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We are now six years removed since the last of the New York Yankees historic championship run has made a mark in the record books. And ever since, George Steinbrenner has fueled a constant rebuild of the yearly collapse of Yankees Universe. With what many considered to be the most dominant lineup in baseball’s history, what offseason moves are really going to make an impact on the 2007 season? Well lets take a look.

Following New York’s Game 4 loss to the Detroit Tigers, the media immediately began speculating the roster fallout that would take place during the offseason beginning with manager Joe Torre. Now all greviences aside, Torre may have managed one of his best seasons in the Bronx, leading the team through adversity with the losses of Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, but he took major criticism for his moves in the ALDS. And rightly so, there was no enthusiasm on a bench staring at elimination as Torre and the rest of the Yankees merely expected the ghosts to come out of the woodwork and carry them back home for a momentous win. Unfortunately, Torre benched Gary Sheffield against a 40 something fossil in favor of Bernie Williams, played mind games with the headcase formerly known as A-Rod, and benched Jason Giambi in the deciding game. An of course these moves outweigh the 162 game schedule, especially when the microscope finally focuses in October, but how is firing him going to shake up this lineup? When you bring in so many big time egos with large bankrolls, a manager more or less becomes the physchologist that keeps their heads on straight, seriously, what more can you teach a lineup of future Hall of Famers?

The main problem that came to fruition in the short series was starting pitching. Chien-Ming Wang pitched like the number 1 starter he has emerged as during the season in Game 1, but the rest of the staff failed to match up against the Detroit Tigers young guns. Veterans Mike Mussina and ailing Randy Johnson looked overmatched against an aggressive lineup and Jaret Wright and Cory Lidle were just awful. So where does the rebuild leave us? Mike Mussina, $17M option for 2007? Forget it. Randy Johnson, done. Jaret Wright, Cory Lidle, see ya. With Wang heading the staff in 2007, the Yankees will aggressively pursue free agent pitchers Barry Zito, Jason Schmidt and Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka. This remains the most integral part of the rebuild process and like always, the Yankees will pour out their pockets to get what they need.

With a solid lineup of future Hall of Famers, the Yankees appear poised to charge after the 1000 run season they nearly had this season, right? Well not so fast, the rumors are swirling around the departure of Alex Rodriguez and a very public Gary Sheffield. Ultimately, I think A-Rod will remain in pinstripes, but honestly, I would rather see him go. All the controversy that he brings to the clubhouse is really taking its toll on the rest of the team and the fans, so expect the Yankees to entertain offers from legitimate takers. And if I was Brian Cashman, I would seriously look into prying Ervin Santana, Howie Kendrick, Brandon Wood, Chone Figgins or some of that great bullpen away from the identity crisis know as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Outside of the young talent the Angels harbor, I am not quite sure where else the Yankees would consider a deal. As far as Sheffied, I think his departure depends on Jason Giambi’s offseason surgery progress and what a deal for A-Rod might bring. I love Sheffield, but does it really make sense to pay $13M and $21M (Giambi’s 2007 payout) for 2 first basemen? Finally, with Melky Cabrera coming off the bench, is bringing Bernie Williams back for 1 more season worth it? Of course. What could it hurt to bring a fan favorite back for the veteran salary minimum?

I guess that just leaves the bullpen, which like any team, is always a work in progress. Mariano is starting to show his age, but I guess someone forgot to tell his numbers that. The backend is set with Kyle Farnsworth and Mariano Rivera anchoring the 8th and 9th respectively. Scott Proctor logged enough innings to secure a position in 2007 and Brian Bruney has emerged as a much needed power arm. The questions however remain in the abilities of Octavio Dotel and Tanyon Sturtze to perform following injuries and whether they want to continue with Ron Villone as the other lefty compliment to Mike Myers.

Ultimately, I have complete confidence in Brian Cashman to make the necessary moves to compete in 2007. And bringing back Joe Torre was a step in the right direction. No other manager in the league knows what it takes to manage the team with the brightest spotlight and George Steinbrenner on his back better than Torre. It’s all about 27 in 2007.