The Yankees' offseason will be extremely active. But many want to know, who's staying and who's going?
While we can't see into the future, we can make an educated guess. Below is a list of Yankees' free agents following this season, as well as my prediction of what they will following the postseason,
Mike Mussina- retirement. It turns out that Moose's wife is set on him coming back home, and it seems that he may be willing to hang up the spikes after his first 20-win season.
Andy Pettitte- return to the rotation. This will be a big signing for the Yankees' rotation, not necessarily due to Pettitte's skill, but for his knowledge. He should help the young guns make a smooth transition.
Jason Giambi- leave through free agency. I just don't see The Big G returning to the Bronx, as the Yankees are trying to get both younger and more defensive, neither of which describes Giambi. Look for him to stay in the A.L., most likely as a DH.
Bobby Abreu- return to the outfield. This is a close call, as many sources are saying many things. However, I believe that Abreu's patience at the plate would be missed far to much by the usually free-swinging Bombers.
Carl Pavano- leave through free agency. Must I even explain this case?
Ivan Rodriguez- leave through free agency. On another close call, I believe that Rodriguez will not be offered arbitration, due to the fear that he may accept. However, should there be a set back in Jorge Posada's rehab, this could all change.
Sidney Ponson- leave through free agency. Although Ponson did have his occational bright start, he is still Sidney Ponson. Making this another "must I explain this case?"
Damaso Marte- return to the bullpen. Although Marte struggled early with the Yankees, he started to get used to the A.L. batting pretty quickly, as do most N.L. pitchers making the move. I believe Marte's option will be picked up and that he will, again, be the left-handed specialist in the Yankees' great bullpen.
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2 comments:
Don't count Moose out yet. He had a good year, he's healthy, there's a new stadium to open, HOF votes to lock up and much money to be made. He has more reasons to return than Andy.
I think they'll both be back to team with Wang, Hughes and Joba as the first 5 of 7 or so SP's we'll want to have on the roster next year.
1 or 2 of CC, Garland, Perez or Lowe should be signed and/or we may trade for one SP. There's a bunch of pitchers with value that we should be offering in trades. I don't see Kennedy, Hughes or Cano being traded unless it's the right deal.
I tend to agree on Giambi & Abreu although I wouldn't rule either out or in. A lot depends on their contract demands and Teixeira and also what to do with Melky, Shelley Duncan, Miranda and AJax. If Tex is signed then Giambi is gone and maybe Abreu too, but if he can't be signed the door opens a crack for Big G, Abreu becomes more important and it affects how you approach other positions.
Performances in the Arizona Fall League will be watched and in addition to the younger, more defensive you mentioned don't forget more athletic, cheaper, build from within and with an emphasis on pitching.
I could see Marte being brought back but he's not young and has control issues so I could see them signing him to trade him or let him go and try for Fuentes.
I agree the Moose has more reasons to return than does Andy, but he also has more reasons to retire. As you said, he had a good year, and many pitchers like to retire on a good note, that way they have more fond memories of their career in the big leagues. However, I do see this being a tough decision for both Moose and Pettitte and I hope that both do return to the rotation. I also agree on the outside starting pitchers that you believe the yankees will go out and try to acquire through free agency. I do not see them going after guys like Sheets or Burnett after the recent Carl Pavano incident. Injuries are too big of a factor in baseball and both of these guys have a long history of injuries. I also do not see Kennedy, Hughes, or Cano being traded, but look for their names to be thrown around this winter, much like last year.
Thanks for the comment
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