Playoff Bound

We got X-Man Nady to man left field. He's got a better arm than Johnny D, so we are stronger on defense. He's actually tearing the cover off the ball, and after an initial few games getting used to pinstripes, he has resumed same. Johnny can man DH, especially since Godzilla has been out. Even with a brace, the fluid will return. Betting money [other than house money] says he will have to go under the knife, ending his 2008 season.

We got Marte. We will soon get Bruney back. That made two guys expendable: Troy Hawkins [a good man but a mediocre pitcher], and Kyle Farnsworth, now pitching to potential. Hawk is gone for a prospect, and that's fine. Krazy went to Detroit for Pudge Rodriguez. Veras and Edwar, plus Davey Robertson [plus Marte and Bruney] make this a good deal. We can stand losing Farnsy [who actually cried when he left, bless his heart].

Posada got his right shoulder scoped. His throwing shoulder, eh? He'll be ready when pitchers and catchers report in mid-February. Now, here's the rub: his arm wasn't that great to begin with. Actually, it's weak, to be honest. He had an inflamed rotator cuff, plus a torn labrum and damage to the capsule. Projection: he'll never catch again. Contracts and money rule. He's got three years and about $30 mil to go. Pudge will get a new contract to be our catcher. Jose Molina will remain our backup. Posada will become our new first baseman [and not catching, should regain some power. Not being injured, should regain some average.], and he'll be an adequate glove man. I expect Big Sexy will be gone, and frankly, armed with this new info, I anticipate the Yankees giving Jason Giambi his $5 mil buyout for 2009.

For 2008, we are stronger. We didn't get Jarrod Washburn [yet] from Seattle, and no biggie. Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes, and Chien-Ming Wang are all right around the corner. Don't look now, but Carl Pavano is rehabbing, too. [1] He's playing for a contract {somewhere}, [2] His arm HAS to have plenty of pitches left in it, and [3] I-Rod caught him in Florida, in 2003. 18 victories..... just sayin'.......

Playoff Outlook: Good.
Besides, Tampa is in uncharted territory, and Boston just lost Manny.
We could possibly win the division! :-)