I’m fairly new to this and I love reading Yankee blogs and getting their take on what’s going on and what should be done.  I’m starting to find my favorites bloggers as well.  But with all the hype over this years lack luster free agent class, lets try this on for size.

Damon, Matsui, Molina, Hinske…………… GONE! (there will be more ommisions later)
Re-sign Hairston Jr as a utility guy because this man can play everywhere.

Okay, so that leaves Jorge, Tex, Cano, Jeter and A-Rod on the infield. 

Now here is where the fun part comes in.  Everyone is high on Austin Jackson.  To the point that he’s a starter as soon as he comes up.  And if you look at his numbers, they aren’t that far off from Gardners.  And lets not forget Girardi felt good enough about Gardner to give him the starting job over Melky in center at the beginning of the season.  GOOD! So guess what *POOF* Gardner starts in center in 2010.  With that move you shift Melky over to right (he’s got the better arm) and put Swisher in left.

Now we need a bench.  Cervelli backing up Posada. We’ve already re-signed Hairston (according to me) so we’ll add Pena, Miranda and Duncan.  I know Duncan is a little “iffy” but I like him and I feel if given a real chance, he can do some things.  You can always re-sign Nady at a bargain price when he’s healthy (around the all star break) if need be.

Now lets move onto pitching.  SIGN LACKEY!  The guy is a work horse and proved his surgery worked.  C.C., Lackey, A.J, Pettitte (yes he’s coming back), and *dramatic pause* Wang. 

Onto the pen: Joba and Hughs are the road to Mo.  Coke, Robertson, Marte, Aceves.  Sorry people have to go so that leaves Bruney, Albaladejo and Gaudan as trade bait or back to the minors.

Line up:
Jeter
Swisher
Tex
A-Rod
Cano
Posada
Miranda
Melky
Gardner

I think this line up, at worst, may not keep you in first place.  But will keep you in the hunt.  And if you still feel antsy come trade deadline.  Make some moves. But you shouldn’t have to worry about pitching.

In 2009, the payroll was $208m.  This line up would cost you (giving Lackey $17m/yr and bringing Wang back at a reduced price) somewhere in the $180′s WITHOUT putting too much strain on offense.