IT IS NEARING THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

Disappointment in the way our team ended its season. But that is baseball.

Good solid core team. That has some needs. They are obviously not getting any young. So who stands out as potential free agents:

Pitchers:

1. CC Sabathia heads the list no question.

2. Next up has to be Mark Buehrle a southpaw that is in the mold of Andy Pettitte gives you 200 innings and a double digit win total. Like Andy has been there and done that. Best choice seeing he could be a number 2 or 3 starter on any  team. I see a 2 or 3 year contract in 10 to 15 million a year range.

3. Yu Darvish worth the effort. Still an unproven commodity. Those numbers in Japan show a consistent starter who is young and can pitch. Demands the ball and shows no fear. I see him as a potential 1, 2 or 3 starter. With the pitching talent in the minor leagues he is a sure bet even if we have to wait till he full develops in the minor league for a year. Will cost around 80 to100 million. With his posting fee included but that should be a 4 or 5 year deal. A  25 year old that with potential galore. 

4. C.J. Wilson so far so good. But has not proven that he is an ace over his career. Great two years but can he maintain is the question. He is lefty that should play well in New York. He will get a Burnett like contract that is for sure.

5. Freddie Garcia worth the risk on a 1 year deal . Still amazed at the number he put up in the American League East. 4 to 6 million price tag.

Outfield:

1. Carlos Beltran or nothing. With Swisher as the backup first basement this is a good move. He could DH and play the corner outfield positions. He would give days off to those outfielders and first base. Would not  cost one defensively. Full year from knee surgery should see more stolen bases and a higher average.  Protection for your outfielders and even Tex because of Swisher. Cost around 40 to 50 million for 3 years.

2. Nick Swisher is a given he should return for that 10.25 million price tag.

3. Josh Willingham would be one hell of an addition but would clog up the DH position.The question would be playing time to justify that contract.

Infield

1. Jose Reyes will cost a boat load of money no doubt. Most likely a 5 to 7 year deal. He may reach the Jason Werth range. With Jeter as his back up at short stop would improve the defense and allow Reyes to be rested more to avoid those injuries. This would move Jeter to third base and A-Rod to DH. No matter how you slice it will reach well over the 100 million dollar range. Most likely around 120 million for six years'

2. Albert Pujols by far the best choice between Prince Fielder and himself. I do not see him taking a lesser role on defense but he could spell the corners and DH. With his post season so far he will be well over a 200 million dollar deal.

3. Prince Fielder lot of money to spend on a DH for 6 years. That will be the stumbling block. Another monster in the middle of the order, Just too much money.

Summation:

Retain: Swisher and CC.

Buehrle and Darvish are the top pitchers here. Would like to see them both in pinstripes. Would allow the potential for further development of those minor league pitchers. Freddie seems to be the fall back option here if nether is signed. Still need that addition loogy out of the pen.

Position players to me Carlos Beltran makes a lot of sense. He gives you the backup plan for all three outfield positions, DH and first base. He s a switch hitter and the rumored is he wants to return to the New York area. Next up would be Reyes. The question here is are the Yankees ready to move their Captain? I think it is time.This is a solid choice when one looks out at the future. Albert  will return to St Louis and Fielder will be too costly.

With the likes of Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and those minor league pitching group back in the fold the Yankees have options. Jesus Montero is a unique option. Looks like he maybe the future. Question will remain where does he fit in? I see him being the backup catcher, DH, first base and corner outfield. He might be an option as the backup at third as well. Then again he maybe in a different uniform if an ace become readily available.