What were some of your highlights through out the season?
What three things did your team show you this season that makes you excited for next year?
What three things must your team do in the offseason to make a legit push for the 2006 World Series title?
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What I was impressed with...
1) The play of Robinson Cano. He definitely showed me that he will be the future 2B for years to come in the pinstripes. While his fielding was skeptical at times, I know it will get better. One thing he must be able to do is get bunts down, because quite a few times, they wouldn't have him bunt simply because he couldn't do it. By years end, his bat had gotten really hot, so hopefully he'll be able to do that throughout the course of the season.
2) How Wang, Chacon and Small stepped it up. Seriously, without these three guys, where would the Yankees have been? Sitting at home instead of AL East champs. The thing that worries me is how they will be used in 2006. For as great as Small was, it seemed like he always got the short end of the stick with Torre. It seemed as if there was a lacking in confidence with him.
3) Bubba Crosby. Will we see him as the Yankees 2006 starting CF? Probably not. However, this kid is tough. He made some great plays in the field and had some timely hits. I really hope to see him improve during the offseason, and atleast make a case for playing time.
What Must Change...
1) Relief pitching. PERIOD. I don't think I really have to say just how bad the relief pitching was this season. When it consist of Wayne Franklin, Scott Proctor, Felix Rodriguez, Tanyon Sturtuze, Alan Embree, and Al Leiter, it isn't going to get you anywhere. These guys must be cut. Each and everyone of them.
2) Must find a pure leadoff hitter. While Jeter held down the leadoff spot nicely, he is much better suited as a #2 hitter. If there is some way to get Pierre during the offseason, that will greatly increase run production. You'd feel he's a lock to get on second almost anytime up, whether by doubling or single/steal combo. I would love to see Pierre 1st, Jeter 2nd, Arod 3rd, Sheff 4th, Matsui 5th...I feel like that combined with Posada and Cano at the end of the lineup would do wonders. I just hope to sign someone with speed. Womack can't do it all.
3) 1st base. Giambi obviously is getting to a point where he won't be able to handle 1st base much longer and will become more of an everyday DH. Tino may or may not be back but obviously it would be as a pinch hitter. The Yankees must go and get a legit 1B for the future. I don't want George dumping 20 mil just to get Konerko. That would be a dumb move on his part, and IMO a very costly move. If Erubial Durazo could put up 2004 numbers, I wouldn't mind see him in pinstripes. That's the only free agent 1B that stands out besides Millar and Konerko.
What three things did your team show you this season that makes you excited for next year?
What three things must your team do in the offseason to make a legit push for the 2006 World Series title?
------------
What I was impressed with...
1) The play of Robinson Cano. He definitely showed me that he will be the future 2B for years to come in the pinstripes. While his fielding was skeptical at times, I know it will get better. One thing he must be able to do is get bunts down, because quite a few times, they wouldn't have him bunt simply because he couldn't do it. By years end, his bat had gotten really hot, so hopefully he'll be able to do that throughout the course of the season.
2) How Wang, Chacon and Small stepped it up. Seriously, without these three guys, where would the Yankees have been? Sitting at home instead of AL East champs. The thing that worries me is how they will be used in 2006. For as great as Small was, it seemed like he always got the short end of the stick with Torre. It seemed as if there was a lacking in confidence with him.
3) Bubba Crosby. Will we see him as the Yankees 2006 starting CF? Probably not. However, this kid is tough. He made some great plays in the field and had some timely hits. I really hope to see him improve during the offseason, and atleast make a case for playing time.
What Must Change...
1) Relief pitching. PERIOD. I don't think I really have to say just how bad the relief pitching was this season. When it consist of Wayne Franklin, Scott Proctor, Felix Rodriguez, Tanyon Sturtuze, Alan Embree, and Al Leiter, it isn't going to get you anywhere. These guys must be cut. Each and everyone of them.
2) Must find a pure leadoff hitter. While Jeter held down the leadoff spot nicely, he is much better suited as a #2 hitter. If there is some way to get Pierre during the offseason, that will greatly increase run production. You'd feel he's a lock to get on second almost anytime up, whether by doubling or single/steal combo. I would love to see Pierre 1st, Jeter 2nd, Arod 3rd, Sheff 4th, Matsui 5th...I feel like that combined with Posada and Cano at the end of the lineup would do wonders. I just hope to sign someone with speed. Womack can't do it all.
3) 1st base. Giambi obviously is getting to a point where he won't be able to handle 1st base much longer and will become more of an everyday DH. Tino may or may not be back but obviously it would be as a pinch hitter. The Yankees must go and get a legit 1B for the future. I don't want George dumping 20 mil just to get Konerko. That would be a dumb move on his part, and IMO a very costly move. If Erubial Durazo could put up 2004 numbers, I wouldn't mind see him in pinstripes. That's the only free agent 1B that stands out besides Millar and Konerko.