Yankees Offseason Plan

Obviously, the Yankees had a down year. Of course, 89 wins is nothing to scoff at. Chien-Ming Wang missed more than half the year, as did Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy (who struggled when they were up anyway). Andy Pettitte pitched the second half of the year with a bad shoulder. A-Rod had a down year and missed a few weeks, Hideki Matsui missed much of the season with a balky knee. Johnny Damon crashed into the outfield wall and missed a few weeks. Brian Bruney missed much of the season. Joba Chamberlain missed a month. Robinson Cano had a terrible season, as did his BFF Melky Cabrera. Let's put it simply; Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner, Dan Giese. They started 38 games for this team combined. So with all that said, 89 wins isn't too bad. But missing the playoffs is inexcusable and it's time for this team to retool. With that said, here is my realistic expert plan to fix the team for next year and beyond.

Lineup

LF Johnny Damon

SS Derek Jeter

DH Hideki Matsui

3B Alex Rodriguez

RF Xavier Nady

C Jorge Posada

1B Nick Swisher

2B Robinson Cano

CF Melky Cabrera/Brett Gardner

Bench

Melky Cabrera/Brett Gardner

Jose Molina

Cody Ransom

Nick Punto

Starting Rotation

C.C. Sabathia

Chien-Ming Wang

Derek Lowe

Joba Chamberlain

Andy Pettitte

Relief Pitchers

Mariano Rivera

Brian Bruney

Damaso Marte

Edwar Ramirez

Jose Veras

Jonathan Albaladejo

Dan Giese

Knocking on the Door

Phil Hughes

Phil Coke

Ian Kennedy

Alfredo Aceves

Sergio Mitre

Chase Wright

Kei Igawa

Chris Britton 

David Robertson

J.B. Cox

Mark Melancon

Humberto Sanchez

Steven Jackson

Juan Miranda

Justin Christian

Austin Jackson

Francisco Cervelli

Additions

C.C. Sabathia

Nick Swisher - Trade w/Chicago

Derek Lowe

Nick Punto

Subtractions

Mike Mussina - Retired

Jason Giambi - Oakland

Bobby Abreu - Chicago (NL)

Wilson Betemit - Trade w/Chicago

Ivan Rodriguez - Houston

Carl Pavano - Florida

SIGN SABATHIA!!!!!!!!!!!

With that out of the way, the Yankees will take a gigantic leap forward if they can get C.C.. Give them each 6 years and blow them out of the water with the offers. 6 for 150 for Sabathia. Derek Lowe would also be a nice piece for the next few years. Give him 3 for 48. I am not married to the idea of Lowe if he wants more than that. I am just as willing to plug in one of the young starters we have in AAA. The amount of money they are going to gain from the new stadium and the contracts that they will be rid of this offseason should leave more than enough money for these players. These simple moves must be done in order to create a new dynasty. The core is there. There are very few spots open on the 25 man roster. It's time to return to glory.

P.S. I wrote this 2 1/2 hrs before the Yankees traded for Nick Swisher. Some changes have been made accordingly.