WHAT THE YANKEES NEED TO DO FIRST

So, by now, we’ve all realized something very simple: we lost. We can whine, moan, and blame it all on Alex Rodriguez all we want, but remember: there’s no crying in baseball (except of course if you’re Jorge Posada, in which case, bring it on. Read WHY REAL MEN CRY.)

So, whats next? The off-season is one of my favorite times of the year. The excitement of contract and trade negotiations may not be on the same level of late October baseball, but when everything comes together and your team makes that big signing, it feels as if you just won a World Series. Just ask the Phillies, they don’t seem to know the difference.

First and foremost, we need the man who makes this all possible, Brian Cashman. According to reports, things are going well between the 2 parties and I hope it gets done soon, because when that happens, there’s a laundry list of things the Yankees need to do. Read about Cashman's contract HERE.

CC Sabathia: Regardless of what the mainstream media will try to tell you, CC Monster is not going to leave. I believe that. He’s far too dedicated to his family to force them to all move again. He will however test the market in an attempt to drive up the Yankees’ offer, and one thing they cannot do is call the bluff. Maybe the Nationals will deepen their pockets and offer him something insane like 7 more years at $160 million, but is he really going to take it? I don’t think so. Offer him something close to what Cliff Lee got, minus one year because it’s a year later….I say 5 years at $125 million. Also, I think a there’s nothing wrong with a fitness clause in the deal as well. Protect the future of the ball club, we need to make sure he is still able to perform at a high level on the back end of this contract, lest he become the next A-Rod.
Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano: Both guys have 2012 options. I say exercise them. Cano is a no-brainer. He’s a batting title and MVP waiting to happen. Swisher’s option is a little more divisive. Casey said the Yankees should let him walk because of his lack of production in the postseason alone, but a .370+ OBP, 80+ RBI, 20+ HR guy, plus defensive player in the regular season is hard to find. Maybe we’ll have a prospect to replace him soon or someone big will be available at the deadline or next off-season, but now is not the time to cut ties.

Jesus Montero: Montero needs to be on the 2012 roster as a DH and backup catcher to Russell Martin. he already looks like a young Miguel Cabrera at the plate, there's no way we can let him go to waste...it's time.

Let's get moving New York, we need to gear up for 2012.

--Grant Cederquist, BYB Staff Writer



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