Odds and Ends: Heyman, Vidro, Glavine, Falkenborg

Marchmen isn't right about being short on outfielders. Next year they'll have an outfield of damon in left, Maelky in Center, Nady in right and Matsui at DH, with Garder ready and Austin Jackson near ready. So i don't know what hes talking about lack of a DH and an outfielder.

Tim WHO?

I agree about the supposed "outfielder" problem. There won't be one. Also, who said they will cap at $200 mill? Who said that they won't make any trades to unload some of those salaries? Damon and Matsui could be used as bait...as could Cano and Melky.

The Yankees have a multitude of options. Being handcuffed by money after 75 mill comes off the book is not one of them.

The Yankees article was certainly interesting. I agree with some of the comments above, but it still demonstrated just how unrealistic some fans' expectations tend to be...especially Yankee fans (and that's not a knock; just a reality- with 27 titles under your belts, it's natural that expectations be a bit too lofty).

I DO think Hank might be willing to surpass that $200 million threshold that Mr Marchman sees as some line in the sand that cannot be crossed. Furthermore, while I'm not as familiar with the roster and fiscal considerations as some of the Yanks fans here, it seems to me that that $80 mil could be stretched a bit further than Marchman suggests (though, as far as the OF goes, AJax is NOT that close to being ready. He's insanely gifted, but unless the club chooses to rush him, I would be surprised to see him before next year's trade deadline).

From the sound of things (by which I mean, what I've read here and other such sites), I'd be fairly surprised- not shocked, but a little surprised- if CC comes to NY. It seems there will be no shortage of suitors and though the Yanks will surely attempt to simply outspend everyone else (as they are wont to do), all indications suggest that there are considerations other than money at stake. He has publicly stated a disinterest in playing in New York and has reportedly told teammates that he won't be playing anywhere east of Cleveland in '09. If it's between the Yankees offering $25/5 and the Giants, for instance, offering $23/5, I could easily see SF bringing their boy home. And this isn't specific to the Giants. If Sabathia isn't enthused by the notion of being a Yankee and there are comparable offers out there, they will likely lose, DESPITE being the high bidder.

As far as Tex, I think the Yankees have a better shot, though it's far from assured. It will likely prove to be a three team race, with each suitor bringing something intriguing to the table. Obviously for the Yankees, it's money and the chance to play in a huge market and become a hero to baseball's biggest fan base (and his timing couldn't be better). Still, the Angels will make a huge offer as well, and SoCal is hard to beat. Then there's Baltimore... They have the funds and it's Tex's hometown. Furthermore, it's no secret that owner Peter Angelos has himself a man crush on the native son. The Yanks may have the inside line, but it's no sure thing (nor is it necessarily a good thing...his game and his asking price don't quite jibe).

There should be plenty in line for Sheets as well. In short, it may be more than money that keeps the Yankees from overhauling their roster.