26 to 6

True. But his range to his right is second to none. And I really dont think Matsui is that bad out there. Hes not that great, but hes not that bad.

I agree. I was ready to scream when I learned that we had passed on Hansen (I had been following him and where he would end up after MSG Network ran a lengthy spot on him 2 or 3 days prior to the draft). Then I was kicking myself when I learned it was for a shortstop...the one position that we DONT need a player at. And then I was ready to run right into traffic on the Deegan when I heard that the Red Sox got him. So no arguements there.

Say what you want about the draft order and whatnot, about how early picks dont always pan out so having the earlier pick isnt always the best, but rather havinf more picks is, because I agree with you 100% But answer me this. Would you rather have the #28 pick (Yankees original pick, lost to Boston for Johnny Damon) or the #21 pick (from the Phillies for Gordon)? If you say the #28, you are a retard. I am sorry. Moving up our first round pick 7 spots is an improvement regardless of what you say. So I find it comical that you find it comical that we think Cashman has improved out draft situation. Granted, he didnt do a whole hell of a lot, but fact of the matter is its better than before. Now I know you're going to argue that because of our greedy, evil, horrible front office chose to go and spend money on Damon that we lost out on TWO first round picks, but think about it. What sense does it make to go out and trade Minor League prospects for a Center Fielder when we can sign one, and lose a draft pick. Its not like we have no first round pick, because we have the #21 pick from the Phillies. You would agree that the Yankees need to keep their farm in tact and stable and not go out and trade prospects for proven players. So thats what we did. Wouldnt make much sense to go any other route than JOhnny Damon. So Cashman took into acount more than the draft, he also took into account the fact that any other option would cost us one or two, or maybe three or 4 prospects. Now lets say that we trade 3 prospects for a center fielder and not sign Damon and keep our #28 pick. We would be losing 3 prospects, drafting one, essentially losing two prospects. Why do that when we can just sign Damon, and lose a pick, and keep our 3 prospects. Yes, of coarse 2 first round picks would be better than one, but when you look at the big picture, bottom line is he kept the farm in tact (with the exception of the Ben Julienel for Ron Villone trade), and improved our first round drafting positon by 7 spots. So regardless of what you say his offseason is more on the positive than it is on the negative. Sorry.

I trust Matsui in left field. Watching him on a daily basis I am very comfortable with him out there. He wasnt great out there last year, but he shocked EVERYBODY in 2003. I acknowledged that Sheffield isnt great, he's decent (I think I said alright the first time..same thing). He isnt going to do anything spectacular but he isnt going to kill you out there either. I disagree with you n Jeter. I think he is an A+. He has a great arm and good range (A lot of people say he has horrible range...I dont get it. Watching him on a regular basis I am impressed with his range) and isnt afraid to do what needs to be done to catch the ball. Whether it be going into the stands, or colliding with a teammate, he always gets it done. I personally wouldnt take the Red Sox left side overAny other left side in the game. I wouldnt even take them over the Yankees'. But the SOx left side is without a doubt a great defensive left side of the infield.

I get what youre saying. But seriously, you guys arent a small market team and you can spend as much as us. It is so irritating though when Sox fans bitch about our payroll when they have the second highest payroll. You guys have 28 teams behind you in that department. Does anyone have the EXACT payrolls for both the Yanks and Sox last year? Exact, I know i had a site a whiole back, but I forgot what it was.

I disagree. But its ok.

If the Red Sox have pitching then so do the Yankees. Its just that defense thing we're lacking in But idk, Phillips is decent, Cano is getting better, Jeter is an A+, A-Rod is an A+, Matsui is good, Damon is good, SHeffield is alright, and regardless of what anyone says I like Jorgie behind the plate. So its not that bad, but not that great either.

I said the whole time, you can even go back and check the posts if you'd like, that I would prefer to play the White Sox. I think we matched up much better against them. And the fact that Anaheim is the only team to have a winning record against us from 1996-now and how they Always give us hell, I would have been perfectly content giving that one to you guys.

I agree, but since we were both in the playoffs and whatnot it didnt make sense to use pitchers or anything if we didnt have to.

That, and there are no really good Yankee boards. I am a member at NYYfans.com but I dont like it there. Good stuff optimist, pretty good offseason in total. BTW, off topic, but can anyone give me the payroll for the Sox?

Link doesnt work for me. However, if you are right I appologize.

Thats right, now I remember. Whatever man, if thats how they figure it then we won fair and square. As long as it wasnt just made up this past season then I have no problem being called the division champs. Doesnt feel tarnished or anything.

He is WAYY too overrated. I would never consider him a great manager. And say what you want, but its not because i'm a Yankee fan.

I would have been fine doing that as well. I dont get it, I thought that thats what was usually done. I even remember a coin flip for the Yankees/SOx 1 game playoff...but I dont know why it didnt happen. However, it doesnt matter to me. We won.

I think the Sox and Jays will fight for second. Obviously you all are going to call me crazy and biased based on my Yankeedom, but thats ok, i've learned to live with it. And yes, i'm sure there is some bias based on the fact I love the Yankees, just as there is with you guys. But hinestly I really dont know..thats why I havent made any predictions yet

Please, we won the division fair and square. We won the head to head matchups so the division title goes to us in a tie. And yes, you got swept by the eventual champions. And please, I hate when Sox fans make a big deal about the Yankee payroll as if they dont have the SECOND biggest payroll. It gets ridiculous. Such hypocrites.

Exactly. We got over it. I will admit that it HURT hearing he had signed with Boston. And seeing him hold up that number 30 jersey at his press conference HURT. And seeing him in that uniform STILL HURTS, but I dont cry about it every day. He made a deciscion, we got over it, didnt bitch about it, and just showed him what we thought about his deciscion on opening day. He then made some negative comments towards us Yankee fans so as far as im concerned right now David Wells is an ******* and I will always feel that way until he takes back his comments. He wouldnt be considered a top tier pitcher if it wasnt for the Yankees. Nobody thought of him like that in Toronto, Detroit, Baltimore, or Cincy...not until he came to New York. So you're welcome Boomer. he didnt have to. He ALWAYS prided himself on being a Yankee and sometimes talked about hating the Red Sox. He even had that famous comment about wanting to be the one who blows up Fenway Park. You really have no idea how irritating it is when a Red Sox fan says that. When our drought hits 86 then you can say something. 5 years isnt a big deal. Never be team chemistry? Never is a pretty strong word. We had some pretty good team chemistry for years, and im sure we'll have it again. Also, I think people give A-Rod too much s***, its ridiculous. He was the best shortstop in the game, and argueably in the history of the game, and he moves to a new position because he wants to WIN. If he is really as selfish and not a team player like all you Sox fans (who would really love to have him as their shortstop right now) say then tell me what that is. He never puts down teammates, he is always great with media, and I really enjoy having him and cant wait to see that "NY" on his Hall of Fame plaque. And it WAS the Red Sox players that started a word war with A-Rod last year....really professional.

Just in baseball operations...but you would have to be an absolute idiot to think George lost money last year. He does have this thing called the YES network, which brings in LOTS AND LOTS of money.

Me Too

Just wish he played somewhere else DAMNIT! 9 Divisions in a row is definately going to have to be earned.

Like with Jeter being captian of the Yankees, no official announcement was needed. Everybody just sort of knew. I only have mine because I cant think of a better one...just temporary (but lets face it, I am lol)

Love the avatar

I pick them for the playoffs But I wouldnt be surprised (and would be thrilled) if everyone fizzled otu or injuries got in the way of that goal.

Piazza changes his facial hair every year. If it was an issue then why is he still rocking the clean shaven face? He was clean shaven at his Press COnference in SD today. Also, Willie has a mustache.

I went there before and just went back now to double check...nothing.