Jeter’s range has been a problem.  But I don’t think he’ll consider a move until he feels the time is right.  And I’m sure he probably feels he can still play short at a high level.  But it’s been what I would call a “mild” problem now which is only going to get worse.

Given the choice of hitting or pitching – acquire the pitching.  I would have to see what’s in the deal for Santana.  But I’m not inclined to give up much.  With the salaries coming off the books, the Yankees can have Santana if they want him after next season – if they could out-bid everyone before, they certainly will able to then.

Replacing A-Rod’s production will not be easy.  But don’t get caught up in the numbers too much by we have to replace, run for run with other players.  The Yankees scored 968 runs last year while letting up 777 runs.  Boston only allowed 657 runs.  about 100 runs in either direction.  Someone once said: “It’s the economy, stupid.”  Well, in baseball it’s about differential.  Forget the fact that Boston did it, last season Boston scored 867 runs while allowing 657.  

Look at the St. Louis Cardinals of 1985 – they went to the 7th game of the World Series, they scored 747 runs while allowing 572!  If you don’t like that example, look at the 2005 World Champion White Sox an AL club of recent vintage, they were in line with what Boston did: they scored 741 runs and allowed 645 almost identical runs allowed totals.  There’s always that exception team out there, but pitching and defense, more often than not will win.   

If this is the philosophy, then I’m on board.  My criticism of Cashman has always been that he wouldn’t know pitching if it came up and bit him “you know where.”