Geez.  You go away on business for a day and the world falls apart on the Roundtable.

I realize that the Yankees are not printing money, and that locking up Texiera is going to be tough to do if they are going to spend another $15M per on Burnett.  But Who is protecting A-Rod in this lineup:  Posada? Swisher? Nady?  If A-Rod is going to see some pitches, he needs protection and there are only two bats on the market that offer that protection.  Both are represented by Mr. Boras.  Texiera is one and solves a glaring problem that has not been addressed since Tino’s departure.  The problem with Texiera is that the Yankees are worried that Jeter and/or A-rod and/or Posada will need the 1st base slot in the future.  So the other Boras client (Mr. Ramirez) might fit if the right deal can be struck.  Any Manny involvement would have to be on a very limited basis (I’m talking 2 years max).  BUT Manny hitting behind A-ROD would guarantee spectacular numbers from A-ROD.

Look.  Manny can be a jerk, but he has always wanted to play in New York.  A short term deal allows the Yankees to develop guys like Austin Jackson to come up in the future.  But right now, there’s no one protecting A-Rod and if that’s the case, the offense will continue to need some upgrading.  And, look at the symetry of their numbers 13 24.  They are made for each other 1-2-3-4.

I Need You!

I need You!!!

There is one other option (not as sexy) and probably more cost efficient.  Sign Adam Dunn.  He has 40HR power, good OBP and can be the DH/OF.