October 7, 2011 - New York Yankees began their season today, much sooner than expected. It will be a season full of questions, as against a list of aging, an uncertain pitching staff and a general manager who has no contract beyond this year. Here are several questions that have to deal with the Yankees before the 2012 MLB season rolls around.
1. The future of Brian Cashman, GM's contract expires at the end of the month. He says he wants to stay, and the organization has said it wants to stay. Cashman has been GM since 1998, who could blame him if he was tempted to go elsewhere and find out if he can build a team without the resources Steinbrenner. 2. CC Sabathia: The big lefty has a clause in his contract, and although it seems almost certain he wants to stay a Yankee bet he will exercise it. This puts the Yankees in a very bad place. They are paying a lot of ways worse long-term contracts that will take players far beyond their seasons in full production. Sabathia opting out and holding the Yankees over the canyon for another is a problem. If the Yankees do not pony as whatever you want that stick without an ace in the short term. If they do want to pony up what Sabathia will likely be stuck paying the 31-year-old, 300-pound Sabathia huge money long after the break.
3. Jorge Posada: The question is not whether Posada will be back with the Yankees. It does not, and seem to know. The question is, can the Yankees goodbye to the proud 40-year-old veteran, without a bitter separation?
4. Nick Swisher: The energy of 30-year-old right fielder is a free agent. Do the Yankees want him back? Or let him go for an upgrade? Swisher is limited to the defensive, do not throw well and has a .169 batting average batting in 38 playoff games with six RBIs. The Yankees might be better served by here looking for a young, athletic player.
5. What about the status of the capture? Russell Martin had an excellent year for the Yankees, despite his .237 batting average does not indicate that. Martin was taken to the Yankees in a one-year contract, however, so it can be a free agent. There will be plenty of teams willing to offer 28 years of age, a long-term contract. If the Yankees to be one of them? If they do, how does that impact perspectives capture Jesus Montero, Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez? If they do, leaving Martin, can Montero, Francisco Cervelli Romine and do the job?
6. What about Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon? The Yankees got far more than the two outcasts veteran than I ever could have expected. Was it enough, however, so they can take advantage of any of these guys again for another year? Probably not, but that depends on the answer to the next question.
7. After Sabathia, what happens to the starting rotation? Ivan Nova stepped forward, and if his forearm strain is nothing worse than that, have a rotation spot in 2012. Who will? Can the Yankees via trade or free agency, find another front of the pitcher starting rotation to take some pressure off Sabathia? Can you find someone who A.J. Burnett of his hands? You can count on Phil Hughes, or should try another package in a deal? Do any of the acclaimed young pitching prospects ready to take its place in the rotation? Many questions, no easy answers.
8. Alex Rodriguez is officially an albatross? A-Rod is coming off the worst season of his career with just 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 99 games. He came up small again in the postseason. He turns 37 next season, and wonder exactly how Rodriguez has been in the tank is a fair question.
No comments:
Post a Comment