Now What Would I Like To See Happen For 2014?

Since my original ideas for what I'd like to see happen this offseason are pretty much destroyed, I figured I'd update those thoughts to go with current events.

Just to remind you of the team I would have liked to see when the offseason first started, here it is...

Catcher - Francisco Cervelli
First Base - Mark Teixeira
Second Base - Robinson Cano
Third Base - Derek Jeter
Shortstop - Stephen Drew
Left Field - Curtis Granderson
Center Field - Brett Gardner
Right Field – Corey Hart
Designated Hitter - Alfonso Soriano

Starting Pitcher - CC Sabathia
Starting Pitcher - Masahiro Tanaka
Starting Pitcher - Ivan Nova
Starting Pitcher - Michael Pineda
Starting Pitcher - David Phelps

"Yeah, that's not happening."

I've gone ahead and ignored the bullpen and the cost for each player. The reason for each omission is that 1) there is so much that could happen with the bullpen I didn't think it was worth spending the time thinking about it, and 2) the Yankees don't seem worried about the money so why should I?

Here is where we're actually at right now...

Catcher - Brian McCann
First Base - Mark Teixeira
Second Base - Kelly Johnson
Third Base - Eduardo Nunez
Shortstop - Derek Jeter
Left Field - Brett Gardner
Center Field - Jacoby Ellsbury
Right Field - Carlos Beltran
Designated Hitter - Alfonso Soriano

Starting Pitcher - CC Sabathia
Starting Pitcher - Hiroki Kuroda
Starting Pitcher - Ivan Nova
Starting Pitcher - David Phelps
Starting Pitcher -  Michael Pineda/Adam Warren/Vidal Nuno/Manny Banuelos

So here's what I'd like to see happen now...

1. Sign Omar Infante

Since becoming a regular in 2010, Infante has been exactly league average (100 OPS+). His OPS+ has actually gone between 90 and 113 in those four years, while putting up a triple-slash of .295/.327/.415. He's also an above average defender at second base. Finally, he won't cost that much in terms of money or years, as he'll turn 32 the day after Christmas.

2. Sign Masahiro Tanaka

This is definitely not a certainty due to recent events. Not only will more teams be able to negotiate with the Japanese star thanks to the new posting system, but the other "Hiro" may not get posted at all since his Japanese team is looking at getting much less in the posting fee than previously thought. But if Tanaka is made available, the Yankees should give it their all to acquire him. Tanaka has the ability to be a strong #2, or even a good #1, starter, which is something the team could really use. And he'd be less of a risk than somebody like Matt Garza, whose ceiling isn't nearly as high.

"Trade Gardy? And you thought there was outrage after I was announced as the new Batman."

So here is my choice for the 2014 Yankees...

Catcher - Brian McCann
First Base - Mark Teixeira
Second Base - Omar Infante
Third Base - Kelly Johnson
Shortstop - Derek Jeter
Left Field - Brett Gardner
Center Field - Jacoby Ellsbury
Right Field - Carlos Beltran
Designated Hitter - Alfonso Soriano

Bench - Brendan Ryan
Bench - Eduardo Nunez
Bench - Ichiro Suzuki
Bench - Francisco Cervellli

Opening Day Lineup

1. Jacoby Ellsbury* - CF
2. Derek Jeter - SS

3. Carlos Beltran# - RF

4. Alfonso Soriano - DH
5. Brian McCann# - C 

6. Mark Teixeira# - 1B

7. Omar Infante - 2B

8. Kelly Johnson* - 3B
9. Brett Gardner* - LF

* - bats left, # - switch-hitter

Before moving onto the starting rotation, I wanted to talk about Derek Jeter batting second. I don't think he deserves to hit there, as I was originally thinking of placing him 7th, but I know it wouldn't happen. So like Joe Girardi must probably do against his will, I penciled in the Captain for the two-hole.

Starting Rotation

1. CC Sabathia

2. Hiroki Kuroda

3. Masahiro Tanaka

4. Ivan Nova

5. Michael Pineda/David Phelps/Adam Warren/Vidal Nuno/Manny Banuelos 

I have to say that while others have already written him off, I hate giving up on Michael Pineda as a starter. I'm okay with Pineda being in competition for that last rotation spot, in case one of the others stands out head and shoulders, but relegating him to the bullpen right off the bat seems wrong.

I actually already had this post written before the Carlos Beltran signing, so some editing had to be done. Speaking of which, I'd like to thank Daniel for helping me out with it. Who knows? The Yankees could very well make a move later today that makes this post moot. Oh well... at least I had fun thinking about it.