Posted by Finestrg:

I'd offer the Twins Hughes and Melky Cabrera first to try and get Santana. If that's not enough, I go Hughes, Melky and Kennedy. If that's not enough, oh well. Good luck trying to sign him Minnesota.

I quickly turn to the A's and try and get something done for Dan Haren, who I like a lot and who I just read could be available. We aren't exactly talkin' sloppy seconds here with Haren. Haren's got stuff that reminds you of David Cone in his prime. He's that good. Filthy splitter. And he's a horse - Over 215 IP 3 years in a row with his best year so far coming last season: 222.2 IP - 34 starts, 214 hits, 192 Ks, 3.07 ERA (in the AL with the DH). Only 1 start against Boston last year: 7.2 IP, 4 hits, 2 runs, 9 Ks. Impressive. Plus, he's a year and a half younger than Santana. I'm kinda suprised that the A's would make Haren available. It makes you think - if Haren's available, could Rich Harden be too? He's younger than both Santana and Haren. I know Harden's always hurt but talk about stuff. 95-100 mph fastball with a splitter just as good as Haren's. This kid's stuff is a good as any young pitcher's in the game today - Chamberlain, Verlander, Felix Hernandez, you name it. If we're gonna be talkin' Phil Hughes with Oakland, maybe Rich Harden's the guy we should be looking at.

This is what I'd like to see the Yanks do:

START LOOKING FROM WITHIN TO PLUG HOLES-

(1) If we deal Melky, I wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees give Brett Gardner a shot in CF. Homegrown guy who should be a good leadoff hitter for years to come. You don't need a star at every position (I think I was the only one who really wanted Bubba Crosby to be our CF instead of throwing that big deal at Damon a few years back). This kid can be an impact table-setter for a long time. .280-.300, 50+ stolen base offensive potential here with great range in CF and a plus arm. If we dealt Melky, Damon's on the decline and Matsui's not the greatest outfielder. I'd also be a little leary about breaking the bank to bring Andruw Jones here after having such a bad year in his contract year. You don't need to throw 70-75 millon at Aaron Rowand (who did have a great year btw) or a 50-60 mil. at Mike Cameron when we have this kid Gardner sitting there waiting for his chance. Give him a shot. When's the last time we had a legit leadoff hitter with this kind of ability?

(2) Do not deal Joba Chamberlain, Dellin Betances, Jose Tabata (Abreu's eventual replacement in RF and in the 3 hole) or Jesus Montero (Posada's replacement in a few years behind the plate) under any circumstances. My 4 untouchables. These 4 guys are the key to the Yanks remaining a dynasty and still one of MLB's finest teams 3-4 years from now. All homegrown talent.

(3) If Pettitte really decides to hang it up and we don't land a lefty like Santana or Bedard, I give Garrett Patterson a chance in spring training. Didn't have the best stats the last couple of seasons but has huge potential. 95 mph fastball and has experience as a starter and most recently as a reliever. If he doesn't wind up being a starter for us when's the last time we had a lefty in the pen with his kind of stuff? Exactly. I can't remember either.

(4) With Joba now looking like a starter, I look from within for his replacement in the bullpen - Ferdin Tejeda. Came back from TJ surgery successfully, hitting 95 on the gun with the potential for more velocity once his rehab comes full circle which could be by the beginning of next season. This is a guy who hit 98 mph with ease before the surgery. World-class arm. Could be the setup man right here, and when Mo's done, possibly our future closer.

ON THE FREE AGENT MARKET -

(5) I might look at Jeremy Affeldt as a lefty for the pen. I always liked him and always thought KC had a real good 1-2 punch in their pen with him and MacDougal. If his price is reasonable, you can do a lot worse than Affeldt as your lefty in the pen. Either Affeldt or Garrett Patterson from within are bigtime upgrades over Ron Villone.

(6) I really don't see that big righthanded power bat out there for us to stick in there somewhere behind A-Rod. Maybe you do have to look at an Aaron Rowand or Andruw Jones after all for some righthanded pop, although I rather see them spend the money on the bullpen and maybe give Shelly Duncan a shot at some regular playing time - either at first or at as a DH.

(7) I'd also consider bringing Mientkiewicz back for his defense if the price is right.