The Yankees are busy in the hot stove season. 

The Yankees offered CC Sabbathia $140 million for 6 years yesterday according to ESPN 1050 and Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack. (Mega thanks Jack!)  This is slight increase over the Mets offer to Johan Santana last year.  Given the money the Yankees are saving on expiring contracts (Giambi, Pavano, etc), the Yankees can afford to pay CC what he wants.  I wouldn't be surprised if the final number is $145 to $150+ million.  CC will also make more in endorsements than he would in Milwaukee.  So the ball is in CC's court if he wants to pitch in New York, Milwaukee, or somewhere else.  I hope the Yankees get CC and/or Burnett from the Blue Jays.

On Thursday, the Yankees traded Wilson Betemit and two prospects for Nick Swisher of the Chicago White Sox.  I hate to see Betemit go but it gives the Yankees a switch hitter who can play first base and the outfield.  They gives the Yankees options after Damon's contract expires at the end of 2009.  2009 will be a big year to see if Gardner can hit big league pitching and/or Melky Cabrera bounces back.  Competition is good and Swisher is another option.  I don't think the Yankees will re-sign Damon in 2010, at least not to another four year contract if Gardner and/or Cabrera don't work out.  Anyway, we'll cross the 2010 bridge when we get there but we're setting the chess pieces in place.

Given the Swisher signing, it probably means that Angels free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira won't come here.  He either wants to stay with the Angels and/or the Yankees are laser beam focused on pitching.  My only concern about Swisher is that he hit .219 last season.  He needs to hit .250+ next season, God Willing.

Next week is big as we'll find out if Mike Mussina wants to come back.  You know that SATT will cover it.  Keep the Faith!

Posted by a cautiously optimistic Tank in Hot Stove Land.