The Yankees have made it clear with their record breaking offer that they want C.C. Sabathia as their ace left hander. While it seems like a great strategy today, you have to wonder if there might be health problems with C.C down the road.

He’s 28 now, and nearly 300 pounds. He’s a huge man playing a position that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body… in particular the legs and back. I think it’s fair to ask… how long will his body hold up to the rigors of MLB pitching? If I was going to invest $140M in a player I would wants some answers.

If he remains the same dimensions that he is now, will he still be able to give you 6 or 7 solid innings when he’s 31, 32, 33? To me it’s a big question mark. Yes the Yankees need starting pitching, yes he is the best in the free agent group right now. But will he be able to maintain his health as his body ages and the toll of pitching wears on him? If it was my $140M I would want to see him lose 50 or 60 pounds.

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The 8-3 Jets host the the 6-5 Broncos this week.  Despite their 1st place spot in the AFC West, the Broncos are coming off a blow out loss at the hands of the Oakland Raiders. They are in no condition to face rolling Gang Green in the Meadowland’s swamp.

The Jets will continue to dominate both the O and D lines this week with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones having big days.  Look for Brett Favre to have another solid day spreading the ball around to the receiving corp.  Good news for Farve, the Broncos rank 25th in the NFL in pass defense and have only one interception in their past three games.  Farve has thrown five touchdowns and only one interception in his past three games.  Fans could witness a Brett Favre Air Show this Sunday.

I’ll would never be so bold as to predict a blowout with the Jets on the winning side but … ok I won’t.  I think the outcome of this game will be quite different from their last meeting in 2005 (Broncos beat the Jets 27-0).  Revenge is sweet!  Jet win this one 31-14.

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What will the 2009 Yankees look like?  I see a lot of question marks.  Its hot stove time and many teams are looking to fill out important roster spots but the Yankees are overhauling their entire starting pitching staff.  That’s a lot of change for a team competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. 

2009 Yankees?

I know there are more three months until pitchers and catchers report but I got to tell you, I’m getting nervous.   Sabathia is talking to the Angels now and others.   Peavy is destined to stay in the NL.  The Yankees of showing disinterest in Burnett.  Pettitte is talking to the Dodgers.   Lowe is talking to the Red Sox and others.   Mussina is done and will probably move to the Yes booth (my guess, not a fact).  See why I’m nervous.

What will the Yankees do if they are not successful in the free agent market, cobble together a starting 5 through trades?  Who will they go after, Ben Sheets? Please!   If you see this as a good plan B please post your comment.  Personally, I think the Yankees are in deep trouble if plan A fades away.

As of now we have one solid pitcher in the rotation, Wang and he’s coming back from injury.  Joba has been designated as a starter but he struggled last year and the jury is still out on his ability to hold down a position in the rotation.  Phil Hughes is working on his stuff this winter but are we convince that he can be a viable big league starter?  Forget Ian Kennedy.  Completely forget Kei Igawa.

I’ll admit I’m pulling the fire alarm but a good team starts with good pitching and it seems the options could close out fast for the Yankees.  I have to believe that Hank Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman see the critical situation they’re in and I hope they act accordingly.

If they fail to pull together a top notch rotation, the New Yankee Stadium will be the host of many sad days next season.  I just hope that come July we’re not wishing we still had Pavano!

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Today is the day we give thanks for all the gifts we have in our lives.  Me.. well I am blessed with health, a great family and great friends.  I can’t really ask for much more.  

As I sit down for the great feast my wonderful wife will prepare, I’m also thankful for the NY Jets performances and the prospect of my favorite baseball team pulling together a first rate pitching rotation.  While these things are far less significant that the gifts I’ve outlined above, they certainly are a nice bonus.

Most importantly I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving with all the best to you and yours.

Happy Thanksgiving!

ps.. All the best TC! Your family loves you!

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If the Yankees want to sign Andy Pettitte they better get their act together.   The buzz (according to Ken Rosenthal) is that Pettitte is talking with his favorite Skipper, Joe Torre about transplanting to Los Angeles.  The Dodgers may be very interested in signing an American League left hander.  

I may be in the minority but I think the Yankees would be making a mistake to let Pettitte go.  If they can get him for $13M – $14M for a year I would do it.  Especially now on the eve of C.C Sabathia expecting an offer from the LA Angels!  Left handers are scarce!  They may be sorry if they let Andy go.

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 Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times report that the Angels have begun contract discussions with C.C. Sabathia.  They feel the Angels could make an offer in the range of Johan Santana’s six-year, $137.5MM deal.  If this happens one would think the Yankees might counter with an increased bid.

They also say that despite the talks for Sabathia, Mark Teixeira remains the Angels’ top priority. They haven’t made an offer yet, but Scott Boras seems to want ten years while the Angels are willing to do seven.

The Angels talking with both top notch free agents could be a blow to the Yankees plan.   I think we have to write off Teixeira now… but Sabathia is a must have.

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The Yankees will play their first home game at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Feb. 26 at 1:15 p.m. ET, hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in the first of 16 total home exhibitions at the Tampa, Fla., stadium complex.

In addition, the Bombers announced that ticket prices for 2009 Spring Training games at George M. Steinbrenner Field will remain the same as last season.

Yankees pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb. 13, with the their first workout set for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The Yankees’ first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 18.

Read Full Article on MLB.com

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