Yankees Should Continue Spending to Secure Championship

The New York Yankees need to continue their never ending spending spree this winter to secure their quest for another World Series championship.  With a brand new Yankee Stadium replacing the original "House That Ruth Built" directly next door, what better way to usher in the new year and new stadium than with the right elements of a championship team.

With huge dollars already spent on free agent pitchers CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, along with the signing of Mark Texierra, why not complete what they have started and bring back a championship to the Bronx.  Stoke the talks once again with the Brewers and make the deal for Mike Camerron and just eat the money to dump Japanese import and latest bust Kei Igawa, and trade Melky Cabrera. 

The Brewers are willing to take Igawa who just might find a some success pitching in a smaller market and without the pressure of playing in New York.  The Brewers need any kind of pitching after losing Sabathia to the Yanks and with Ben Sheets sure to sign with another team. 

Camerron is due $10 million for the 2009 season, which the Yankees can surely afford and they will just have to pay a little more than half of what is owed to Igawa (around $7 million). 

You have then solidified your outfield with a gold glove center fielder that still has speed, range, and arm strength that can cover much needed ground to make up for the inefficiencies of Johnny Damon in left field and Xavier Nady playing in right. 

In addition, you can pencil in Camerron batting ninth in an already explosive lineup.  Camerron gives you 20-25 HR's and 75 RBI's and 20 extra stolen bases.  He also gives added speed on the bases at the bottom of the lineup.

After making this signing, then the Yankees should by any means possible go out and sign Manny Rameriz to a two-year contract for $25 million per season and give him a $15 million option for a third season. 

Manny can then be inserted as the everyday DH batting cleanup behind Alex Rodriguez and have Teixeira batting right behind him.  It would be a homecoming of sorts with Manny playing to his friends and family from nearby Washington Heights and having the distinct pleasure of shoving another championship right down the Red Sox throats. 

Just having Manny in anyone's lineup puts an automatic 5,000 more fans in the seats and everyone's batting average and on base percentage increases.  This should be a no-brainer. 

They could also trade Hideki Matsui to Seattle for prospects and dump his salary freeing up playing time for Brett Gardner who can play all three outfield positions and also some possible outfield time for newly acquired Nick Swisher.

The final signing should be of Yankee standout, left handed pitcher Andy Pettite.  The signing of Pettitte solidifies your starting rotation with a No. 4 starter with big game and postseason experience and the the final spot in the rotation can then go to right-hander Phillip Hughes. 

This would take all of the high expectations off Hughes, so he can relax and just pitch a full season in the big leagues. Joba Chamberlain can also be put back in the bullpen as the setup man for Mariano Rivera. Chamberlain can eventually be groomed to become the next closer.  This will also provide the opportunity for Chamberlain to possibly contribute up to five times a week rather than once every 5 days as a starter. 

The possible batting order for this version of Murder's Row would be as follows:

1.  LF—Johnny Damon

2.  SS—Derek Jeter

3.  3B—Alex Rodriguez

4.  DH—Manny Rameriz

5.  1B—Mark Texierra

6.  C—Jorge Posada

7.  2B—Robinson Cano

8.  RF—Xavier Nady

9.  CF—Mike Camerron

Fans also would be enjoying possibly the best starting pitching rotation in the majors with CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Chin Mein Wang, Andy Pettite, and Phillip Hughes.

With the new stadium, all the new talent, the YES network and all the media outlets to help shower in revenue, go ahead Yankees, Blow Your Wad!