Trade Suggestions

I've been watching the Yankees offseason movements closely this offseason, and I can't say I'm not happy. But I have a few suggestions for Mr. Steinbrenner, Mr. Cashman, et al...

1.) Trade Xavier Nady - When Nady arrived in the Bronx last summer, I was excited. He is exactly the type of player the Yankees have been lacking for the past 4-5 years of so. The Gritty-type. The kind that know they aren't going to get huge paydays, relatively speaking. Guys with talent, that make the most of said talent. But then they acquirred Mr. Swisher. Like everyone else, I assumed Nick would be our 2009 1B until Teixeira came on board. Its is now widely speculated that Cashman is interested in moving one of either Swisher or Nady. Some important facts to consider: Nady has played RF and LF, while Swisher has played 1B, RF, LF, and CF. Note that CF is a position that could be contended as a weakness in 2009, and the possiblity that Swisher could at least occupy the position in a pinch is a big plus. Also, Swisher is a switch-hitter, while Nady is righty. Another positive. Also, a big concern to kick-off the offseason was how the Yanks would replace OBP giants Giambi and Abreu. Swisher is a classic Moneyball player, who draws a lot of walks. Nady does not. Nady is coming off a career year, so his value should be greater, while Swisher is coming off a terrible year, the worst of his career; his value is at its lowest. Swisher has 3 years left on his current deal, while Nady is a Boras Free-agent in waiting, meaning he will demand more than he is worth. In the end, while neither is a sure thing, I like Swisher more. I like his versatility.

2.) Sign Juan Cruz - When the Yankees signed Sabathia, they gave up their 1st-round draft pick, which is worth it for a pitcher of his ilk. Then they signed Burnett; also a type-A FA, that would have otherwise given the BlueJays the Yanks 1st-round pick, but it had already gone to the Brewers for Sabathia, so the Jays only got the second round pick. But wait! There's more! THEN, they signed Teixeira, who's numbers mandated that the Yanks give up their 1st-round draft pick for him, thus relegating the Brewers to get the 2nd-round pick, and the Blue Jays the third-round pick. At this point, they have already exploited the draft-comp system, so why stop now? Relievers are extremely cheap right now in this economy, and Juan Cruz is a type-A FA, again. Cashman should approach his agent with a deal in the range of 2-years and $6M. IF he balks, walk away. I doubt many teams will match it. After all, the Yanks would now be giving up a 4th-round draft, while every other team would have to forfeit a 1st-rounder. Other pitchers of interest are Will Ohman or Jason Isringhausen or Tom Gordon. Gordon and Isringhausen are reclamation projects that you offer 1-year, $750k deals to. Take a flier!

3.) Sign either Paul LoDuca or I-Rod - True, neither of these guys are great offensive players anymore, but that makes them cheap. I think they both realize they aren't likely to get a starting job anywhere right now, and the Yanks are unsure as to how much catching time Posada can provide. Bring on one of these two (you might have to pay I-Rod a bit more). They'll end up catching at least 30-40 games. Good ensurance. Then you trade Molina. You won't get anyting of significance, but maybe you get a low-level prospect that you could include in a trade in the future. You never know.

The Yankees need to start thinking now about how they are going to handle "The Jeter Issue." Everyone that follows baseball knows that Jeter is no longer a good defensive SS, although I personally believe that defensive is the hardest skill to read w/ statistics. you have to actually watch all the games. I know Jeter isn't great, but I also don't think he is quite as bad as the media says. That said, he is going to turn 35 this year, I believe. And he is a FA after the 2010 season. You can't approach an iconic FA and ask that they move position to remain on he team in which they are the captain - you need to approach him BEFORE he hits free-agency. I propose moving him to LF in 2010. Easier said than done, I know. But if you move him to LF, have Austin Jackson in CF, and Swisher in RF, then you'll just need to find a SS (Hanley?) LF seems to be the only reasonable place for Jeter, if he isn't the SS. Not 3B, not 1B. I don't think CF would work...

With a little luck, I think the Bombers could be back on top this year!