Well I just read that the Yankees are out to reduce thier payroll from $208m to $185m.  We’ve known that they have been meaning to do it and as of now, thats the game plan.

My sources tell me (ESPN) that Pettitte is returning to the Bronx in 2010 and its only a matter of working out the contract..

208 to 185.  Thats $23m that has to come off the books (thats arithmatic people).  What does that tell us?  Well it tells me that none of the bench players are coming back.  So for Molina, Hinske, Hairston Jr, Nady ………  Thanks for playing, be sure to pick up your WS ring at the door.  Looks like we’re going to see a baby bomber boom in 2010.  Cervelli, CONGRATULATIONS! You get to be the back up backstop this year.

Now what to do with Matsui and Damon.  Well the longer the offseason goes on, the more I think that if either are going to sign, its going to be Matsui at a discounted price.  But if Cashman wants to persue Bay or Holliday AND reduce payroll, both Johnny and Hideki too can pick up their WS rings at the door.  My thought is, don’t plan on seeing Bay or Holliday in pinstripes this year.

And what about pitching?  Pettitte comes back *WHEW*.  That still leaves 4th and 5th starters.  Reduce payroll by adding Halladay or Lackey? HOW? Does that mean that Wang is going to make a comeback?  That would be nice if he is the 19 game winner and not the 100 ERA pitcher.  Or are they going to put both Joba and Hughs in the rotation?  That means the set up man spot is open for battle again.  Do they get someone like Putz (easy killer, its just the first name that came to my head), or do Robertson and Bruney battle it out for pre-enter sandman supremicy?

This whole “addition by subtraction” thing is tricky.  But I do like the fact that my brain is thinking farm system right now. Miranda could be used for DH/1B, maybe A-Jax they feel is ready to play in the outfield.  Jesus Montero could be seeing the bigs if Cervelli ro Posada go down for a spell, Shelley Duncan can ………… wait ……… Duncan is GONE!  Ok, so no Shelley.  This could be an interesting off season with a bunch of “I DIDN’T SEE THAT ONE COMING” kind of moves.  Next week should be fun.

Here’s another thing to wrap your brain around.  I didn’t talk about trades.  Everyone talks about Joba, Hughs and prospects getting traded.  Well if you want Holliday or Bay, don’t be surprised if you don’t see Swisher wearing the interlocking NY then.  I’M JUST SAYIN…….

And lets not forget that just because the brass wants payroll reduced, doen’t mean its going to happen.  If a Steinbrenner gets a hair up their a** for a certain player, money means nothing.

Well we got snow here in upstate NY over the weekend.  That means it must be time……. So let the winter meetings begin.