Reader comments at The New York Sun - 2009 Yankees May Look A Lot Like 2008 Yankees

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2009 Yankees May Look A Lot Like 2008 Yankees

Submitted by Chris S, Aug 14, 2008 16:56

Interesting... I think the overall point of not a lot of change is accurate, but I think the target player analysis is weak. The rotation will have Wang, Chamberlain and Hughes. I'd expect an attempt to have Moose or Andy return (call it $15M). The 5th will be an internal candidate (all that pitching in the minors is for something, right?). I believe it unlikely that the Yankees will bank on a big catcher. If Posada isn't ready next Spring, they'll deal with that next Spring.

As the team ages, they need places for the older guys to play, so I don't see a deal for a prominent first baseman. Giambi made this roster complietely unwieldy for 7 years! Cano makes a fortune now, but he needs to be pushed, so I see the Yanks spending some money ($5-$6M?) for a reliable middle infielder. Nady is your RFer next year. Matsui or Damon will play left (Don't be surprised if Damon is moved). That leaves CF... and Action Jackson is certainly not ready to fill the power drain of losing Giambi and Abreu. So there's the financial hit. Say $17M for CF (wild guess... I figure this player to come via trade, so the immediate salary could be anything). Another bat will be needed as well. Probably a DH/1B type that can be signed for 2-3 years max (call that another $10M).

And forget about the bullpen. Those jobs are all going internally unless Marte ($6M) is set adrift. So I agree that the face won't change much. But don't count on a big starter or a first baseman. Aside from raises, I bet the Yanks won't add more than $55M (in 2009 salaries) this offseason.

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2009 Yankees May Look A Lot Like 2008 Yankees