So it's time to look ahead to 2012. And the first order of business--which everyone on the planet expects will be taken care of quickly and easily--is retaining General Manager Brian Cashman, possibly on another three-year deal. That's the easy part.
After that, things get a little tricky. CC Sabathia is universally expected to exercise (CC? Exercise? Do those words work together?) his contract's opt-out clause, which was supposedly inserted into his mega-bazillion-dollar pact in case the West Coast native didn't care for New York. By his own admissions and the observations of everyone who has observed him for the past three years, Sabathia loves it here, has put down roots, built a tremendous home and has no reservations about staying a Yankee for the rest of his career.
So this is clearly about money. A lot of money. When a guy has a $92-million deal for the next four years and chooses to forego that, he's looking at a lot of years or a lot of money, or more likely both. The question is whether that's the best idea for the Yankees and Sabathia.
Don't get me wrong--I shudder at the very thought of a 2012 Yankee rotation headed up by Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes, or lord help us, A.J. Burnett. While there's been talk of C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers, bringing his 8.04 postseason ERA into the World Series tonight, coming to the Bronx next year, somehow that wouldn't make up for the loss of a guy who can be as dominant as any pitcher in the game for long stretches of time.
The Yankees need to talk long and hard to Sabathia before the end of the World Series, when his opt-out would be looming and other teams could get involved. They need to find a way perhaps to increase the take-home and add a year or two, but no more. You don't want a 300-lb. pitcher in his late thirties on your team no matter what he looks like at 31.
Beyond that, there's little that can happen. The Yankees are tied to a lot of major contracts that aren't going anywhere. The only positions that could see some play are DH (where Jesus Montero appears to have proven he can hit lefties, at least, and members of the aging infield can fill in at other times) and possibly right field, where Nick Swisher has been a nice fit, but a dud in the postseason for three straight years.
Personally, I think the Yankees should keep Swisher for another year. You have to play the first 162 to get to the last 11-to-19, and Swisher is a good clubhouse presence, a nice on-base guy, and a steady if somewhat adventuresome fielder. Pick up the option on him and worry about this again before the 2013 season. Carlos Beltran? Yeah, I'm sure Scott Boras would love to add a long-term, big-money contract for him, if Beltran's even willing to set foot back in the five boroughs. Pass.
Among the free agents available after the next week's formalities are concluded will be Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. No, the Yankees aren't going to be interested enough to dive in. They have a pretty good first baseman, and he's tied up for a number of years for a lot of money. Sorry, fellas.
Everywhere else, from the infield to the outfield, the Yankees are pretty set. The bullpen (which expects to see Joba Chamberlain back around June or so) should continue to be a strength. Hell yes, a boost to the rotation would be nice, but that means someone has to be willing to trade, because this year's free agent class is uninspiring. Or one of the Killer B's (or two) might make a huge leap and a big impression in Tampa next February and March. Stranger things have happened.
Do not expect sweeping changes. We'll spend the winter watching those in Boston.
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