89-73
Well, there goes the 2008 season. Overall a major dissapointment. Lots of blame to go around but that is all water under the bridge.
Kinda sad to see both NY ballparks close with no playoff baseball. It will be nice to have a couple new stadiums to enjoy in 2009. I am hoping to catch 4-5 Yankee games and 2-3 Mets games in 2009.
For your Yankees fix you can follow the Arizona Fall League for some Yankee youngsters as well as the Hawaiian Fall League.
Cashman is going to have an end of the year press conference today. It will be interesting to see if he stays. His return is the first step in having a good offseason. Chaos will ensue if he leaves.
Rasner - gone, Ponson - gone, Betemit - gone, Giambi - gone. Yankees need to get younger and build there pen around Veras, Ramirez, Robertson, etc. Sign CC and Moose to solidify the staff. A rotation of Joba, Wang, CC and Moose would be a good start. Then fill the other spots with Pettitte, Hughes, Kennedy, etc. The Yankees have some very good arms in the minors. Melancon will hopefully be a very good addition to the pen in 09 and fill Joba’s lights out role and allow Joba to start. Plus guys like Marquez and Wright as possible starters. Coke may also start or be an effective lefty reliever. Not to mention Brackman, Betances, McCallister on the horizon.
I think Miranda deserves a shot at the first base job. I also think Cervelli will be a good backup in 2010 and possible full timer in 2011/2012. Gardner looks to be developing into a good CF and had a good last 2 weeks of the season.
Optimism is the joy of every offseason.
Go Angels and go Dodgers for the World Series. The East coast can enjoy football this Fall.