The New York Yankees took the right step in their push to return to prominence in baseball by signing three of the biggest free agents this off-season. But the big-spending Steinbrenners and GM Brian Cashman still have holes they need to address.
Yankees Showed The Money
The Yankees failed to make the play-offs last season for the first time since 1993. And the biggest problem was their pitching staff. And Yankees leadership did plenty to address that this winter by adding the two biggest free agent pitchers on the market.
CC And AJ Welcomed To Yankee Pinstripes
The biggest fish of this off-season was left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia, who agreed to join the Yankees on a seven-year contract worth 161 million dollars, giving New York manager Joe Girardi his new ace to anchor the rotation. The Yankees also grabbed the second-best starter on the market, dishing out 82.5 million dollars over five years for A.J. Burnett.
Wang Returns, But With Question Mark
Chien-Ming Wang was brought back on a one-year contract after the 2008 Opening Day starter missed most of the season with a mid-foot sprain and partially torn tendon in his right foot - though he at least was able to avoid surgery. Wang won 19 games in 2006 and 2007 but it remains to be seen what impact the foot injuries will have on his pitching.
What Can Be Expected of Joba?
Even if Wang is healthy and Burnett is the Burnett New York hope they are getting, the rest of the Yankees rotation remains full of question marks. Super talent Joba Chamberlain hurt himself by over-throwing after moving to a starter following a successful stint in the bullpen. Will Chamberlain hold up the entire season as a number four starter? That is a lot to ask for from a 23-year-old with 124.1 major league innings in his arm.
Fifth Starter Anyone?
If the Yankees do not re-sign veteran lefty Andy Pettitte, they will be forced once again to rely on unproven youngsters. Added the usual suspects like Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy this off-season are names like Alfredo Aceves and Dan Giese. That is a big load for an unproven youngster - especially with the pressure of spending big money and a new billion dollar stadium.
First Base Set With Teixeira
The other glaring problem last season for New York was first base, where they used 12 different players with big contracts who couldn't move very well but needed to get at-bats. The biggest example was Jason Giambi and his deal worth over 20 million dollars. And to really appreciate how bad the situation was, the Yankees even tried cast-away Richie Sexson. But they solved first base with the Gold Glove slugger Mark Teixeira, who comes in on an eight-year, 180 million dollar deal.
Outfield Still A Question Mark
Besides the pitching, the other main question mark left for the Yankees is the outfield. Johnny Damon is in left field and Xavier Nady is in right. Both of those players could be used as trading chips to get another starter. Melky Cabrera was also close to being traded. Hideki Matsui is aging and will probably mainly fit in the DH role with a bum knee. There are two youngsters in the Yankees system close to contributing in Brett Gardner and Austin Jackson. But after spending all that money, would Steinbrenner accept a rookie - or even two - patrolling the outfield?
Chips For Trades
Besides Damon, Nady and Cabrera, another possible chip for trading could be Nick Swisher. The outfielder/first baseman could serve many other teams in various ways and it appears the Yankees do not trust him out in centerfield.
Will Rivera Hold Up Again?
Mariano Rivera was once again amazing last season. But the ageless closer is now 39 years old. And how long will he keep going? What happens if he goes down injured? Does Joba head back to the pen? Oh no, that would open even more questions.
