Hank Promises Changes

WEDNESDAY: More on this topic…Hank named Sabathia and Burnett as pitchers of interest.  It’s not surprising to hear those two will be on the Yankees’ radar.

THURSDAY, 3:26pm: Also of note, Ken Davidoff talked to Brian Cashman about nine-figure free agent deals.

8:47am: Not exactly news, but we’ll mention it anyway.  Hank Steinbrenner on 2009:

"There is going to be a lot going on this offseason.  I promise you that."

Previously, Hank mentioned the Yankees’ likely pursuit of veteran pitching.  It would make sense to bring Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte back on reasonable one-year deals if possible, and then break the bank on a third, younger free agent like C.C. Sabathia, Ben Sheets, or A.J. Burnett.  Expect the Yanks to be aggressive in their pursuit of Sabathia.  Some good pitchers will be coming over from Japan, but I’m guessing the Yankees will pass.

The infield remains locked in, with Jorge Posada probably needing some time at DH.  Hideki Matsui may as well, so bringing in a legitimate full-time first baseman makes sense.  If the Yankees can’t get Mark Teixeira, they’ll probably have to turn to the trade market (or consider Adam Dunn as a first baseman).  The trade market may offer Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard, Adam LaRoche, Mike Jacobs, Todd Helton, and Nick Johnson.

It would not be surprising to see the Yankees let Damaso Marte go and spend some bucks on the bullpen.  Many of the top free agent relievers (Brian Fuentes, Francisco Rodriguez) prefer to close however.  A trade might be ideal here as well (Ron Mahay, Heath Bell, John Grabow, Kevin Gregg).