Free Agency: Let the Yankee Hot Stove Begin

At 12:01 A.M., eastern time, the ceasefire ends and baseball’s free agent arms race will begin. Ball players were able to file for free agency on November 1, even though during the two weeks that followed (ending tonight at midnight), their current team is the only organization with the legal authority to negotiate.

For the New York Yankees, who were embarrassed in the final year of a now defunct Yankee Stadium, this pending free agent window promises to be one of the most active in franchise history.  With over $80 million in payroll coming off the books and pressure to improve from a beleaguered fan-base, the Steinbrenners are ready to payout.

Lighting the Stove

Eager to demonstrate a proactive approach spearheaded by an invigorated Brian Cashman, the Yankees already resigned lefty bullpen specialist Damaso Marte yesterday and traded for 27 year old first baseman and outfielder Nick Swisher.  An on-base machine, thanks to his Moneyball development, the switch hitting Swisher might have implications on the Yankees intentions of going after Mark Teixeira. In a conference call this afternoon Cashman stated that Swisher is in fact the Yankee first basemen. Of course this could all be a ploy as the Yankees vie for leverage against super agent and all around nemesis Scott Boras.

The Keystone

All of this is mere white noise when it comes to the main focus of the organization’s off-season plans, which hinge upon C.C. Sabathia.  If rumors are to believed, the Yankees are prepared to offer Sabathia a deal in the 6 year $150 million range, which would make C.C. the highest paid pitcher in baseball.  The 28 year old left-hander would headline a potent rotation that already features Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain.  C.C. has stressed a desire to remain close to his family and play in California, ideally staying in the National League. However, large sacks of money with equally large dollar signs tend to change even the most altruistic of minds.

More Pitchers

As far as the starting rotation is concerned, the Yankees will not stop with Sabathia. Cashman has been clear that the team will sign two starters during the off-season, and the remaining free agent pool includes: A.J. Burnett (who can opt-out of his contract with Toronto), Derek Lowe, Andy Pettitte, and Mike Mussina (if he chooses not to retire).  Not only are all four solid starters, but they are all of A.L. East pedigree – the toughest division in baseball.  Here’s the rub: A.J. is injury prone, but he is absolutely lights-out when healthy, at 36 Lowe is aging but more than serviceable, Pettitte and Moose have both stated they will only pitch for New York.  Either way, one of these four will be pitching in the Bronx come April, two if the Yanks are unable to land Sabathia.

What about Tex?

Mark Teixeira, Scott Boras’ mega client this off-season, is looking for a 10 year $200 million deal.  If this is in fact the case, the Yankees must stay away.  They are already tied up with long term contracts to aging superstars, and New York does not need another one. His offensive and defensive talents are not in question, but for the Yanks Tex is only worth it if you can pull the wool over Boras and get Teixeira to sign a 6 year deal.  The problem: no one pulls the wool over Scott Boras.

The Predator Wildcard

Then there is, was, and forever shall be, Manny. Sure it would be a homecoming for the Washington Heights native but the Yankees need to stay away. We already have too many DH types that are forced in to playing the field, diminishing our team defensive ability. Girardi and Cashman are both in concert with their ‘we must get more athletic’ mantra. While the thought of Jeter, A-Rod, and Manny batting 2-3-4 in the lineup is intoxicating, it just is not worth it – even if Manny would hit .550 against the Red Sox.

Some Predictions…

With Sabathia: The Yankees resign Andy Pettitte and make a few other minor moves to solidify their roster. If they still manage to get A.J. Burnett it will be a major coup.

Without Sabathia: The Yankees push hard for A.J. Burnett, resign Pettitte, and veer off course to go after Mark Teixeira. With the immense pressure from Yankee fans and the need to field a championship product in the new stadium (not all of the luxury boxes have been sold after all), the Yankees are forced into signing at least one of the Big Two (Tex and C.C.) this off-season.

Somewhere, somehow, someone is crying out for a salary cap.