The 2014 Season is in the books and now it is time for the Yankees to get down to business. There are many decisions that have to be made, ones that will directly effect the present and future of the tram. How will they do it? that is entirely up to the them, but here are some of the key areas I feel are essential.
Shortstop - The shortstop position is vacant for the first time in 20 years and finding a suitable replacement will be not be as easy as some would think. Though the Yankees do have options, knowing who fits best with the team culture is another thing altogether. Jeter left an indelible mark on the position that the fans will keep with them as someone else steps into the role. That alone may make it a difficult to find in someone willing to accept the challenge of winning over the Yankee faithful
Candidates: Stephen Drew, Brendan Ryan(under contract), Hanley Ramirez, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jed Lowrie
Third Base- The injuries and suspension of Alex Rodriguez has created a revolving door at third base. The Yankees struggled to put a remotely viable player at the hot corner until acquiring Chase Headley from San Diego. There are reports that the team wants to resign Headley which I feel is the right move, but you never know what could happen with a team that has loads of money to spend.
Candidates: Chase Headley. Pablo Sandoval, Casey McGehee, Ian Stewart, Alex Rodriguez (under contract)
Right Field- Carlos Beltran was not as healthy as the team would have liked in 2014 as he was sidelined by a multitude of ailments. He has 2 years remaining on the 3 year $45 million contract he signed in free agency and will likely to be made the Yankees full time designated hitter for the remainder of his obligation. That is why they must look to find a healthy and sturdier player to hold down this position for the time being.
Candidates: Nori Aoki, Melky Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis, Colby Rasmus, Josh Willingham, Chris Denorfia, Chris Young
Closer- The Yankees have made a qualifying offer to David Robertson, which many believe he will accept. Nonetheless, there is the possibility that he will opt for more job security and look elsewhere. That would put the Yankees in a bit of a pickle. Dellin Betances made fantastic strides in his rookie campaign, proving he may just be the closer in waiting. However, thrusting this role upon him too soon could unnerve the right hander and cause him to press much too hard. That is why it is important to make certain there is a closer in that spot for the here and now.
Candidates: David Robertson
Starting Pitcher- The starting pitching was decimated my injuries in 2014, ultimately hurting the Yankees chances of getting into the playoffs. They need to find help as get at least a number 2 type starter who can hold their own. C.C. Sabathia is coming off of Knee surgery and Masahiro Tanaka had his rookie season cut into by a partial UCL tear and the team will need to be careful with both of them. Re-signing Brandon McCarthy would be a good place to start as he pitched fairly well in his short tenure in the Bronx. Finding a top notch pitcher will not come cheap, but if the Yankees are up for it (which they are) there are plenty of options to choose from.
Candidates: Jon Lester, Max Scherzer, James Shields, Ervin Santana, Jason Hammel, Chris Young, Colby Lewis, Francisco Liriano
Hitting Coach- The Yankees fired long time hitting coach Kevin Long and have begun the process of hiring a replacement. The team saw its offensive production fall each of the last three seasons and really could use a new voice to get things back in gear. Mark Teixiera has become very pedestrian as well as a few other in the lineup, which more than likely attributed to Long's exit. The organization should look for someone who is not only personable, but knowledgeable about the basics of hitting.
Candidates: Dante Bichette, Chili Davis, Raul Ibanez
