Well, while I was buying trying to sound content with what the Yanks had for a rotation, and half-hoping that Hank Steinbrenner didn't force Cashman's hand, the GM was apparently working hard. How hard? In two fell swoops, he turned the rotation from a weak spot - and this after stating at the start of the hot-stove league that his priorities were, 'pitching, pitching, pitching' - into a strong suit and potentially one of the finer staffs in the league.

Gone is previous untouchable, Jesus Montero, as well as Hector "Next Year's Ivan Nova" Noesi to the Mariners. What did he net? Oh, just some guy they call the "Pocket CC" -- huge, 22 year old right-hander Michael Pineda and another young arm that some of the scouts say has an even bigger potential. And instead of overpaying and over-extending the team with a long-term contract for Edwin Jackson, Cash signed Kuroda on a one-year deal for $10M, which is $3-5M less than what the Japanese pitcher - who will most likely slot into the #3 hole in the Bronx. Boom! Boom! Here comes the Evil Empire-- again.

And while time will tell how both pitchers stuff translates pitching in the AL East and in the more hitter friendly Yankee Stadium than their previous pitcher parks of Seattle and Los Angeles, what must be taken into account is the Yankee offense which can make up for even a notable increase in the pitchers' ERAs.

And if losing Montero's bat means that the Yanks re-sign Eric Chavez, well I will be rather happy with that as well. He's a veteran, he hits from the left-side with power and still plays a fine third-base to be able to spell A-Rod as well as picking up at first behind Tex. Of course, Posada's probably sitting at home thinking he should have waited a little longer before announcing his retirement; perhaps he could have gotten some of those DH at-bats previously thought to be those of the suddenly-expendable, and perhaps "over-hyped" Montero.

Perhaps the Cuban defector Cepedes could be next?

And the influx of new arms to the starters creates another "problem:" all of a sudden the Yanks have too many arms and not enough spots. How much would I like to see AJ Burnett go somewhere, anywhere? Oh, probably on a par with how much the Yankee brass would like to see the same thing. Reports are that the Bombers are willing to eat as much as $8M per year left on AJ's 2-year $33M albatross of a contract. The idea of moving Hughes now is far less appealing; he would be sold low at this point. I'd rather have him take over Noesi's role of long-man, spot-starter, etc. than letting him go at this point, although Freddy Garcia could also handle those roles. See? Such awful problems. Added bonus is that now moving Nova down to 3rd or 4th in the rotation lessens the pressure on him, although that didn't seem to be an issue last year for that youngster.

Friday the 13th didn't seem to frighten Cashman. And then next Friday the 13th (which also happens to be my birthday) is the Yankee home opener. And while the division won't be locked up just yet at that point (tongue firmly in cheek) the idea of having the starters hold on until the GM could make a trade-deadline deal for an upgrade in the rotation, right now that doesn't seem like the same concern.

5 more weeks til those pitchers and catchers report. I haven't heard much this winter on the health status of back-up catcher, Francisco Cervelli, moving Montero could land the defensively-lauded Austin Romine to that back-up role behind Russell Martin.

Play Ball!

This afternoon, the NY football Giants take on the Packers for the opportunity to play the 49ers next week (helluva game yesterday even if I was rooting for Nawlins over Frisco) and here's hoping Eli can stick it to Rodgers...

Cheers,
Brian