Yankees Return to Glory Part I

The Yankees are in serious need of renovation. Here are some suggestions for moves they need to make in order to return to glory:

Part I

(1) Don't Resign Giambi- The only way I would consider taking him back is if it comes at a major discount. This won't happen because he hit a lot of home runs. Also, even if the Yankees don't make a play for Teixeira, they need to give time for Shelley Duncan to play. He will hit a lot of home runs and hit for the same average as Giambi at a serious decrease in price.

(2) Take a shot at Sabathia, not Teixeira- C.C. proved his metal when the Brewers picked him up and he was the most dominant pitcher in the league. He already has won the CY Young in the AL and would have no trouble transitioning. He is a big game pitcher who relishes the spot light, something the Yankees other signings have not been good in. As for Teixeira, he underwells me. Yea he had an awesome season this year but he strikes out a lot. And the Yankees need pitching and they won't be able to sign both.

(3) Give Gardner the keys to the car- He hit absolutely nothing early on, but he came on late in the season. He plays wonderful defense and has game changing speed (80 out of 80 according to Baseball America). His speed is considered on par with Ichiro. He has tremendous plate discipline and when he gets on base he will steal second 90% of the time. We have seen what Melky has to offer (.249, 8, 37), it is time we give Gardner the spot for good. It doesn't hurt that he likes the big moments (first walk off hit by a rookie against the Red Sox since Derek Jeter). Let him work with the hitting coaches all of Spring Training and during the year and the kid will shock everyone.

(4) Invest in Kerry Wood- I know, I know. But he won't come at a huge price and could really add a strong element to the bullpen. The guy can throw fire and saved 33 games last year. Imagine the set-up team of Veras, Bruney, Ramirez, and Wood....oh that's not too bad at all. And for a relatively low cost. If he does not pan out, he did not cost you very much (just 6-8 million, according to Tom Pistolas).

(5) Sign Oliver Perez- He will be expensive but if you don't get C.C. then you need a stud pitcher. When he worked with a good pitching coach, he dominated. He is inconsistent but knows what it is like to pitch in New York. He absolutely wrecked the Yankees. The knock on him is that he pitches down to competition, but everyone says that the Yankees beat up on bad teams. So I figure it is a perfect fit. While Perez gives up five runs in 6 innings, the Yankees crank out 17 runs. Or, the Yankees score one run and Perez throws 8 innings, 2 hits and 9 strikeouts. This kid might be a cheaper investment in Sabathia if he pays off.