About the free agents

One of the sad things about winning it all is that it's almost impossible to keep everyone together.  Bur before the Yanks decide what to do with the Damon, Matsui and Pettitte they may want to consider the notion that winning takes a certain amount of chemistry and a unique blend of talent and selflessness.  No matter how appealing the alternatives may be you never know long it might take for them to fit in assuming they ever do fit in.  The three main Yankee free agents' personalities and their ability to perform under the New York spotlight are not secrets to the Yankee brass.  This is not the only thing to take into consideration of course, but it means more than what most people think.  Since I'm of the opinion the Yanks will absolutely work something out with Andy (that is unless he retires) I'd like to focus on Damon and Matsui.

Johnny moved from the one slot to the two slot this year and led the Yanks in runs scored.  He hit 24 homers and drove in 82 runs.  His throwing arm is not even average and in spite of his speed he's not great at tracking balls or taking the best route to the ball. His fielding is at best average.  He hit .269 versus lefties.  He showed a knack at looking for pitches middle of the plate in certain situation where a home run was needed and he excelled at reaching that short porch.  Is in fact perfect for the number 2 spot in the order because he almost never hits into double plays.  His ABs are savvy and he fights off pitch after pitch until he gets one that he can handle.  Possesses intangibles that can't be taught and that many superior offensive players don't have.  Plays hurt and sets a good example. 

Solution:  I'd ike to see the Yanks offer him a four-year deal that allows them a low (2 million)-dollar buyout clause after the second and third years.  If his production is like it was this year after 2011 they'll gladly pick up his option for the third year.  A base salary of about 12 million seems right.  He cares about his teamates and loves playing here.  I don't think we can afford to lose him in spite of his age.  Rest him once a week and DH him one a week.  A year like this one is more than probable out of him if he's handled correctly. 

Hideki hit 28 homers and drove in 90 runs.  Drove in more runs versus LHP than any other left-handed hitter in the majors.  Is making a living hitting mistakes but that's a symbol of savvyness (see Chili Davis).  That and his professionalism would almost be enough to justify bringing him back.  He could easily do what he did last year again.  Problem is unless he can play the field at last 40-50 times the Yanks cannot possibly justify offering him more than a one-year deal at a significant pay cut.  His one-dimensionality will decrease his salary offers by at least 30 percent and maybe more.  If another team which does not have as many DH-ready players as us wants to offer him 2 years or more at more than 8 million per we simply have to cut ties with him.  I'm assuming the Yanks have all the medical data needed to determine whether or not he's a viable fielding option.  If they come to the conclusion he's not one then they should make an offer that reflects their respect for his professionalism, hard work and dedication.  One year at 7 million guaranteed.  With injuries always a possibility having a player like him ready to take on full-time role is not a bad investment, nor is it really an insult to him.  If he's not flexible in his demands then we'll have to part with him.  If that does happen it will not only turn out that Matsui was the best foreign investment in the history of the franchise but one of the best investments period.

The organization has to consider that maybe it's not a bad idea to give the same group one more shot at doing what they did this year.  They can't consider that at any cost.  If the above-mentioned players are irrational in their demands we cannot show blind loyalty.  My general opinion is that Damon will be back and Matsui most likely won't be.  And if that happens then we maybe we can give left field to Melky and place Gardner in Center while letting Johnny DH most of the time.  My point is that these players are special, just like Tino, Paul and Bernie were.  The decision on whether or not to let them go needs not only to take into consideration age and stats but also character and intangible qualities.  If they go we're going to miss them more than we can imagine right now.  I'm glad I don't have to make these decisions.