Spring Training getting closer

Well, the relevance of my last post lasted slightly less time then it took me to create it.  Alex and the Yankee brass kissed and made up, Posada and Rivera re-signed, and most of the focus has been on Johan Santana ever since.  I still think there’s work to be done on the roster before spring training begins, but whether or not the Yankees front office agrees is another matter.

Step 1:  First Base

It is beyond me how the Yankees can have a payroll north of $200M, yet do not have a first baseman that could be called league average.  And this will be the second year in a row that they have failed to acquire one.  How is that possible?

It appears as though the current plan is for a Betemit/Duncan platoon at 1B — that should be a fallback position in the event of injury, not what you open the season with.  No disrespect intended to either player, but at this point, they seem better suited for bench roles then in the starting lineup.

I stand by my previous post that the first option should be Nick Johnson.  At the time, I thought the Nationals would be interested in a Clippard-Igawa package for him, but the Yankees have since traded Clippard to Washington for Alabaladejo.  With Dmitri Young contractually entrenched at 1B for the next couple of years, the Nationals will not need a MLB 1B for a few years.  How about an Igawa – Juan Miranda package?  A pitcher now and a 1B ready to go when Young’s contract is up? 

In the absence of a deal for Nick Johnson, I’ve always thought Dan Johnson would be a guy I wouldn’t mind seeing the Yankees take a chance on.  While not the most defensively gifted individual, his willingness to take a walk should keep his OBP numbers high, and I think he could excel in a more hitter friendly ballpark then what he faces in Oakland.  The future at 1B for the A’s is obviously Daric Barton — not sure what they would be looking for in exchange for Johnson, but I wouldn’t think it would be too overwhelming.

Let me know what you think?  Any other options?

Up next — the outfield …