Manny Being Manny in NY?

While the idea of signing Manny may seem like a great idea to stick it to the Red Sox, it may not be the smartest for the Yankees. However, most of that relies on how Manny would sign with the Yankees. Now that their rotation is settled, save for a little Andy Pettitte waiting, the Yankees are now supposedly looking at Manny. The Yankees lost something around $85m in salaries this offseason after losing Giambi, Mussina, Pettitte, Pavano, and Krazy Kyle. Even with all of their spending they are still right around or even lower than last years total. Now if they want to cut spending like Cashman has been hinting at, there is no way they can do it with Manny. Not that that's a reason not to sign Manny, so what if Cash said he'd spend less and he spends more, not a big deal it's the Yankees.

The problem lies in the length of the deal, 3 years $22-25m is too long for the Yankees. They are pretty old to begin with, Matsui and Damon are LFs at best most likely DHs, Manny is basically a DH, and Posada may not be able to catch as early as this year. Jeter is getting old and it's starting to show statistically, Arod will be 33, although he's a rock. Ok, one year of Manny I'd agree with, maaaaybe 2 years, but 3 is out of the question. One of the Yankees' goals this offseason was to get younger and more athletic and early on it seemed to be heading that direction replacing 1B/DH but really dh Giambi for Swisher. Signing Manny makes them older and unathletic, handcuffing Girardi, not giving him roster flexibility, and to have him for 3 years when he'll be even worse in LF and/or Posada really can't catch anymore really presents a problem. A roster of DHs is not a good thing.

I guess the Yankees can make a point that Damon and Matsui could be gone next year, but they'll still have a potential huge problem with Posada and Manny unable to play the field. The Yankees will basically be paying Manny the yearly amount that Teixeira would require, and if Damon, Matsui, and Jeter's large contract are over either by next year or the year after, why not just get Teixeira. I think 3 years of Manny handcuffs the team more than 8 of Teixeira.

It's not that fixing the Yankees lineup is a stupid thing, no longer do the Yanks have a spectacular lineup, they could use some help. Like I've said, Jeter could slip more, Posada may no longer give the Yanks the long advantage they've held at catcher, who knows if Robbie Cano will return to form, they don't have a startable CF as of yet, Damon/Matsui are a year older, you get the point. I just don't think signing Manny, seemingly part of a gimmick to slap the Sox in the face, for 3 years is the proper way. Getting under the radar guys like Swisher is a better way to go, or if your gonna just say screw it, you might as well go for the gold and get Teix.