Robinson Cano is gone, Omar Infante is gone, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan, and a bunch of other guys are gone so where do the Yankees go from here? Since I pretty much predicted Andy Pettitte retiring and Robinson Cano leaving in free agency, sorry about that, I will take a stab at what the Yankees will do now going forward.
Kelly Johnson is your second basemen on Opening Day. I said that back in September and I say that again today, not the most ideal option but he can hit 20 home runs, drive in 80 RBI's, and hit around .270. Is he Cano? Nope, nobody is, but he will get the job done on the defensive side. Also the Yankees have upgraded in two outfield spots and the designated hitter spot as well as at first base with a healthy Mark Teixeira and majorly upgraded behind the dish. Long story short we will survive the Cano loss and it will suck, probably for two to three years, but it will be better for the Yankees in the long run.
What the Yankees will do now is head out to find an upgrade at third base, enter Stephen Drew. It will cost a draft pick to sign Drew, it's not like we don't know what that's like this offseason, but if we can sell him on being a third basemen, or a second basemen for that matter, then I think we go "big" for him. I called that we would continue to target guys who had turned down qualifying offers, specifically Drew, and I think it's time to start showing interest.
If Drew wants to play third then Johnson is your second basemen. If Drew wants to play second base then you make Johnson your third basemen. If Drew wants to play shortstop then he will likely join Curtis Granderson in New York with the true New Yorkers, the Mets. If Drew heads elsewhere I think we simply sign Mark Reynolds for third base and make a run at Chase Headley in July.
The team would have looked great with Cano and all these additions, the team would have looked good with Infante at second base, and the team will be fine without them both. We're the Yankees dammit!
They should sign Brian Roberts to a minor-league deal. He's a risk, but you know, it's a minor-league deal.
ReplyDeleteIf he would take a minor league deal, sure. What makes you think he would in such a weak market?
DeleteFrom what I've read, nobody seems to want him. That could obviously change, but at least for now that's case.
DeleteSomething to keep an eye on I guess.
DeleteBrian Roberts....always a favorite of patrick. Tough, and talented. But, when you look at all his
ReplyDeletemedical issues, and down time over the passed 3-4 years....it's red flag time.
A healthy Brian Roberts, would be terrific.
Minor league deal. No such bad thing as a minor league deal. Thats what I always say.
DeleteEllijay, GA....just completed a virtual tour / images of that lovely area. A town, held back in time.
ReplyDeleteBut, surrounded by natural beauty.......One, should be considered fortunate, to of found his way there.
My, observation.
It really is a beautiful area. It is turning into more of a commercial area, but compared to where I lived when I was in NY it's nothing.
DeleteThe more I think about it...an outfield or Gardner, Ellsbury, and Beltran is very good. Terrific.
ReplyDeleteJohnson at second, and Reynolds at third ( not with standing, Alex )..is conceivable also.
Maybe they want the money not being used on free agent infielders....to be applied to
the teams pitching needs?
Be bold, and creative..Such a difference from last year.
I think that is basically what the lineup will look like on Opening Day. I think we're done getting big name infielders.
DeleteWING MAN...used to love that term, and what it meant. It was special. I don't need a wing man,
ReplyDeleteto do what I do. Would I like one ? Absolutely, if the right one comes along.
You're old wing man still on his period? Bleeding from the crotch?
DeleteDaniel....my curtain is coming down this evening. But let me say this.........to conclude.
ReplyDeleteI apologize again, for what ever reason those five in a row posts came up last night.
What it did was push four other comments off your screen. Others put up those words.
They worked hard to craft their words, and they were pushed aside. Sorry.
Patrick you don't need to apologize to me brother. Technology happens. Plus it makes the site look more active then it really is! I kid.
Delete