Yankee's Winter Wish-list

After last years sorry excuse of a season, I'm hoping the Steinbrenner's open up the wallet a little wider this year, but also exercise a little wisdom in their spending. Here's who I want on the Yank's '09 roster once the shopping is finally over:

C - Jorge Posada. Hopefully Posada will be able to return to form as one of the best backstops in the AL. I'm a little worried though, because of his recent injury and his age.

1B - Mark Teixeira. He's a top 10 American League hitter and one of the best fielders at his position. At 28 years old, he is just reaching his prime and I see no problem with offering him a large 8-10 year contract.

2B. - Robinson Cano. He had a bad, inconsistent year last year, so hopefully working with Kevin Long over the offseason will give him a little more discipline at the plate and a better work ethic over all.

SS. - Derek Jeter. Let's see if he can overcome a somewhat down year at the plate last season and spark the Yankees offense. This could also be his last season at short, but that's far from anyone's thoughts right now.

3B. Alex Rodriguez - Same as Jeter, he needs to step it up offensively. His BA with RISP was awful last year, which, contrary to popular belief, is not normal for him.

RF - Nick Swisher. I'm not to thrilled about his signing, especially because Cashman appears to prefer him at 1B, but since we have him, he would be a vast upgrade over Abreu defensively in right field.

CF - Brett Gardner. Still needs to prove he can hit, so Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera would also split some time with him until his big-league ready.

LF - Xavier Nady. Matsui could make some spot starts in left too.

DH - Matsui/Damon/Posada

Bench - Jose Molina, Melky Cabrera, Justin Christian, Cody Ransom

SP1 - CC Sabathia. A huge need for the Yanks that they matched with a huge $140 offer. Let's see if he takes it.

SP2 - AJ Burnett. I am a little wary of him though, because of his history if injuries and his demand for a 5 year deal.

SP3 - Chien-Ming Wang - Almost an ace, having him in the third slot is a great sign.

SP4 - Andy Pettite. Give him a 1 year deal with an option for a second.

SP5 - Joba Chamberlain. Who knows if injuries will hold him back for reaching his potential?

Bullpen - Mariano Rivera, Humberto Sanchez, Damaso Marte, Phil Coke, Dan Geise, Alfredo Aceves, Edwar Ramirez, Brian Bruney. If they perform like they did last year, our 'pen will be the least of our concerns.

With inevitable injuries to hit the rotation at one point or another, look for Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy to get another shot in the majors. Hopefully a team like that can get us #27. Can't wait for February and the beginning of Spring Training!