tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Clarifying My Position On Yankees

Any of you who have followed this blog know that I am a passionate Yankee fan. I have followed this team since I can remember, with my first Yankee memory being Bobby Richardson's catch of Willie McCovey's line drive to give the Yankees the 1962 World Series. I have gone through the Jerry Kenney-Horace Clarke days at the old stadium. Was sold on the story that Steve Whitaker and Bill Robinson were the new Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. The 80's were a disaster with the bust signings of Steve Kemp, Butch Wynegar and Steve Sax to name a few. Was also sold on the story that the acquisition of Steve Trout was going to give the Yankees the pennant, only to see them hopelessly out of the race. So for those to think I am a fair weather fan, don't go there. I remember the bad old days and there are many of you who have been spoiled by the glory days from 1996 - 2000. Which by the way had its core built by Gene Michaels.

I for one do not care that the Yankees have not signed Jeff Keppinger or Nate Schierholtz. My problem is that the Yankee farm system is not capable of filling in the holes that have been created at catcher, third base and right field. The Yankees knew that Russell Martin was a free agent and they apparently had some concerns about Austin Romine because he didn't play much last year. Since they knew this, how could they allow Martin to go to Pittsburgh for 2 years for $17 million?

The Yankees knew that ARod was going to have hip surgery weeks before it came out publicly. They do not have anyone in the system that they could give a try for the period of time that ARod would be out. Knowing that, why would they let Eric Chavez go. Not only did they let him go but they didn't even make an offer. (didn't make an offer to Martin either) With Chavez on the team, they could have went after a Jerry Hairston Jr. who would have been able to platoon with Chavez at third while also providing them with versatilty.

The Yankees knew they were not going to re-sign Nick Swisher. There had been reports that they were going to go with Ichiro and also bring Raul Ibanez back. They knew that once again they had no one in the farm system to step up, even in a platoon role. So what do they do?? They make an offer to Nate freaking Schierholtz. They could have had Ichiro weeks ago and there are reports that Ibanez is drawing interest from other clubs.

The lack of a farm system has been papered over for years because the Yankees have always had the ability to outspend everybody. With Hal Steinbrenner's self-imposed 2014 $189 million dollar cap, they no longer have that ability. That is where the failure lies. I don't have a problem with holding down payroll, but if that is what you are going to do then be honest with the fans and tell us that we need to start building from within. Tell us that we are in for a rebuilding process that will rely on kids playing in the Bronx. Tell us that we need to build a team not just to make the playoffs but to win multiple World Series and that this will take some time. If they were straight with us I wouldn't have a problem with it. In fact, I would love to see some young kids. I have been one of Phil Hughes' biggest defenders. I want to believe that Joba Chamberlain can be "the guy". So going with kids doesn't bother me. It never has. What bothers me is the arrogance and untruthfulness.

The Yankees are the richest team in all of sports. With all that money you would think they would have the best scouts money could buy all over the world. Yet, they have not been able to come up with a homegrown outfielder since Bernie Williams. A smart organization would have been planning in the early 2000's to have kids ready to replace the O'Neill's, Martinez's, Posada's, and Brosius'. Instead they decided to go the trade and free agent route which has resulted in one World Series win and 10 playoff failures. I would rather they not make the playoffs and build for the future than go in and be embarassed liked they were against the Tigers. And let's be honest, if it wasn't for Raul Ibanez they would have been knocked out by the young, homegrown Baltimore Orioles.

Unfortunately, there are many Yankee fans who don't want to face reality. The facts are that this organization is in trouble. The empty seats you saw in the ALCS will be a common appearance. There was a time back in the late 60's when they didn't draw 1 million fans. Ratings on YES last season were down. That's probably because last year's team was one of the least inspiring teams to watch.

Based upon the self-imposed cap, the best thing the Yanks can do is give Eduardo Nunez a shot at third base. Bring him down to Tampa and have him work there throughout spring training knowing that its his job until ARod comes back. Behind the plate, make it an open competition between Austin Romine, Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart. Take the two best and go with them. As far as right field goes, bring Ichiro back. He's a professional and loved being a Yankee. Re-sign Ibanez and try to get some bench help. By doing this the Yankees will get a good look at Nunez. They will allow Gary Sanchez to move up in the system as he is probably at least 2 years away from being ready and Ichiro allows them to give outfield prospects another year for development.

There are those that say I am being negative but the truth hurts and sometimes you need to face reality. And the fact is that this organization is in serious trouble and I'm not sure that Hal, Levine, Trost & Cashman have the ability to right this ship.