

5.Cashman is aware of situation of offense. Of course, it will be nice to have another bat. However, he prepares to go into season with this lineup with the hope of healthy or rebound years from many players.

6.He is fine with Melky/Gardner for center fielder. On top of that, Cashman won't rule out the possibility of putting Damon in the center.

7.When was asked is there any more room financially for big ticket bat, Cashman doesn't want to comment on.

8.Yankees will lower their payroll this season and won't exceed certain number of payroll.

What I learn from interviews.....

1.If Yankees decide to add some offense, they are looking for adding a left handed hitter with high OBP within financial limitation. In Cashman's mind, Setting tables for middle order of lineup is much important than protection.

2.Cashman certainly doesn't give up his long term plan when he said he didn't want to sign one more multi-year contract to another starter because it will block spots for youngsters. Cashman wants to sign one more veteran starter who can eat another 200 innings for one-year deal. He certainly prefers to be Pettitte, so he will wait Pettitte to make a decision. If Pettitte rejects the offer or join another teams, he probably will wait out the market in order to get someone to sign one year deal at reasonable price.

3. There is certainly a possibility of adding a big ticket bat into the lineup.

Come on, Andy

Welcome to Yankees, AJ. Even though I am not too crazy about giving you five year deal because of injury history, please stay healthy and go to get Rays and Red Sox.

What a rotation we have! I hope we can hear a good news from Andy pretty soon. If I have to choose between Andy and Sheets, I certainly will choose Andy.

CC, Wang, AJ, Andy, Joba.

Right now, Cashman just need to make sure two more things and then that will be our 2009 Yankees.

First of all, Get us an impact bat to protect A-Rod within the budget. Under this assumption, I don't think we will get either Teixeira or Manny unless the market totally drop which I don't think so. Who else?

Secondly, Fix bench. With this economy, we certainly can fix this by waiting out the market.

Updated: I think Yankees will wait Andy's decision right now. Yankees may be willing to throw out few more million dollars for him. I really think Yankees will prefer to have Pettitte back for that no.4 spot, especially when you consider Pettitte always takes the ball and is willing to sign a one year deal.

Budget

I am surprised at Yankees' decisions of not offering arbitration to Abreu. It takes me couple of days to determine my opinion. I understand why Yankees don't offer arbitration to I-Rod and Pettitte, but I still believe Abreu can get a multi-year contract from someone. However, Yankees front office certainly know the market better than fans. Not to mention there are quite few options available for corner outfielders.

I believe Pettitte will be back and sign with Yankees at 12-13 million during winter meeting. As for I-Rod, Yankees don't need a third catcher at an expensive price who is not suitable for them and many pitchers on the team don't want to pitch to him. I believe Posada will recover from his injury. There is a chance I-Rod will accept arbitation to get a one year deal with high salary and try to play well in order to go back to free agent market next season. If Yankees pay that kind of salary to him, there is no chance they don't play him and put him on the bench. Not to mention, Molina and Posada probably won't be happy about that.

The same goes to Abreu. He may be willing to accept a one year deal at 16-18 million and go back to free agent market next year instead of signing a multi-year deal with much lower price. Not to mention he loves to play for Yankees and hit in front of A-Rod certainly help him as well.

I really think Brian Cashman will keep doing what he has been done which is getting younger. The plan for Yankees this off-season is to improve their pitching and defense which I agree with. Nady may not put up Abreu-like number, but his defense certainly close that gap. Yankees offense should be fine if Posada and Matsui are healthy and Jeter, Cano and A-Rod have a bound back year. Swisher may not match Giambi-like number, but his defense on first base certainly close that gap as well. Not to mention Nady and Swisher have chances to match Abreu and Giambi' numbers.

Don't underestimate the importance of budget. I was a producer for documentaries, music videos, plays, films and was part of production team for TV programs. Some of them I have bigger budgets, others are at small budgets. Not matter how much money I have, I need to allocate money and resources to different areas in production. Of course, I have to go through with all pre-production meetings with the whole production teams to determine our focus and allocate money and resources. Not to mention I never decide to spend all the money I have because you never know what will happen during production and post-production.