All of the points made are correct. Management has failed miserably, on and off the field. One of the biggest mistakes was signing Mussina. He has never lived up to his resume and the money he is getting. I thought Clemens wouldn’t make a difference and in fact he has in a negative way because he delays the inevitable changes that must occur in the pitching rotation. He is way past his prime, though he can still pitch well in the National League (I like to say that because it’s true).

Torre may not have much to work with, but I am tired of him placating the performance of the team. Other than A-Rod there is no power in the lineup. The bench is pathetic, maybe the worst since 1990. Who put this team together?

The older Roundtable members (who will remain nameless) remember the collapse after the 1964 WS. This team has many similarities with that 1965 team. Good thing for free agency, but if you spend your money foolishly it really doesn’t matter.

I will not concede the division to the Red Sox not because I think Joe is wrong, but because I cannot admit it and because there is always hope. However, I would rather write this season off than make more dumb moves out of sheer frustration (Clemens?).

The team needs to get younger, especially in key positions, like centerfield. The pitching staff needs to be revamped. More guys like Wong are needed, and less like Mussina and Clemens. We need a centerfielder who can play defense and possesses a strong throwing arm. Let Abreau go. I would trade Cano for the right player (I suggested a trade for Willis last year). Cano has talent but it may never be fully developed. I like Matsui but he is also on a downward path. I would trade him for the right position player.

Who are the keepers? Posada, (but he only has two years left); Rivera, but he shows signs of old age; Jeter, he may have lost some range but he is a better hitter now and you can’t fault him for the team’s poor performance; A-Rod, he better stay since without him the Yankees would be dead last; Wong, the Yankees ace pitcher for the past two years. Am I missing someone?

The bottom line, blow this team up. I think John B said that a while ago.

Ok, who will be responsible for orchestrating the moves that have to be made? It can’t be Cashman since he hasn’t demonstrated the baseball acumen needed to right the ship. We need a new general manager. Maybe the single biggest mistake was relegating Gene Michael to the scrap heap. I would immediately make Michael the GM, but I would provide him with a guy who would be responsible for doing the paperwork. This would relieve Michael of the administrative duties of the GM’s job and allow him to make the baseball decisions (remember trading for O’Neill and keeping Bernie).

The Yankees cannot afford to resign Torre. He has shown that he can win only when all of the pieces are in place and when Don Zimmer is advising him on the bench. We need a new manager.

Unfortunately, the Yankees put themselves in box with Mattingly on the bench. If you bring Girardi in where does Mattingly go? Maybe Bowa is the solution (though short term) because he is really from outside the organization and he will bring the passion to the job that is currently severely lacking. But then Girardi will be gone to greener pastures.

While the right manager is very important the right GM is even more critical.

Joe, I am sorry I am late with my Cup o’ Joe. I am very busy at work. No, not golf.