New York Yankees Looking Ahead: Who Is Out There for Them in 2010?

With Johnny Damon becoming a possible free agent in 2010, the Yankees could be looking for another big name player.

Also, depending on how 2009 goes of course, the Yankees will reevaluate their roster and go from there.

The only other players who could be leaving the Yankees are Hideki Matsui, Jose Molina, and Xavier Nady as their contracts run out at the end of 2009.

Hideki Matsui has been consistent for the Yankees, despite a few nagging injuries. But his poor play in the outfield might cost him in his future with the team, a good full season in 2009 could merit his stay in the Bronx and they would resign him.

Xavier Nady might be gone before the trade deadline if there are takers, and if he has a good year, could stay with the team as well.

Jose Molina doesn't have the best bat, but he is a defensive wizard behind the plate, and as Jorge Posada is nearing the end of his career, they may need him or another catcher in 2010 and foreword.

Carl Crawford really stands out at me as someone the Yankees could go after.  The guy is an amazing player and he would be taken away from a Division opponent, the Rays.

In August, a panel of experts on ESPN named Crawford the Devil Rays' "Face of the Franchise". Three out of four experts picked him, and he was also overwhelmingly picked by the fans with 75 percent of the vote.

If the Rays are dumb enough not to resign him, the Yankees would be a great suitor.

Crawford has hit over .300 the past three seasons and is a beast on the base paths, stealing 154 bases over the last three seasons and 277 thus far in his career.

If the Yankees get Crawford, no one should have to tell him that the No. 13 is already taken.

Magglio Ordonez could also be out there for the taking if he doesn't pick up his 15 million dollar option with the Detroit Tigers, but age may be a concern there as he turns 35 this year.

Ordonez is still a lethal player and for the right price, can be taken away from an AL opponent and brought to the Yankees.

Another outfielder that could be available is the guy who decides to bat without gloves, Vladimir Guerrero.

Vlady is a very powerful hitter. However, he hit under 100 RBI for the first time in five years last season.

Still, Guerrero has hit over .300 and over 20 home runs every season since 1998, and that kind of consistency is very hard to find.

If the Yankees are looking for a catcher, Victor Martinez stands out to me.

If he doesn't pick up his seven million dollar option, someone will enjoy having his bat in their lineup. He has also proved well as a nice DH on days he isn't catching, and could be a great fit for the Yankees.

The only other names that jump out at me are Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye, and pitchers Daniel Cabrera and Rich Harden.

2010 won't come for another 11 months and there is an entire season to play in 2009, so we all have to see how it will unfold. But it is always nice to look ahead to see what may or may not go down.