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nyy26wc · 05-23-2013, 11:26 AM

Trader's Lee perspective--

January 1, 2000--I've done it. I've bought the New York Yankees. 2 time defending World Champions. 25 time World Champions. Team of the century. Most successful franchise in sports history. And, now it's my responsibility to keep that going.

One thing I want to do about this team is we've got to add power. Yes, we won the World Series last year, but I don't like the fact that the 1999 Yankees finished 9th in the AL in HR. That's unacceptable to me. And, the Yankees haven't led the American League in HR since the legendary 1961 team. That WILL change under my leadership. It's not going to happen this year. But, it WILL happen.

I like what I see with this team. Our pitching, led by Roger Clemens, along with Andy Pettitte, David Cone and Orlando Hernandez is a major asset. I've got Ramiro Mendoza penciled in as #5, but I might have to see what options are available there.

In the bullpen, Jeff Nelson and Mike Stanton give us a formidable setup. Mariano Rivera has excelled in the 9th inning the past 3 years. But, I know, I know. He turned 30 a few weeks ago. He doesn't show any signs of slowing down, but we all know what happens to relievers. One day, we'll wake up and I won't be able to wait to show his ass the door. It would be nice to say he's part of our very long term future. But, to paraphrase the immortal Sheldon Cooper, I believe in an infinite number of Mariano Riveras, in an infinite number of universes, but in no possible universe could a closer be effective until he's in his 40s. Yeah, I know. I shouldn't even be thinking that long term right now. But, just something told me I should preserve that thought for historical posterity. Future Yankees historians need to know how right I will unfortunately be in this area. But, of course, that's a problem for another day. Maybe 2002, maybe 2005, but not today. It better not be 2000 or 2001. I better not have another Mark Wohlers on my hands. If so, this is going to be a long season.

The core of our lineup excites me. Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Chuck Knoblauch, Jorge Posada--now that's a core to build around. I think we can get a couple of more good years from Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez. We don't have the power I want yet, but we'll get there.

My minor league system isn't too promising at the moment. I've got this kid, Soriano. My scouts tell me he has good major league power. I'm excited about his 40 HR a year potential and he might also be able to steal 40. But, I'm worried that he might 40 HR in a season and only reach base 41 times that year. Right now, he's a 3B, he could play SS and his projected future is at 2B. I just don't know if it will be for me. He's not on the trading block today, but if I need to make a major move in 2000, I don't know if I even have a 2nd bullet in my gun.

05-23-2013, 11:26 AM	#2
nyy26wc All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 679	Trader's Lee perspective-- January 1, 2000--I've done it. I've bought the New York Yankees. 2 time defending World Champions. 25 time World Champions. Team of the century. Most successful franchise in sports history. And, now it's my responsibility to keep that going. One thing I want to do about this team is we've got to add power. Yes, we won the World Series last year, but I don't like the fact that the 1999 Yankees finished 9th in the AL in HR. That's unacceptable to me. And, the Yankees haven't led the American League in HR since the legendary 1961 team. That WILL change under my leadership. It's not going to happen this year. But, it WILL happen. I like what I see with this team. Our pitching, led by Roger Clemens, along with Andy Pettitte, David Cone and Orlando Hernandez is a major asset. I've got Ramiro Mendoza penciled in as #5, but I might have to see what options are available there. In the bullpen, Jeff Nelson and Mike Stanton give us a formidable setup. Mariano Rivera has excelled in the 9th inning the past 3 years. But, I know, I know. He turned 30 a few weeks ago. He doesn't show any signs of slowing down, but we all know what happens to relievers. One day, we'll wake up and I won't be able to wait to show his ass the door. It would be nice to say he's part of our very long term future. But, to paraphrase the immortal Sheldon Cooper, I believe in an infinite number of Mariano Riveras, in an infinite number of universes, but in no possible universe could a closer be effective until he's in his 40s. Yeah, I know. I shouldn't even be thinking that long term right now. But, just something told me I should preserve that thought for historical posterity. Future Yankees historians need to know how right I will unfortunately be in this area. But, of course, that's a problem for another day. Maybe 2002, maybe 2005, but not today. It better not be 2000 or 2001. I better not have another Mark Wohlers on my hands. If so, this is going to be a long season. The core of our lineup excites me. Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Chuck Knoblauch, Jorge Posada--now that's a core to build around. I think we can get a couple of more good years from Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez. We don't have the power I want yet, but we'll get there. My minor league system isn't too promising at the moment. I've got this kid, Soriano. My scouts tell me he has good major league power. I'm excited about his 40 HR a year potential and he might also be able to steal 40. But, I'm worried that he might 40 HR in a season and only reach base 41 times that year. Right now, he's a 3B, he could play SS and his projected future is at 2B. I just don't know if it will be for me. He's not on the trading block today, but if I need to make a major move in 2000, I don't know if I even have a 2nd bullet in my gun.