Fixing the New York Yankees

Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte are contemplating retirement. Andy Pettitte is reportedly siding toward a return, whereas Mussina seems happy to be retiring on a high note. Expect Pettitte to perform better, starting the season as a No. 3 or 4 starter with less distractions (steroid issue and pressure) than last season. 

Chien-Ming Wang will be back as the No. 1 starter. He was 8-2 with a 4.07 ERA last season before missing the last 3.5 months. Brian Cashman has said that Joba Chamberlain will be starting the season in the rotation. 

He only pitched 100 innings last season, so the Yankees will have to be careful with how many innings he throws this season. His limit will probably be around 160 innings to avoid a Fausto Carmona type debacle. 

Joba had a very impressive ERA as a starter last season and he should fit nicely into the two-spot. 

Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy were disasters last season, but both are considered prospects and are very young. They won't be in the starting rotation this year and will both start the season in AAA if not on another team if the Yankees can package them for a better pitcher. 

If they have another season like they had last season, their trade value will greatly diminish. The Yankees will need to address the two remaining vacancies in their rotation via trade or the free-agent market. 

The big question on everyone's mind is CC Sabathia. I believe it is inevitable the Yankees will end up with Sabathia. He is in the prime of his career and a true ace with a Cy Young award. He would solidify the Yankees rotation and give them the shutdown ace they would need in big series. He is a perfect fit for the Yankees and when they unveil their new stadium.

The Yankees can give CC the long-term contract and big bucks he will demand. They can outbid anyone, and, ultimately, I think that is why CC will end up coming. The Yankees will also give him a chance to compete in the postseason or for the postseason every single season. 

And don't you think CC would love to be the opening day pitcher at the new Yankee Stadium? Hank has been clamoring on and on about getting a better rotation, and I expect him to force Cashman into throwing the big bucks at CC, that is, if Cashman even needs to be convinced. 

I do not believe that the Yankees will pursue A.J. Burnett if they sign CC. He is too much like Pavano. He is injury prone and will cost too much for a pitcher who wouldn't be a No. 1 or 2. Expect the Yankees sign a low-budget veteran such as Derek Lowe, who has proven he can pitch in a big market and in the playoffs, or a younger pitcher such as Jon Garland. 

Bullpen

The Yankees had a much improved bullpen in 2008 compared to 2007. Expect Mariano Rivera to continue to be the dominant closer they had last season. Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez will both be back because both of their ERAs are under four and are relatively young. 

Brian Bruney was excellent last season, going 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA, so he will be competing for the roll of set-up man. The Yankees will pick up the option for Damaso Marte because he is a lefty specialist whom the Yankees will certainly need against David Ortiz. 

He will also improve as he adjusts to New York and could compete for the set-up job.  Youngster Phil Coke will be in the 'pen after a very impressive performance down the stretch, going 1-0 with a .63 ERA. 

Also expect to see Humberto Sanchez, who is finally back from Tommy John and throwing harder than ever. He will be starting off in the 'pen as a long reliever. I expect the Yankees to sign maybe one reliever, but not too much needs to be answered here.

Projected Yankees lineup

Johnny Damon

Derek Jeter

Mark Teixeira

Alex Rodriguez

Jorge Posada

Hideki Matsui (DH)

Xavier Nady

Robinson Cano

Brett Gardner

Starting Rotation

1. CC Sabathia

2. Chien-Ming Wang

3. Joba Chamberlain

4. Andy Pettitte

5. Derek Lowe/Jon Garland/Mike Mussina

The Yankees will be in the playoffs in 2009. Cashman realizes what needs to be done to compete in the A.L. East, and he'll make the changes. And Hank won't go two-straight years missing the postseason, especially with the second season being the inaugural season of the New Yankee Stadium. Expect the Yankees to make big changes.

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