Five Decisions the Yankees Must Make Very Soon
Bronx Bombers Could Become a Dynasty if They Adress 5 Key Issues
Nov 10, 2009
When Shane Victorino grounded out to finish Game 6 of the World Series, the New York Yankees won the World Series. It was their first championship in nine years. General Manager Brian Cashman finally had a night to celebrate, and maybe even a few days to relax.
By now, a full week after the big win, Cashman is surely back at work. At least he'd better be at work. Because in this upcoming offseason, he is going to have to decide how to handle the five following issues that will affect the team in 2010 and beyond.
1. Are Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes Starters or Relievers?
To many, Joba Chamberlain has no business in the starting rotation. For those who remember the Chamberlain of 2007, it's hard to argue with that assertion. Back then, he threw 100 MPH and literally scared hitters into striking out. In 19 appearances, Chamberlain was 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA. In 24 innings, he struck out 34 hitters. He was like Tyson before the Buster Douglas fight.
Not anymore. In 43 starts, he is 12-7 with an ERA of 4.18. As a reliever he's 3-2 with a 1.50 ERA. He is still dangerous pitcher, but now he seems much more vulnerable. Perhaps it is time to bring him back to his comfort zone, which is a routine, regular late inning relief role.
Phil Hughes began his Yankee career as a starter and was used in early 2009 in that role. The only problem is that Hughes was among the best set up man in baseball. In 44 appearances out of the bullpen, Hughes was 5-1 with a 1.40 ERA. In 51 innings, he struck out 65 hitters and only walked 13. Those are Rivera-like numbers. Can the Yankees possibly move Hughes out of this role?
2. Will the Yankees Sign Johnny Damon and/or Hideki Matsui for 2010?
Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon each proved in 2009 that they still have a lot to offer the Yankees. Damon tied his career high with 24 home runs, and he drove in 82 runs. He also had a great World Series, hitting .364 and scoring 6 runs.
The same is true for Matsui, who, coming into the year, was a huge question mark for the Yankees. Matsui hit 28 home runs and had 90 RBI in a mere 456 at-bats. Everyone saw what he did in the World Series.
The Yankees will have to decide if they bring back both, one or neither of these players. With Matsui’s knees so damaged, he can only serve as a DH and pinch-hitter, which makes him less attractive in that respect. Damon can still play left field, although no too well anymore.
If the Yankees decide to sign neither player, New York may have to chase a free agent outfielder, such as Jason Bay or Matt Holliday.
3. Sign Andy Pettitte
Andy Pettitte will likely be back. He has expressed interest in returning to the Yankees in 2010, and perhaps beyond. Even at the ripe old age of 37, Pettitte showed why he is still one of the best big game pitchers in baseball. After a season in which he served as a productive third starter, Pettitte was 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA in the postseason.
He now has 229 wins and only 135 losses to go along with his unmatched postseason accomplishments. With each season, Pettitte gets closer to being a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate. Should he play two more years, win another title and end up with 260 or more wins, he will surely have a shot. Perhaps this, and $10 million per year, will motivate him to keep going.
4. Should the Bombers Go After John Lackey?
This, of course depends on the answers to questions 1 and 3. If Pettitte signs, and Camberlain and Hughes move back to the rotation, the Yankees won't likely look for a top flight starter on the free agent market. If, however, Pettitte does hang up his spikes, or the team decides that Camberlain and/or Hughes will be in the bullpen, expect them to make a splash. John Lackey is the most coveted free agent pitcher this year, and could be a target. Another option could be for the Yankees to resurrect trade talks with the Toronto Blue Jays for Roy Halladay.
5. Who is The Yankees Future Catcher?
Jorge Posada has been a staple behind the plate for Yankees the past 14 seasons. At 38 years old, he is still a dangeorus, clutch hitter, but his defensive skills have deteriorated over the past few seasons. While Jose Molina is a fine backup with superior fielding skills, he can't hit a lick and he is not going to supplant Posada as the number one catcher after the latter's contract expires after the 2011 season. So in two years, the Yankees are going to need a new catcher.
Fifteen years ago, Joe Girardi tutored Posada in the finer points of the position at a time when Girardi was the starter and Posada was the young up-and-comer. Those two seasons of tutoring gave Posada the skills and the confidence to catch legends such as Roger Clemens, David Cone, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, David Wells, C.C. Sabathia (and so on and so on).
Perhaps it's time for Posada to do the same for Francisco Cervelli, a AAA catcher who showed great promise during his time with the big league club in 2009. Otherwise, they may find themselves chasing another high-priced free agent. They have enough of those already.
With the Right Moves, the Yankees Could WIn Again in 2010
Any one of these decisions, regardless of how they are resolved, won't make or break the Yankees. If they mess up all five of them, however, they will still compete but they probably won't repeat. On the other hand, if they get most of them right, the franchise could establish a new Yankee Dynasty.
