Taking Stock: December 12th

For argument's sake, we'll assume CC is signed, even though he hasn't signed on the dotted line. This is what I think the rotation would look like if the season started today:

1. CC Sabathia
2. Chien-Ming Wang
3. Joba Chamberlain
4. Phil Hughes
5. Alfredo Aceves, Ian Kennedy

Obviously, there's still plenty of work to be done here. That being said, that 1, 2, 3 combo at the front of the rotation could match up with anyone in the league in a series. Innings limits and my blood pressure necessitate at least one more move in this area, possibly two.

Grade: Incomplete

The bullpen remains largely unchanged, and should be a strength of this team.

• Long Relief: Phil Coke, Dan Geise
• Middle: Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson
• Set up (R): Jose Veras, Brian Bruney
• Set up (L): Damaso Marte
• Closer: Mr. Rivera

It'll be quite a luxury to have two lefties in the pen, should the Yanks choose to keep Coke in that role. Mark Melancon has an outside shot of working his way into the mix in the pen as well.

Grade: A

Lineup

Here's the big problem. I have no idea if this is a finished product. We may see Mike Cameron in center field instead of Gardner, but neither obtaining him, nor him actually being an upgrade is a sure thing.

1. Damon (LF)
2. Jeter (SS)
3. A-Rod (3B)
4. Posada (C)
5. Nady (RF)
6. Matsui (DH)
7. Swisher (1B)
8. Cano (2B)
9. Gardner (CF)

This will probably be the worst lineup the Yanks have trotted out there since 1996 and adding Cameron into the mix isn't going to fix it. Nady, Matsui and Damon could all come off the books following this season, so if the Yanks want to either sign an outfielder, or trade for one, they don't necessarily need to move any of those guys. Although I'm not sure Girardi would be able to handle having some vets in their walk years riding the pine.

I'll say it one more time, starting Nick Swisher is not a good idea.

Grade: C-

The latest news has the Yanks and the Bravos as Burnett's only suitors. Both teams have reportedly offered somewhere in the 5 years/$80M neighborhood. Pettitte has an offer on the table. The Mike Cameron talks have been on again/off again. No word on Ben Sheets. Hank may want Manny (Who is threatening to retire). And finally, there's some talk of the Yanks being involved in the hunt for Teixeira.