Dec 23 – Left Out: Who Opens Up in Left Field?

Cashman Says the Position is Evolving, Cast your Opinion

(New York, NY) – With Melky’s departure, several high priced free agents out there (Damon, Holiday, Bay), a clear limit on the budget and the Yanks already over $200M, the left field situation remains murky.  Cast your vote or comment on what the Yanks will or should do.

Dec 22 – No More Home Deliveries: The Melkman to Atlanta for Javier Vazquez

(Bronx, NY) -  The Yanks are into re-kindling old relationships.  Fresh off the return of Nick Johnson is the return of pitcher Javy Vazquez.  He was traded back to the Yankees by the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday for outfielder Melky Cabrera, a move that pushed the payroll for next season over $200 million.  The Yanks also got left-hander Boone Logan as part of the deal, and the Braves obtained a pair of pitching prospects, left-hander Mike Dunn and right-hander Arodys Vizcaino, along with about $500,000.

This one is a little more of a challenge given that Melky really was coming into his own and so young while Vazquez is 33 and in the end of his contract.  Interesting also is that 3 of the 8 positions players that started for the 2009 World Series clincher are now ex-Yanks.  There is never any rest for the weary and nothing or no one is sacred in the quest for #28.

Dec 19 – 2nd Time Around: Nick Johnson Returns to Pinstripes

Yanks Sign Johnson for 1-year Deal, Damon Return Now Unlikely

(New York, NY) – Nick Johnson and the Yanks reached a preliminary agreement Friday on a $5.5 million, one-year contract.  He can earn about $1 million more in performance bonuses next year, and the deal includes a 2011 mutual option for at least $5.5 million with possible escalators.  This moves makes Johnny Damon’s return to the Bronx, very unlikely.  Scott Boras has once again created issues for his client, holding out for 3-4 years, then eventually saying 2 years was acceptable but very late in the process.

The Yanks off-season goal to get younger as well as stay under $200 million in payroll is coming to a reality. Hopefully the loss of Damon’s and Matsui’s power and chemistry can be fulfilled by Granderson and Johnson’s capabilities.  Time will tell.  It looks more and more like the Yanks are loading up for a big run for the 2010 free agent class.

Dec 17 – 2010 Starts with a Bang: Yanks Will Open the new Season vs. Boston

Sunday Night April 4th at Fenway Begins the Title Defense

(New York, NY) – We still have Christmas and New Year’s, then spring training but the 2010 season schedule is starting to take form.  The dates and times of the Yankees’ opening series at Fenway Park has been set. New York and Boston will start the season on Sunday, April 4 at 8 p.m., followed by games Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.  What a way to begin!

Dec 14 – Changes Abound: Wang Moves on, Halladay and Lackey Close to New Scenery

(New York, NY) – Just a few years ago the Yanks felt that C-M Wang was a lock for 16+ wins a year for 10 years or more.  Now after two injury-ridden years he has moved on, while rumors abound that Angels are close to signing Matsui, The Phillies will get Roy Halladay and Lackey may sign with the Red Sox.  Comments as you wish.

Dec 9 – One More Time: Andy Pettitte to Return for One More Year

The Core Four Remains as Andy Agrees to $11.75M

(New York, NY) – Perhaps it will be his victory tour, but regardless Andy P. is coming back for another year in pinstripes.   The deal represents a raise for the him as he made $10.5 million last season..

Pettitte became the first pitcher to start and win the clincher in all three postseason rounds. After beating Minnesota and the Angels,  in the AL playoffs, he defeated the  Phillies on three days’ rest in the sixth and final game of the World Series, earning his fifth championship ring.

Andy was 14-8 with a 4.16 ERA in 32 regular-season starts, and 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA in five postseason starts. His 18 postseason victories are a major league record.  This moves helps anchor the front part of the rotation and now the back part has to be determined with Joba, Hughes and others vying or mentioned for the 4th and 5th spots.  Then of course there are more days to come in the trade/free agent signing market.

Dec 8 – Rumor Mill: Yankees acquire Curtis Granderson in 3-way trade with Tigers and Diamondbacks

Yanks Trade Away Austin Jackson, Phil Coke and Ian Kennedy

(Indianapolis, IN) – It seems like a lot for one guy.  With Phil Coke having a pretty good year, and Austin Jackson pegged as the next big player from the farm system did the Yanks give up too much for Granderson?  Granderson hit .249 with 30 home runs, 71 RBI, 20 stolen bases and 91 runs scored in 160 games with the Tigers last season.    Although he made the All-Star team, Granderson had some alarming stats, namely his .327 on-base percentage, 141 strikeouts and a .183 average against left-handers in 180 at-bats.

Pass on your comments!!  Does anyone like this trade?  I am not so sure.

Dec 7 – First Move: Yanks Trade Bruney to Nationals

Winter Meetings Begin, Yanks Will Be as Active as They Need to Be

(Indianapolis, IN) – The Yanks celebrated Pearl Harbor day with just a mini-bomb:  RHP Brian Bruney has moved on with a trade to the Nats for a player to be named later.  The 27-year-old right-hander was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances but pitched just once for the Yankees from mid-April until mid-June because of a strained right elbow, an injury he blamed on time he spent warming up during an umpires’ video review.

He is 16-10 with 13 saves and a 4.27 ERA in 229 relief appearances and one start over six seasons.   Bruney had a $1.25 million salary this year and is eligible for arbitration.

There are likely to be more moves over the next few days.  Get Ready to comment!

Nov 26 – Hot Stove: Who Gets Roy?

(Suffern, NY) – Well the race to get Roy Halladay is back on.  Several teams are rumored to be in talks with his agent, and supposedly the Red Sox are the most aggressive.  Where do you think he ends up on opening day (if anywhere)?

Nov 20 – Sanity Checks In: Less Off Days Coming in Playoffs

Courtesy of Lohud.Com Yankee Blog

(New York, NY) – Finally baseball management is listening!  See this story from Lohud.Com

Interesting story here about Bud Selig saying he will attempt to reduce the number of off-days during next year’s postseason – an issue that players, coaches, managers (particularly Mike Scioscia) and fans all seemed to agree got a little out of control during this past month.

“We’re going to change it,” Selig said. “I don’t disagree with Mike Scioscia. I think he was right, so we’re going to try and tighten that up.”

By my count, the Yankees played 15 games in 36 days during the postseason. I understand that TV is a factor in anything, but that’s just ridiculous. The postseason in any sport should at least somewhat resemble the regular season that precedes it, and playing baseball every other day for a month just doesn’t do that.

“When you plan the playoff schedule, you don’t know how many games the first round would go. So it’s difficult,” Selig said. “There were clubs that sat around. Some were necessary, but some were not.”