What the Yankees need to do next | King Mike's Blog

Make no mistake: The Yankees will be in the postseason again. But with Sabathia and Burnett in as the 1-2 punch, what is next?

Make a run for Teixera- with the Red Sox (Probably) and Angels out of the mix, it looks like the Yankees could lay eyes on a new first baseman. A guy who has a good glove and can give A-Donna a break at thirdbase. Forget the dreaded (literally) mess that is Manny being Manny. The Yankees cannot afford media problems from the clubhouse. Not with the Sox and The Rays (and probably the Blue Jays) in competition.
Go Low for Derek Lowe- Forget Ben Sheets. Forget the idea that you're gonna bring a guy who, unlike Burnett, has an ER in the dugout just for him. His pitching delivery over the years has concerned me. It is no surprise why the Yankees went after Burnett. Unlike Sheets, he altered his delivery from being a fireballer to mixing it up and having a better delivery to his pitches. Which leads me to Derek Lowe. Unlike Sheets, Lowe has a ring and a record of success. He also can give the Yankees the 200 innings and consistently. Who cares (this goes for this and the previous) of Scott Boras is the Darth Vader in this situation? The Yankees already proved that it doesn't matter how much money you pay.
No Need for Bullpen Upgrade- As long as Rivera is the closer, and no Farnsworth, it's a start. The bullpen is good. However, what the Yankees need to do before Spring training is to know who sets up for Mo. Right now, they have a mix of Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, and Damaso Marte. It would be easier if Joba was the set-up man, but we'll see during spring training.
Trade Matsui- Let's face it: He is not as tough as Godzilla anymore. That grand slam against the Twins in 2003 is now a memory to be watched on YES Network, with the always biased John Sterling. But Hideki Matsui should be the fall guy in trades, assuming they only want to have only one DH. Johnny Damon, even though he'll play Left Field, has a record of staying away from injuries (until 2008). Plus, unlike Matsui, Damon is capable of hitting over .300 (last year, he led the Yankees in Batting Average ahead of Madonn-Rod. So what about the loyalty factor about coming to New York from Japan? Hey, San Francisco needs a bat.

In other news:

Wow, even though the Rangers lost against the Sharks 3-2, they really put up a fight. San Jose, as I said before, is a 2002 Red Wing-wannabe team and very beatable. They put up two goals and kept that lead, but struggled to hold on. Give credit to the Defense for fighting.
Is Chelly (Chris Chelios) going to play or what? From what I'm reading, he only played one game so far after coming off injury reserved. The future hall of famer should be playing in one big game coming up against the Blues.
Mats Sundin is a male golddigger. The New York Rangers need offense and they need to get Hank some defense (Lundquist had 10 shutouts last year to lead the NHL). Hey, how about bring back Sean Avery and making some salary cap room We already know my man Shanny isn't coming back (though he wanted to)?
While the Red Wings, Pistons, and (hmmm) Tigers have enjoyed winning this year, boy, I can't wait for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to hang up the 0-16 banner for the debalacle that is the Detroit Lions. Wow, they are good at losing. Watching them not caring about the Saints running all over them 42-7 was just as bad as General Motors and the car industry. Everyone though that the Saints would be the Ravens of last year against the Dolphins when they finally won, but no, Detroit is sticking to their guns. I wonder if they actually run plays.

I had to point out how much of an idiot this guy was. Look, I know I'm an unbiased Jet fan, but are you retarded in saying Tom Brady should be traded?

I bet your bald head makes up for your brain. In fact, after reading that post a few minutes ago, I realize you sound as dumb and idiotic as one victim of baseball dementia...

"OH, GRANDPA!!!"

Next week on the show, some Playboy models and racks(hint), plus Hot Stove cooking Tim McCarver's brain.

King Mike, Mike McIlraith, is a blog writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation, and a champion lacrosse player. His sports radio show, "King Mike's Throne," can be heard online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/King-Mike