While it is still close enough to feel the painful sting of a disappointing and embarrassing October, New York Yankees fans must look forward to what should be a promising future. The off-season officially begins this month, as players file for free agency and general managers strategize, all trying to arrange the pieces for a run at the World Series.
The Yankees suffered a bitter loss to the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS this past season, angering fans and management alike. However, this embarrassment at the hands of the Tigers could be a blessing; a turning point that will expose the team's flaws and catalyze a change. In past years, the Yankees' management and George Steinbrenner in particular, have systemically exchanged the future for what turned out to be a collection of overpaid, underachieving fading All-Stars. With general manager Brian Cashman now allegedly possessing a greater command of the team, New York may witness the rebirth of a dynasty. The keys to a successful off-season are for the Yankees to recognize the talent they have in their own minor league system, attempt to unload some of their underperforming veterans and sign free agents who will benefit the team for more than just one season.
The key to the formation of any dynasty is the development of young players from within the organization. The Yankees' dynasty of the 1990s, was largely centered on the development and success of young players like Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettite and Mariano Rivera. The cycle of baseball has now come nearly full circle as these players prepare for the twilights of their careers.
Melky Cabrera has demonstrated the potential and energy to become a star, Chien-Ming Wang has developed into a top-tier pitcher and Robinson Cano has showed the skill and consistency required to be a force. This is an encouraging trend, but the Yankees need to further capitalize on their talent and build from within. Phillip Hughes is being touted as the best minor leaguer in baseball but needs to perform at the next level. Hopefully the Yankees can have him firmly established as a spot starter or the fifth man in the rotation by the end of next season. Brent Cox is one of the best relievers in the minor leagues and is said to be Mariano Rivera's heir. With relievers Tanyon Sturtze and Ron Villone expected to re-sign, this season should showcase a promising young bullpen of Sturtze and Villone, with Cox in a set-up role as he prepares for his inevitable usurpation of Rivera's closer role. Octavio Dotel has also filed for free agency and should be allowed to leave without a fight. In addition, the Yankees have an array of young, fast players in the minor leagues that are probably not ready to be starters in the majors, but can add energy and flexibility to the bench.
The Yankees have the highest payroll in baseball, but much of that money is wasted on big name players that have not been producing. Alex Rodriguez has been one of the biggest disappointments in Yankees' recent history. His statistics reflect a seemingly solid player with a respectable, but not stellar average. But every Yankees fan knows how deeply his inconsistent play has set back the team. The unfortunate aspect of this situation is if Rodriguez was not the highest paid player in baseball history and was simply a young, unproven player trying to make his way in the harsh New York environment, he would have been forgiven. However, Rodriguez's salary and arrogance have magnified his inability to play consistently. The best thing for both sides in this situation would be a trade for A-Rod out of New York to a less pressurized venue. Rumors have been swirling that A-Rod's long-time friend and new manager of the Chicago Cubs, Lou Pinella, will attempt to acquire A-Rod for his new team. If this trade goes through and the Yankees are willing to pay a good portion of his inflated salary, the Yankees may be in a position to acquire Carlos Zambrano, a pitcher who could bolster the pitching staff for years to come.
The free agent market is overloaded with a multitude of aging, high-priced players such as Luis Gonzalez, Barry Bonds and Jeromy Burnitz. Though these players have proven themselves in their careers, the Yankees should avoid such players considering their track record for signing fizzling All-Stars with bloated contracts. There are few free agents on the market who could have a real impact on the Yankees for more than a single season. Obviously a player like Alfonso Soriano would be a tremendous asset if he returned to his former New York home, but the Yankees have too much money invested in hitting as it is. They should pursue a player like Soriano only if a trade situation arises through which they can unload some of their age and salary for a younger, premier player.
Since the Yankees' depth at pitching was one of the worst in the league last season, they should aim their sights on younger pitchers who have the potential to be a winner in New York. A few of the pitchers who may be in pinstripes next season in less-publicized signings could be Tony Armas, Bruce Chen, Gil Meche or former Yankee Ted Lilly. Jason Marquis, Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver should look to cash in on their team's World Series win by raising their profiles on the free agent market. Although Suppan is older than Marquis, his ability to remain healthy and his winning attitude might make him a candidate to join the 2007 Yankees.
Some of the more high-profile free agents available are Zito and Jason Schmidt, proven pitchers who may be willing to move east. If the Yankees lose the inevitable bidding war for Zito, they may be able to land Schmidt without much of a fight. Kerry Wood's inability to play a full season healthy severely hurts his value and the Yankees have no need for another Dotel or Carl Pavano who will spend most of his time on the disabled list. Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens have also been mentioned in rumors, but their age and health is in serious question. Pettitte has proven himself in New York, but may not be the same pitcher he used to be and may not even return for another year. A pitcher like Zito, Schmidt or Suppan would be much more valuable to the Yankees. And with the Boston Red Sox having already won the Daisuke Matsuzaka bidding war, Zito looks to be the focus of the Yankees' offseason pursuits. Still, the Yankees should ensure that if they do decide to heavily court Zito, they should not neglect the other less high-profile free agents on the market.
Early off-season signs are looking positive for the Yankees. In the first two transactions of the off-season, Jared Wright and Gary Sheffield have departed and the Yankees have added four young pitchers. Though only one of them has major league experience, all of them are under 25 years old, which is exactly what the Yankees should be looking for in the future. Hopefully this early trend of dumping salary and age for youth and potential will continue and transfer itself to the bigger deals as well.
The pain of a post-season elimination can only be comforted by a championship and an ascension back to the ranks of the elite. The Yankees' age, injuries and pitching problems were exposed on that cold day in Detroit this past October. Hopefully, the Yankees will be able to leave that team out on the Detroit grass and reemerge with a younger, more exciting and more successful team in the spring.
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