Now that we know Joe is staying, what's next?
Joe Torre He shouldn't have been fired but I have my concerns. One of the hardest things to do in sports is to win championships with a team, go through a dry spell, and then win championships again. When I asked a number of friends, Erwin came up with Casey Stengel. So history is not on Joe Torre's side.* Also, he made some boneheaded moves during the playoffs. He should not have started Gary Sheffield. There was enough power in the lineup that we could have lived with having Craig Wilson play first. Shit, I would have rathered Giambi play first, Hideki at DH and Melky in LF. I know Giambi was hurt but at least he would have first base instincts. The musical chairs with A-Rod was a joke. Having him bat sixth was one thing but 8th was just a big "Fuck you". I would not have left Jaret Wright out there after the score became 3-0 knowing Cory Lidle (who, while shaky, has better stuff) was just sitting there clipping his fingernails. That said, if Lou Pinella is the best alternative, I'll stick with Joe one more year before we can convince Tommy Lasorda to come out of retirement.
Alex Rodriguez Unless we can get someone like Dontrelle Willis or Carlos Zambrano with some choice prospects, I say we keep him. He had one "bad" year (or as bad as you can call .290, 35 HR, 121 RBI, .392 OBP, .523 SLG) and I'm not ready to give up on him yet. He does need to be quiet when it comes to the press. Joe Torre needs to stop humiliating him (putting him sixth behind Hideki and Sheff who had barely played this season, then starting him 8th was crazy). That Sports Illustrated article should have NEVER happened. I also think it's time for Derek Jeter to man up and support A-Rod publicly. He always talks about team this and team that. He knows that him supporting A-Rod would help the TEAM. If he doesn't, someone needs to let him know that's part of being "The Captain".
Gary Sheffield It's been a great ride but I'm sorry, you've got to go. Bobby Abreu, while not the RBI machine you are, is the kind of scrappy hitter the Yankees need right now. Plus, we owe him way too much money to keep both of you. I suggest a sign and trade so he doesn't get pissed and offer his services to the Red Sox for nothing.
The Pitching We're stuck with Randy Johnson. Mike Mussina isn't worth 17 million dollars and I hope him and his agent are smart enough to realize it. A one year deal will suffice. Lost Jaret Wright (as is the tradition of getting rid of the guy who loses the last game in the playoffs). Go after Barry Zito (who only sucks when he plays against us) and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Let's see what Philip Hughes has got. And sign every available closer and relegate them to setup men. Carl Pavano should become a setup guy only because I don't want him to leave without at least earning some of his money.
Steinbrenner Stop trying to buy the biggest, oldest bat on the market. We had a good thing in the late 90's with stars and role players. We have guys in our lineup who would be the anchor for a lot of other teams, however there is no one rowing the boat and all the weight is making the ship sink EVERY YEAR. Let Cashman do his job (and, on the side, call Gene Michael and ask him if he'd be interested in Cashman's job in 2008).
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