Abreu Still in Yankee Plans

That's one.

The Yankees made their first decision involving a player this off-season by exercising the $16 million option on right fielder Bobby Abreu.  I'm not counting the A-Rod opt out as a Yankee move -- it was a player's move.  Also, it looks like it's going to be pretty damn expensive for any team that wants Rodriguez's services next season.

Abreu got off to a slow start in 2007 and bounced up and down the lineup, but finished with a .283 average with 16 homers and 101 RBI.  He also scored 123 runs and swiped 25 bases.  Bobby will be 34-years-old by the time the new season rolls around.

El Comedulce's average and power numbers were down last season, but if I would be thrilled if Abreu could duplicate those numbers in 2008.  I'm not sure if Abreu will remain in the number three hole, but one thing is for sure -- he won't have Alex Rodriguez batting behind him next year.

This Yankee probably won't be batting cleanup in 2007, but he still needs some "clean up."  Ha!  Anyway, Hideki Matsui will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.  Matsui, never a terrific outfielder, looked visibly slowed in left field in 2007.  Toward the end of the season, Damon was patrolling left and Matsui was relegated to the DH spot.  Godzilla also started slowly, but finished with respectable numbers -- .285, 25 HR, 103 RBI, 100 runs scored. 

The Yanks expect Matsui to be ready for spring training.

Meanwhile, Derek Jeter will not need surgery on his ailing knee.  Jeter was beat up through most of 2007, but still managed to put up Jeterian numbers: .322, 12 HR, 73 RBI, 102 runs scored, 206 hits.  The Captain looked like he lost a step defensively in 2007, but I think that was a result of the bum knee.  Still, he isn't getting any younger -- Jeter will turn 34 in 2008.

So right field seems to be set.  All that's left is third base, catcher, closer, first base and starting pitching.

Piece of cake.