The Yankees threw money at their problems but made smart choices by filling glaring needs, and hope an offseason full of blockbuster deals returns them to prominence on the field after failing to make the playoffs in 2008.
BIGGEST NEEDS: Now that they have filled two rotation spots with LHP C.C. Sabathia and RHP A.J. Burnett and landed 1B Mark Teixeira, the Yankees possibly could look for a fifth starter but might just give some of their younger pitchers a chance. ARRIVALS: 1B Mark Teixeira (free agent from Angels), LHP CC Sabathia (free agent from Brewers), RHP A.J. Burnett (free agent from Blue Jays), OF/1B Nick Swisher (trade with White Sox).
DEPARTURES: RHP Mike Mussina (retired), INF Wilson Betemit (traded to White Sox), RHP Carl Pavano (free agent, signed with Indians), 1B Jason Giambi (free agent, signed with A's).
FREE AGENTS: RF Bobby Abreu, LHP Andy Pettitte, C Chad Moeller, RHP Sidney Ponson, C Ivan Rodriguez.
The Yankees have likely parted with all concerned. The addition of Mark Teixeira eliminates any potential need for Giambi and Abreu and might have financially eliminated the possibility of a return by Pettitte.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Brian Bruney, RHP Chien-Ming Wang, CF Melky Cabrera, RF Xavier Nady.
Unlike last season, the Yankees avoided arbitration with Wang by signing him to a one-year deal for $5 million. Bruney, Cabrera and Nady filed for arbitration on Jan. 15.
IN LIMBO: With 1B/OF Nick Swisher moving to the outfield, the Yankees have a glut of corner outfielders and could trade one from a group of Swisher, LF Johnny Damon, RF Xavier Nady and DH Hideki Matsui. Damon holds the most unique skill in giving the club its only realistic leadoff hitter. A recent report said Nady would likely be the odd man out because of his pending status as a free agent next year and Swisher's versatility. LHP Andy Pettitte has been holding off on taking a $10 million deal for one year -- a $6 million pay cut -- for most of the offseason and the deal might be pulled.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Mariano Rivera had minor arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in October, but he is expected to be all right by spring training.
C Jorge Posada had surgery on his right shoulder on July 30, and he expects to be 100 percent by the start of spring training.
DH Hideki Matsui had surgery on his left knee in September. He is expected to be ready to go by the spring.
LHP Andy Pettitte missed his last start of the season because of a sore left shoulder, and he will have to decide whether he wants to pitch next year or retire.
RHP Chien-Ming Wang missed the last 2 1/2 months of the season because of a ligament sprain in his right foot. He had his cast removed on July 29. On Oct. 17, he threw off a mound for the first time since the injury.
