Yankees Offseason

Going into this offseason, it was pretty clear that the Yankees needed some pitching. At the end of the season, the only starting pitchers under contract were Wang, Johnson, Pavano and Wright. Mike Mussina also had an option that was expected to be picked up. As for position players, there wasn't much to tinker with, except the problem of too many outfielders - Matsui, Damon, Sheffield, Abreu, Williams and Cabrera were all on the squad in the postseason.

The Yankees have made some moves that made sense. They got rid of Sheffield and Wright, and signed Kei Igawa from Japan for close to the market value. Mussina was given a contract extension.

Not too bad so far. The team has re-signed Andy Pettitte, which is a popular move because of Pettitte's past, but I can't help but think it's a move made more out of nostalgia. Even so, he may have been the best person available for the money the Yankees were willing to pay.

As for the rest of the outfield, it seems unlikely they will be able to keep both Bernie Williams and Melky Cabrera, which is unfortunate. It would be difficult to see Williams in another uniform other than the pinstripes, and Cabrera is a pretty talented outfielder who can play all the positions.

I just get the feeling that the Yankees are this aging team that will make the playoffs a lot but just doesn't have the big ace pitcher that World Series teams tend to have. I see Boston going out to make improvements. With the Yankees, they just seem older. I guess we'll have to wait until late next season to find out.