1) I think it has to start with Cano. Although most of us have agreed that 6 years should be the limit I think in reality you're probably looking at 8 years 200M. 2) We'll need at least one strong solid starter because we still don't know what we're going to get from Pineda. 3) 3rd base. If A-Rod is going to miss the entire 2014 season we can't have another 3rd base by commitee as we did this past year. Though you may not get much average wise from Reynolds he just may be our only option. I was impressed with Nunez late season work at 3rd so he'll be an okay back up option. And hell, we could also take another look at Chavez. Someone IMO we should have resigned to begin with. 4) Ryan is a wizard with the glove so he would be a nice fill in for Jeter from time to time. But I'd feel better with someone like Drew. 5) Back up at 1st. I'd like to see the Yankees go after Kendrys Morales who could also be used as DH. 6) Catcher, this CANNOT be taken lightly. McCann or Salty should definitely be considered. 7) If we don't resign Grandy the outfield needs to be addressed, Guys like Choo, Ellsbury or even McCloth could be options.
As you said the needs are going to be Cano, a starter, catcher and an outfielder. As I said in the other thread it should be about the right player and not the most expensive ones. Any which way you slice it there's going to be question marks because how can you predict next years versions of CC and Jeter?
First sign Girardi, which should be done soon. Then look for pitching, pitching and more pitching, Cano is not a priority IMO, he can wait until the bitter end IMO, I bet he's still a FA sometime in January.
From what I just heard on MLB the Rangers have McCann as a prime target to add to their team. Thought it was strange to be making those comments early.
1) Catcher - sign McCann. Can't go 2 years in a row completely neglecting this position, and this move makes too much sense. 2) See '1' above. Other moves need to be made and other holes need to be filled, but Catcher - needs to be done right away, and then I'll comment on the rest.
I think they go after Girardi first and foremost. Cano will not sign anywhere for months in my opinion and I don't see him as a Yankee next year. He really is only out for the money. I woudn't mind seeing Salty as the catch but would love to see McCann. They have to find an outfielder and I hope they can unload Ichiro for a bag of balls on someone. Offer Grandy a one year deal and that is all. They need at least one starter and some help in the bullpen.
I know im going to get trashed for saying this..but we can live with the combination of Stewart and Romaine IF First and Third are maned by guys who can hit with power and average. Yes Martin was a loss..but not at his salary.
Yankees need to strengthen the middle positions from catcher,pitcher, ss, 2b, CF with better talent, hoping management signs Cano. One thing for sure, I will need a score card to know the players on the 2014 team. Will Girardi come back? Yankee management would be foolish not to resign him. I have questioned some of his moves, but in the end he kept this abomination of a 2013 team in the running. I never thought this team would stay in contention until the last few games. I had them "gone fishing" in May. It had been one tough baseball season for these Yankees.
The current yankee holes include: 1. #1 starter 2. #2 starter 3. 2nd base 4. Competent short stop 5. 3rd base 6. catcher 7. vacated closer role (unless you think Drob is the guy...i do not). 8. considering the OF consist of 57 year old Ichiro, 57 year old Soriano, and Gardner who can never finish a season, and throw in Vernon friggin wells, i would suggest an upgrade in the OF is a must as well. 9. back end starter This is a market with very few attractive, impact type players, and a barren farm for which to make an impact trade with or fill in any of these holes, as well as a clueless GM who unfathomably is keeping his job yet again. To recap, that is basically a rotaion, and entire infield outside of 1B (which by the way is filled with a rapidly declining hack), a closer, and an upgrade need in the OF. Basically the whole Goddamn team. What did i miss? Good friggin luck.
No I'd say you pretty much covered it all. BUT.........now that you found the problems, what would be your solutions?
Good summary. Pretty much covers just how far-gone Yankees leadership at all levels (owners, GM, player development, scouts, etc.) have failed, and have been failing this organization for quite some time. To have that many holes and uncertainties is inexcusable, and for the resources this organization has - I would reject ANY excuse offered up. You can't get rid of the owners, unless they sell, so what's next? Cashman, Levine, Trost, Oppenheimer, etc. The OBVIOUS choice is Cashman, but it sounds like he may not be going anywhere. Hopefully, Cashman decides to "work" this off-season, unlike last off-season when he chased whores, hurt himself repelling, and took 10 minutes to give Youk $12M and thought Wells getting 3 hits in a ST game was reason enough to take on $14M of his worthless ass.
...you won't get any because evidently it's easier to bitch and exaggerate that it is to offer something new and compelling.
I'll say again that the following line up is possible. Not probable but possible.............. 1) CF = Ellsbury 2) SS = Jeter / Drew 3) 2B = Cano 4) 1B = Teixiera 5) LF = Soriano 6) DH = Morales 7) C = McCann 8) 3B = Reynolds 9) RF = Gardner I'll work on the pitching & the bench. My new Closer is Edward Mujica. Saved 36 of 38 with a 2.19 ERA and a 0.859 whip
