Obtaining Vasquez for the rotation is definitley solid.  Since his first stint with the Yankees, he has posted very consistent numbers.  Obviously to the casual Yankee fan… this move will be a “wasn’t that the guy who lost the series to the Sox in 2004?”  Most of us know better – that Vasquez should not even have been brought in that impossible situation in the first place.  Anyway, that’s water under the bridge and I look forward to a more mature, capable Vasquez pitching in the Bronx.  Cashman gets a pat on the head for that one. 

I also like the intangible effect this move has.  It clears out left field.  And it may spur Damon back into the fold because it creates a very positive impression for the Yankees and a feeling that they are the team to beat again.  Damon may think to himself that he likes winning and he prefers the feeling of winning in New York.  If not, Jason Bay has not signed anywhere yet – he was wise to wait. 

Back to the Budget for a second.  Hal Steinbrenner said that there is a budget for 2010, but if Cashman came to him with an idea, he can always deviate from the projected budget if it helps the team.  This is why I bring Jason Bay up.  You never know – Nick J0hnson is here to cover the bets.  If the Yankees added Bay, it would be a left handed bat (Granderson) and a right handed bt (Bay) providing the lineup some good balance.  

I’m glad Cashman and Hal read the Roundtable and were spurred on by the recent posts.  This is more like it.