Jayson Starks: Yankees in Position?

Jayson Starks just said on ESPN that signing CC Sabathia will put the Yankees in position to accomplish all their goals this offseason. I couldn't agree more.

As of now, our rotation consists of CC Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, and Joba Chamberlain (who has an innings cap). I think Andy Pettite will be resigned, leaving us room for one more starter in the rotation. The remaining top three pitching free agents are Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, and Ben Sheets. Jake Peavy is also on the trading block, but unless the Yankees can land him with a package centered around Ian Kennedy (which won't happen), I don't think a deal will be made.

If I'm Brian Cashman, I'd sign Ben Sheets to a 2 year incentive laden contract with a 13-14 million base. He's an injury risk, but from what I've seen, when healthy he is lights out. I'd much rather commit 2 years to Ben Sheets, then give A.J. Burnett the 5-year contract he's seeking. The fact that we also have Phil Hughes in the event that Ben Sheets suffers another injury leaves me enamored with a potential Ben Sheets signing. I'm a fan of Derek Lowe, but from what I've read and heard, he'll probably be getting on the Mass Pike to the Red Sox for 4 years.

Offensively, we need a CF, 1B, and backup catcher (not in particular order). I think the Yankees should give Brett Gardner the shot to take over CF. He does everything that lineup needs: small ball and speed. I know a lot of Yankee fans would also love the prospect of Teixiera manning 1B for the next 8-10 years but realistically speaking, they have to keep that spot open not only for some starts by Posada this season, but possibly for Derek Jeter a few years down the road. Give Nick Swisher a chance, he's young, has shown that he can hit for power (back in Oakland), and posts a high OBP which is something they will miss from Jason Giambi. Juan Miranda is also a power hitting prospect in the minors, and he may be called up if Swisher falters. I don't think there's a NEED to extend a multiyear contract for someone to play 1B.

If the Yankees are able to sign one of the three upper tier pitching free agents left, and either sign or trade for a serviceable backup catcher, I think the Yankees will be in prime position to contend in 2009.