I will never get tired of these pictures.1) Pitching, Pitching, CC Sabathia
You spend the first $25M on Sabathia. No one really likes giving long-term, money-laden contracts to anyone, but he'll be 28/29 next season and could win two Cy Youngs in a row. He's a big-time pitcher who puts a team on his back, and he's shown he can handle the yoke.
2) Get Tex
There have been rumors about putting Posada, Damon, and/or Matsui over at first base next season, but aren't you tired of first baseman who can hit but not field their position? Mark Teixeira gives you a middle-of-the-order bat and a Gold Glove. For those who say he doesn't make a difference, remember that he's just about to enter his prime (29 next season), and I'm betting he will make a difference. Also, how is hitting .300/.400/.550 with great defense not making a difference? That'll be another $20M.
3) Trade for Jake Peavy
Take Phil Hughes/Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera, and two minor leaguers (who don't necessarily have to be great) and get Peavy. A 1-2-3 punch of Sabathia, Peavy, and Wang would be incredible. As for Hughes, these pitchers are under control for the next few years, which negates the need for him. As for the no-trade clause, I'm sure a little money would grease the wheels. This then frees up ...
4) Chamberlain to Move Back to the Bullpen
I love the guy, but he hasn't really had an injury-free season as a starting pitcher in a long time. Put him in the bullpen and be more creative. Let him come in the seventh and pitch the eighth as well. Get 100+ innings from him out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations bridging the gap from Peavy to Rivera. Luckily for you, this doesn't cost any money, and Peavy only costs $8M.
5) One More Starting Pitcher
Now that the front part of the rotation is settled, it's time to look at the back part of it. I'm thinking you have about $17M left to spend. The remaining Hughes/Kennedy can fill in spot five, so you need a fourth guy. What about Jon Garland? He shouldn't cost too much (probably around $10-12M), and he's durable (around 200 IP the last seven seasons), a ground ball pitcher (1.79 GB/FB last season and 1.29 overall), and doesn't walk too many people (2.70 BB/9 that has been a little better in recent seasons). This may be moot if Mussina comes back as you'd rather have him, but Garland's a fall-back option that should still be looking for work late into the winter (which should bring his price down closer to or below $10M -- like Kyle Lohse?). If you're really dead-set against putting Chamberlain in the bullpen, then he'll be a great 4 or 5 guy, but I'm just not sure his arm would hold up.
All of this gives you a rotation of:
CC Sabathia
Jake Peavy
Chien-Ming Wang
Jon Garland/Mike Mussina
Ian Kennedy/Phil Hughes/Joba Chamberlain
(all under 30 except for Mussina)
and a lineup of:
Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Xavier Nady RF
Hideki Matsui LF
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Johnny Damon DH
(fortunately, Matsui and Damon are gone after next year, giving you a bit more flexibility)
As the winter moves along, you may find yourself with some opportunities. Mike Cameron might be available for center field. Some starting pitchers might be less expensive than what you thought (Garland, Oliver Perez, Brad Penny (31), Randy Wolf (32)). You might find some bullpen bargains (Eddie Guardado, Arthur Rhodes, Darren Oliver, Luis Ayala). If you realize that you need more money, just walk into Mr. Steinbrenner's office, side-step Hank crying and slamming his fists on his blankie while rolling on the floor (be careful, he bites and kicks), and ask Hal for a little more money. I'm sure he could find a few million in the seat cushions.
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