R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, and Jose Reyes are now Blue Jays, Josh Hamilton traded in his Rangers blue for Angels red, Zack Greinke is crossing town to the Dodgers, and B.J Upton is now playing for the Bravos. It has been an exciting offseason so far for baseball (something that can't be said about the Jets offense). However, the team that usually is in the middle of everything has taken a back seat in December.
Sure the Yankees brought in Kevin Youkilis (whoopee!), and resigned Andy Pettitte, Ichiro, and Hiroki Kuroda. However, the small market Yankees let Eric Chavez become a D-Back and Russell Martin join AJ Burnett in Pittsburgh. October hero Raul Ibanez, Nick Swisher, and Rafael Soriano are still on the market.
Fear not though Yankee fans, because I am in the Christmas spirit, and am writing a letter to Santa for our Bronx Bombers.
Dear Santa,
I am worried about my favorite baseball team, the Yankees. While other teams are wheeling and dealing this offseason, we have taken a backseat on the Hot Stove. Here is my wishlist for next season:
Catcher
Losing Russell Martin leaves a hole in our backstop. If Austin Romine is fully rehabbed from his 2011 back surgery than I wouldn't mind seeing him and either Francisco Cervelli or Chris Stewart split time this year. Mike Napoli and AJ Piezynski are the only everyday catchers left in free-agency, but they come with a high price tag.
First Base
Mark Teixeira is due a little over $18 million this season, so there really isn't much wiggle room here. Last season was the first time since 2007 that he played in under 150 games, and he isn't getting younger. I don't see Nick Swisher resigning, so we are on the market for a solid backup. I wonder if Lance Berkman is looking for a part time job in the Bronx again?
Second Base
We are set here, exercising our option on Robinson Cano for the 2013 season.
Shortstop
Brian Cashman expects Captain Jeter to be ready for Opening Day following his ankle surgery. Eduardo Nunez and Jayson Nix are suitable replacements to relieve Jeter early in the season.
Third Base
The Yankees have over $40 millon invested in third base between Alex Rodriguez, who is possibly out until the All-Star break following hip surgery, and new signee Kevin Youkilis. Signing the former hated Red Sock was met with expected uproar from fans, not only because of his past, but because is another veteran with declining stats. Youkilis' average has dropped from .307 in 2010 to .235 in 2012 (a drop of .072). I would have liked to see us bring Eric Chavez back, but he didn't even want to hear the Yankees offer.
Left Field
The Yanks signed Brett Gardner to a one-year deal worth $2.85 million, so he is likely the incumbent to left field, following an injury that derailed his 2012 season. Reports are that we are talking to Raul Ibanez, who was excellent for us in October.
Center Field
Curtis Granderson's option was exercised for 2013, so the 40+ home run hitter will be back in pinstripes.
Right Field
The Yankees locked up Ichiro to a 2-year, $13 million deal this week, almost insuring him the starting right field job.
Starting Pitchers
Right now the Yankees rotation is projected to be CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, and either Ivan Nova or Michael Pineda. I wouldn't mind taking a flier out on a guy like either Rich Harden or Jonathan Sanchez because you can never have enough starting pitchers.
Bullpen
It looks like Rafael Soriano is as good as gone after a great 2012, closing for the injured Mariano. I wonder if the Yankees would look into adding Jose Valverde who was released by the Tigers, to be the potential heir to throne of Mariano Rivera.
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