Hi everyone, I know it's been a while so I will start out by wishing each of you a safe and prosperous new year. Now that I finally have the time to write I want to talk about the state of the New York Yankees in 2011.
From what I have seen and read, the lost chance of landing Cliff Lee did indeed rattled the Yankee hierarchy and I don't blame them. Lee would have filled a hole that just seemed to keep getting bigger in 2010 with the struggles of AJ Burnett all season long. any questions that fans and experts had about the rotation Lee would have answered in more ways than one. But alas, that is not to be, so The Yankees must do as many others who have come up short of an ultimate goal, they must forge on. While it could be looked at as an utter tragedy to some including myself, I now see it as an opportunity for the team to truly evaluate the team in front of them, especially their to tier minor league prospects. Jesus Montero is already being held in high regard amongst Cashman, Girardi, and the Steinbrenners, so much so that the team refused to give him up when the Mariners asked for him in the potential mid May deal that would have landed Lee. The signing of Russell Martin coupled with the permanent move of Posasda to DH creates a window for Montero to break into the majors sooner much sooner than we think.
Andy Pettitte looks to be headed towards retirement though with spring training upon us next month, he has yet to make anything official. His presence in the rotation would certainly help greatly but the team is doing the right thing by presuming he is retired so that they are not left waiting. Contrary to what many may think thee are many alternatives that can be looked at in replacing Pettitte that I am sure the Yankees have looked at. They have explored signing Justin Duchscherer who has Major league experience and some good seasons under his belt. Perhaps looking within is the way to go, with young pitchers like Andrew Brackman, Ivan Nova, Dellin Bentances, and Daniel Turpen there is much to choose from and much to look forward to. Hopefully patience will be a virtue, and the Yankees will not be tempted into making any desperate moves to match the Red Sox bevy of off season acquisitions. Opening day will soon be upon us and one thing the Yankees can count on the the undying support the New York fans will show as they pursue title number 28.
