We've heard so much about the core four, but now we are down to the big three. World Series MVP Hideki Matsui shown above displaying a sketched photo of his wife whom he wants to keep out of the public eye and limelight. The MVP of the Fall Classic had one of the greatest games any hitter has ever had in a World Series game. Single, Double, Home Run and 6 RBIs in the Game 6 clincher. Andy Pettitte, whom many Yankee fan during last offseason was hoping would not return in favor of keeping Mike Mussina. All Yankee fans now are indeed pleased that Pettitte did return and not Mussina. Andy pitched in and won all three clinching games in the ALDS, ALCS and World Series, so it's safe to say Yankee fans are glad he stayed and Mussina was the one who went home to his family in Montoursville, PA. Then we have Johnny Damon, who had one of the most classic ABs in the World Series in Game 4 facing Brad Lidge with 2 outs and nobody on in the Top of the 9th. He fought off pitches worked the count back in his favor and reached base on an opposite field single starting the go ahead and winning rally in the 9th. Changed the whole series in that one at bat.
So who stays and who goes? Initially it was sounding as if the Yankees would only keep Matsui or Damon, not both. Now there is a rumor circulating that Cashman would like to keep both but on a one year deal for each. As far as Pettitte goes, I think that's up to him. He'll have to accept a 1 year deal in a likelihood, which I believe he would. I don't see Pettitte pitching for anyone else next year, not even either of the Texas teams which would allow him to pitch at home again as he did from 04-06. It appears for Pettitte it will be either another year in pinstripes or hanging them up for good and staying home with the family.
Other free agents on the Bombers include Jerry Hairston Jr, Eric Hinske, Xavier Nady and A.J. Burnett's caddy, Jose Molina. I feel Hairston and Hinske would be wise to bring back, having a strong bench is a must. The dynasty run from '96-00 always was equipped with a strong bench, I think the moves of bringing in Hairston and Hinske midseason really helped this team tremendously. Nady is more of a question mark coming off Tommy John surgery, but he has stated numerous times he'd love to be back and that he feels he will be ready to start the season. Molina may be somewhat more expendable. The Yankees love what they got out of rookie Francisco Cervelli. Shockingly he came up and hit to a .298 clip, much more than the Yankees could have hoped for. He threw out 43% of base runners trying to steal in his brief stint as Yankees catcher while Posada and Molina were nursing injuries.
It should be an interesting off season for the World Champion New York Yankees, god I love saying that! In the coming days we'll be discussing any rumors and talk about some targets the Yankees might look at from the outside to help re-tool for 2010.
Let the Hot Stove begin.
By Vinnie Ferrarini
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