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!

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.

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's not fair

When most teams, their fans and even a lot of experts keep complaining about every Yankees' move, why no one complain about this when allowing those teams to get unfair advantages?

Too much distractions?

Even though I believe, want to believe the most of what A-Rod says and will support him, I am wondering is it possible to trade away this drama King? I know A-Rod is a great player and we need his production, but at what point those distractions become too much for his teammates and hurt Yankees' image?

I know it's very difficult to trade him. If Yankees need to eat a lot of money to trade him(like Manny), why not keep him? However, I have a funny feeling this morning. A-Rod may not end up to retire as a Yankee.

Keep Cano

I still think about Todd many times a day and really want to keep previous post on top. I guess we always can remember every good things from that person while we move on in our life. I guess Todd will want to know what happen in the Yankees land as well.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Cardinals called Yankees and asked about Cano. I am glad to hear Cashman was asking Adam Wainwright in return.

Be honest with you guys, I watch more American league games than national league games. But, I know Adam Wainwright is a good young pitcher.

This tells us two things. First of all, Yankees are not just trading Cano away cheaply and are not giving up him. We all know Yankees are short of positional prospects on the farm system. As bad as Cano was last season, he still is pretty decent among second baseman. I know there still is a good second baseman on the market. But, he is 5 years older than Cano. I believe Cano will have a rebound year.

Secondly, By asking Adam Wainwright in return, we know Yankees still look to add depth in their starting rotation. In my opinion, we still need a no.4 starter when Joba can keep his inning on track as no.5 starter. Don't forget Mo come back from a shoulder surgery and Wang come back from a serious foot injury. Not to mention Burnett's long injury history. We really need to add some kind of depth to our rotation. Come on Pettitte and Yankees! Just settle for a deal around 12-13 million a year.

Nady or Swisher?

I think Yankees really commit to reduce their payroll to certain level which I agree with. Even though I don't think Yankees really need to deal one of outfielders because Swisher can play a lot of positions, I think Yankees will trade one of them if the right deal is out there. Because I think Yankees will and should get another veteran starter by trade or free agency, they probably want to free some payroll for that starter and use rest of budget to get a center fielder.

Based on what I heard from Yankees and what I saw from watching Yankees games, I think Yankees will deal Nady that I agree with.

Cashman already said Damon is not going anywhere because he is our lead off man. Matsui certainly can produce well when he is healthy. Not to mention it's very difficult to trade him based on his situation. Because of Japanese market, I don't think Yankees will be willing to risk the possibility of hurting Japanese market by trading Matsui. It's totally different story to trade him now instead of letting him walk at the end of his contract.

Swisher has a bad 2008 season which may result from luck, new team, new position and new batting order. I think he will be back to his 2006-2007 form. Not to mention Swisher is a patient switch hitter who can play a lot of positions and sign a team friendly contract. If Yankees let Damon and Matsui leave after 2009 season, it will be good to have him for one of spots. For me, I also like his personality. I think he will be good for Yankees.

On the other hand, Nady has a career year which will get paid much more in Arbitration. Don't forget Yankees try to control their payroll now. Of course, no one says Nady can't repeat that performance. Even if Nady's agent Boras let him hit the free agent market and sign with other teams, Yankees certainly can get draft pick for him if he perform well again in 2009 season. Don't forget Yankees still can sign him if he perform well again in 2009 season even if we trade him now. However, you always want to trade players when their values are high and buy players when their values are low. Based on what I saw from him and Swisher last year, I will bet on Swisher to perform better than Nady in 2009.

Of course, this all depends what kind of deals Yankees can get for them on trade market.

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).

What is next now for Yankees?

I believe most people are thinking about the coming new year during this Christmas holidays. What about Yankees' new season? What is next now for Yankees?

I think Yankees' focus now should be on their bench guys and a veteran starter at one year deal as no.4 starter. What else they need to do? In my opinion, they can do more, but they don't have to. If they want to, they can explode the possibility of getting a good young center fielder and an excellent setup man for Mo by trade.

Let record tell us who is the best one

Peter had a post regard how little respect Yankees give Wang on his blog earlier. In the comment section, Peter was wondering why some fans doesn't support Wang. Joel Sherman even recommend a trade that includes Wang in order to bring a do-everything guy(like Chone Figgins) or positional prospects to Yankees. As far as I can remember, Joel Sherman is not the only person thinking about getting some players by trading Wang.

Let me get this straight. Are people nuts? Since when Yankees become a small market team that trade away their star players before they are going to get their big contract? Trading Wang for Chone Figgins? Bring some good young positional prospects? There always are some positional players are available in the free agent market. Prospects are prospects. Before they show they are major league players, they are prospects. Yankees can get a lot of them through draft or amateur signing. Not to mention one thing: Yankees already committed to some long-term contracts to some positions. No matter where you want to put them, Yankees will have Jeter, A-Rod, Teixeira and Cano for 4 spots. Three more years are left for Posada and Swisher.

If my memory serve me right, Yankees not only just spent over 400 million dollars for winning it all but also still want to get Pettitte back to add depth to their rotation. A rotation consists of 5 pitchers. Not to mention we need at least 4 good starters to compete in this strong AL East division. No matter whether you believe Wang is an ACE or not, Yankees need Wang in the rotation. The Wang's first 4 seasons for Yankees in the AL East division, Wang proves he is front end starter. With the amount of efforts and hardwork Wang put up for Yankees, giving credit or respect Wang deserves I don't think it's asking a lot.

In the end, It's all about strikeouts which Wang will never have a lot to show for. Wang knows that. Wang knows people criticize his low strikeout rate. Yankees told Wang in arbitration hearing. Taiwanese media keep asking him to add more pitches in order to get more strikeouts. Wang always answers he only cares about winning ball games and championships. He will try to figure out more ways to get hitters out in order to win ball game. Getting more strikeouts is not something he concerns about.

This is similar to debate which player to choose when one of them can hit a lot of homeruns and the other can do everything else but hitting homeruns. Wang knows Yankees is one of teams giving him the best chance to win every year. If Wang stays healthy and Yankees don't need him anymore, I believe other teams will need him. I always tell my friends or myself who get fired one thing: Getting fired is not because you are not good enough, is because you are not suitable for that company. If that day comes, I still root for Yankees and no matter where Wang goes.

Don't get me wrong. I am not angry about this issue. I still believe most Yankees fans, players or officials appreciate what Wang has done for them and understand his value. I believe competition will bring the best out of people. Let record tell us who is the best one.

P.S. That's why I don't think Yankees need to trade any of their outfielders unless they are thinking about getting Manny. Competition can bring the best out of people. Yankees certainly can rotate them and rest someone once a week. If someone get injury, we have someone else to go to.

Updated:It's amazing for me to know the importance of strikeout to a pitcher by reading what Braves' reporter and fans' think the possibility of acquire Wang and Swisher from Yankees. But, again. Even Braves' reporter and fans recognize the value of Wang.

Updated: By the way, If Cashman didn't trade Wang for Santana, why do you think he will trade Wang for a do-everything guy or positional prospects? Not to mention Cashman put a lot of value on players prove they can play well in New York.

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.

My prediction for 2009 roster

1. Yankees will sign two free agent starting pitchers to go with Pettitte. Hopefully, The rotation(5) will be as follow,

CC(L)
Wang(R)
Pettitte(L)
Burnett/Lowe/Sheets,etc...
Joba(R)-No.5-Innings limitation
Hughes, Kennedy or Aceves wait on AAA
Aceves or Giese as a long man or spot starter in the bullpen

2. Yankees sign one impact bat to protect A-Rod. Someone has to sit on the bench. Hopefully, the lineup(9) will be as follow,

Damon LF/CF/DH(L)
Jeter SS(R)
A-Rod 3B(R)
Manny LF/DH(R)
Matsui LF/DH(L)
Posada C/1B(S)
Cano 2B(L)
Swisher/Nady 1B/CF/RF(S/R)
Melky/Gardner CF/LF/RF(S/L)

Bench(4):
Swisher/Nady
Melky/Gardner
Cody Ransom
Molina

3. Bullpen(7) is set as follows,

Mo(Closer)
Marte(Setup man)
Coke(Lefty specialist)
Burney.Veras.Edwar(6.7th inning)
Aceves/ Giese(Long man/spot starter)

Is another trade coming before winter meeting?

There are so few news happening recently. I am wondering is it possible there is another trade coming for Yankees before winter meeting? If CC doesn't sign before Thanksgiving or winter meeting, I don't see other major free agents to be signed ahead of CC. It may be much better or smarter for Yankees to get some of their needs by trade first, such as center fielder which is a weak link in free agents market this off-season.

I always the one make decisions quickly after considering all information on hand. I sometimes don't understand the reasons to drag out the process for long period of time. I am from Taiwan where people like to stay in their hometowns. That's why I can understand why CC wants to stay in California. However, when you look at 3 teams in California, there is only one team which is LA Dodgers has interests to put on comparable offer because they obviously need starting pitchers when Giants and Angels need offense, not pitching. On top of that, Dodgers need Manny to draw more people to ballpark when they don't like to give out big contract at the same time.

I am not going to go through all reasons why three teams in California are not likely bidding for CC. I just want to mention one thing. I believe most of you guys have experience of looking for schools or jobs. We all have our dream jobs or schools in our mind to begin the process and may be willing to take less salary or sacrifice somethings to get that dream jobs or schools. There are two other big factors we won't ignore as well. Firstly, of course, higher salary offers you and your family better security, especially for someone has family. Secondly, knowing companies really want to have you also play a big role on decisions. When CC really wants to play at home, why he insists on playing for teams in California haven't showed that they want him so far?

Welcome to Yankees family, Swisher

Sorry about being late. I am sure you guys already read a lot of analysis from different blogs and media outlets regard of this issue.

The reason I like this trade for three reasons.

First of all, This shows us Brian Cashman and Yankees front office really have a plan on hands. They know what they are going to do. No matter you agree with their plan or not, it seems things always come out with better results when you know what you are doing. Cashman is not going away from his plan because of 2008 season which is get younger. I like this direction which focuses on pitching and defense.

I remember I read a quote from Ichiro regard of the difference between American baseball and Asian baseball. Ichiro says American baseball plays to score more runs than the other team when Asian baseball plays to prevent the other team from scoring. In Asian countries, we are used to play low scoring game all the time. For example, we have a Asian championship series joined by the championship teams of Japanese, Korean, China and Taiwanese pro league to fight for the alternative championship. We play from November 13th to 16th. Scores of first day of tournament is like 2-1 and 4-3.

Secondly, I like the way Swisher play baseball. I got this impression when I watch him playing in A's. He is type of player Yankees need. Yankees don't need 25 superstars on the field. It has been proved that we can't win a championship that way. He is grind and gutty type of player. He not only has a great personality to loose up teammates but also play all out with 110% efforts all the time.

Finally, This puts everyone a doubt whether Yankees will go after Tiexeria or not. I believe most people's reaction to this trade is Yankess are not going to go after Tiexeria. Of course, I don't know what Yankees will do. It is always not a good thing to go into negotiation with Boras without any leverage.

On top of that, it definitely increases the chances we get CC. Think about it. When Dodgers are busy at chasing Manny and Angels probably feel more confidents on getting Tiexeria now, who is that California team that will bid for CC? Giants? I don't think so, they already signed Barry Zito with a huge contract with enough young pitching on hands. They need bats, not pitchers.

How can I miss this?

I have a busy day and I didn't go on the Internet yesterday. Talking about how little I know regard of Yankees. I know today is the first day every teams can talk numbers to every free agents. I don't think there will be any major news coming out. So, I miss it.

Yankees traded for Swisher yesterday. Let me tell you this first. I like this trade. I will come back more for details. It's pretty early in Sydney now.

Holliday heads to A's?

I actually don't understand why A's want to trade for Holliday for this one-year rental, but there is a good news and a bad news for Yankees fans. Why? Let me tell you.

I know Yankees are not really into the idea about trading prospects for Holliday. It's good to know he is going to head to someplace. He is one year away to become free agent. Why not wait for one more year? By that time, Mastui and Damon's contracts will be expired if Yankees are really interested in Holliday. It makes perfect sense to wait another year. It doesn't make sense to sacrifice prospect for him now.

On top of that, Yankees are able to know how Holliday will perform in A's pitcher's park instead of his old home. Not to mention about switching league. If he still can perform very well under those conditions, it won't be a bad idea to get him after 2009 season. Of course, it must be on reasonable price.

That' s why I don't understand why Billy Beane want to trade assets for a guy may not able to perform well in A's park. Does he know something we don't know? If he only trade away guys like Carlos Gonzalez, Greg Smith and Huston Street, it makes much more sense because Beane is very good at selling high and buying low. Maybe it's time to cash in for those players.

However, according to a lot of news sites, there are 2 top prospects in the packing. If Beane trade his top prospects for one-year Holliday that doesn't make sense. Because it's not worthy even though he can trade him to another team during trading deadline or cash in for another top draft picks after 2009 season. Not to mention there is a chance Holliday doesn't perform well in A's that lower the price for trading him and cashing him for draft pick. He also doesn't know who Holliday will sign with after 2009 season. If Holliday sign with big market teams which is highly likely, the draft pick Beane get won't be very high either.

This leads me to my bad news one. Beane may simply want to upgrade his team to complete in his weak AL West division. Why not? If A's get enough offense this off-season to go with their good enough pitching which they seems have all the time, they certainly can complete for AL West. Not to mention if he sign Giambi as well. Why this is a bad news for Yankees? If Angels sense A's want to complete with them becuase of this trade, they may go into bidding war with Yankees regard of CC and Teixeira. Hopefully, I just think too much.

Bring Pettitte back

What are Yankees waiting for? I posted another post regard of owners vs players vs fans earlier. I can't quite used to see my favorite players on my team coming and going as you guys may be able to used to. When coming down to make those decisions on favorite players on my team, I admit I can't make rational decision.

On top of that, When I talk about shopping experience earlier, I am the one make decision very quickly. Thinking about Angels the way they sign free agent.

If these Pettitte and Marte's situation tell us something, that's Yankees really have a plan on hand. Good to hear if you are a Yankees fan. Another thing to think about is Yankees probably wait Pettitte and Marte's price to come down when it approaches to November 14. From Yankees' standpoint, if you can save some money, why not? Don't forget one thing. Pettitte let Yankees keep waiting and giving him 16 million the past two seasons when he had leverage.

I still think Yankees should bring back Pettitte as a back of rotation guy no matter what Moose's decision is. I know Yankees want to get younger, but you never have enough pitching. Of course, I have some concerns regard of Pettitte. First of all, it's his healthy status. Secondly, it seems Pettitte lose his stuff. For example, he seems to lose his cutter. Evidence shows on his stats against righty which is very high. However, I have no problem with a pitcher with middle 4 ERA and over 200 innings as a back of rotation guy. Not to mention he is a lefty which is rare commodity in baseball.

In fact, I will bring back both Pettitte and Moose back on one-year deal to goes with CC, Wang and Joba as my 2009 rotation when tons of other options wait on the minor. I rather have them instead of Lowe, Sheets, Burnett, etc.

CC
Wang
Pettitte
Moose
Joba

However, I do think Yankees will only want to have one of Pettitte and Moose back. It looks like Moose is their first choice. I don't blame them after Moose's 20 win season with low 3 ERA, especially Moose shows the ability to make adjustment when velocity of his fastball slow down few mph. However, keep in mind one thing. Pettitte is going to be 37 while Moose will be 40 in 2009 season. On top of that, it seems to me Moose always put together great season on his "walk" year, doesn't it?

I actually can understand why Yankees only want to bring one of them back. When you look at the rotation I put above. There is a risk. CC come out two seasons with high innings workload. Wang and Joba come out of injury season when Joba has limitation on innings pitched. When you put them to go with two old pitchers(Pettitte and Moose). There is a risk. The ideal is Yankees actually bring 6 starters to camp and see what happen in my opinion.

However, I am not really so high on other free agent options. A.J Burnett? Inconsistent & injury prone. Lowe? Red Sox & age & AL East & another sinkerball pitcher with our defense. Sheet? Injury. Peavy? tons of prospects & switch from NL West to AL East & don't like New York and its spotlight. When you look at his number, Peavy will have a similar ERA as Wang in the AL East. I think his careeer ERA closer to 4 against AL team. Not to mention those not good numbers against AL East teams, especially on their park. Who else?

If Moose retire, we are going to need to have Pettitte back to go with one more free agent after CC. That's why I think Yankees will or should sign Pettitte back before November 14. No matter what, we should be able to know about Moose, Pettitte and Marte's situation with Yankees around November 14. I don't think Yankees will keep waiting Moose's decision and risk to lose Pettitte on free agent market.

Interesting Joe Girardi interview on WFAN

I heard an interesting Joe Girarid interview on WFAN. It's a good one.

*Based on what I heard, I think Joe Girardi learn a lot from this first year. He will improve next year. He already took the first step: more honest.

*Girardi think the most important thing he learn is keep building up the relationship with players in order to get most of them, but it takes time. I agree with him. The thing people don't realize is Joe Torre basically got his new core players when he got to Yankees in 1996 and they go on to win world series at first year. Of course, it makes everything much easier to deal with after championship. It's much harder for Joe Girardi because he needs to work on the core players who had been with Joe Torre for a long time and He took over after Yankees fail to make out of first round for many years.

*Girardi thinks it also takes time to figure out how to work with coach staff well.

*Girardi likes players are able to do many different things. He also would like to have a team with better defense and pitching. I think this is Yankees' offseason focus.

*Girardi thinks it's important to have two lefty in the bullpen. He wants to have Marte back and Yankees are talking deal with him. It seems to me Yankees have a deal with him on hand, otherwise Girardi won't be able to talk things like that.

*As for Mussina. Girardi think there are two factors for Moose's decision: what family members think and do Moose want to keep playing or not. It's not about HOF and 300 wins for him. He expects Mosse to make up his mind two months after season ends which is November. It's now. I think Yankees already know what Moose's decision by now. I think the reason Moose hasn't made in public is help Yankees. They actually can play some game with other free agent signing. It sounds to me Moose will retire.

*Joba is a starter now. It all depends on what offseason goes in order to make final decision. I think Joba will be in the bullpen if Yankees get enough starting pitching. It's not a final decision yet.

*Yankees are not sure or havn't made up their mind what they want to do in 1B.

Interesting, right? I think so. Girardi actually is honest this time and actually say a lot of things regard of team and himself. We actually can tell part of direction Yankees want to approach this offseason.

If you miss this interview on WFAN, go to their website to download the file later on.

Doesn't make sense

Just in case you guys miss those posts regard of Marte and Cameron I posted earlier, go check them out.

Yankees decline Marte's 6 million option officially. If Yankees don't work out a new deal with Marte at near future and let him test free agent market, this doesn't make sense, especially when you consider Cashman and Yankees have been search for lefty relief pitchers for a long time. Once Marte get to free agent market, he almost certainly can get better deal from someone else.

Why trade away young talents in the farm system and let Marte walk away? Of course, we still have Nady. But, don't forget not only Marte is the main guy Cashman target for at the first place and Cashman said he won't do this trade for two month rentals but also Cashman make this trade when our bullpen is in good shape and only concern is the lack of lefty relief pitchers in the bullpen.

I know Phil Coke is impressive, but is it be better off having two lefty relief pitchers in the bullpen and one of them has some experience? If Cashman has so many faith in young pitchers in the farm system, why bother to trade for Marte? If Cashman start believing relief pitchers are crap shots and don't have to spend tons of money on them, why bother to trade young talents for Marte, especially when you consider Joe Girardi show the ability to manage bullpen unlike Joe Torre. Let alone let Marte leave for one-year deal and sign other lefty relief pitchers on free agent market on long term deal. Not to mention Yankees probably don't know them much.

I only can come up with three reasons why Cashman does this.

Firstly, just like Luis Vizcaino. Marte hurt more than Yankees lead us to believe or they don't think Marte can perform well in the AL East, so they rather collect two draft picks and go after other lefty relief pitchers on the free agent market.

Secondly, Yankees don't want to set new bar for relief pitchers by picking up his 6 million option. They prefer to go after other cheaper options in the free agent market or simply work out a multi-year deal with Marte.

Thirdly, they know they are going to lose a lot of draft picks for signing top free agents this off-season. They rather collect draft picks from let Marte going and then pay those for signing other top free agents.

As for Cameron, I don't mind Yankees trade for young center fielder. But, I rather have Melky or Gardner for center fielder than paying Cameron 10 million for that job. Let alone trade some values in our farm system for him. People may say, Cameron is a one-year stop gap for waiting Austin Jackson. You never know what prospects may turn out to be. Austin Jackson may never pay off or he may need more time. You go out to get a young center fielder or give Melky or Gardner a chance to play. If Austin Jackson become what a lot of people expect him to be, don't worry, I am sure Yankees can find a position for him anyway.

Hopefully, we can know what Cashman's plan very soon.

Updated: Check out this latest news regard of Cameron's trade with Brewers on Newsday. I know the stock of Melky and Kennedy had dropped a lot. Are you kidding me? Brewers want us to give them Melky and Kennedy for Cameron and pay him 10 million dollars. Even if Cameron is a free agent now, I still need to think about getting him to play center fielder for us. Let alone trade Melky and Kennedy for him. Ha, No. Are them insane?

Updated: According to NY Daily News, Yankees are on their way to settle a three-year deal with Marte. See. I know a lot of fans jump on Cashman immediately. Good to hear.