Joe Torre appears closer to remaining manager of the MFYs. Great thing. Choices aren't very good.
If Giraldi is/was chosen, Posada, Riviera, and Pettite are gone. He did a great job on Florida last year, but clashed with both management and a couple of players. That won't work in NY.
If Mattingly is/was chosen, not sure if he has the chops yet to assume the role without any previous managerial experience. Sentimental pick, but would assure the team of an uncertain 2008.
Lou Piniella is only out there as a name. Seriously doubt he'd be considered.
Tony LaRussa was a great coach in Oakland and St. Louis. Those markets fit him and his style. The NY media would eat him alive. No can do.
I'll go out on a limb and say what I think should happen prior to the 2008 season.
- Let A-Rod go. Too much of a soap opera, with nothing to show for it. Except 2 AL MVP awards. Who cares? We only care about World Series wins. Everything else is a failure. F--- Boras and him, IF he decides to opt out. I could care less if he even winds up in Boston.
- Sign Mike Lowell 11 days after the World Series to shore up 3rd base for the next 3 yrs.
- Re-sign Posada, Riviera, Vizcaino
- Pick up the option on Andy Pettitte; veteran leadership needed for one more year
- Sign Bobby Abreu to a 2 yr deal, plus option; if unable, take a shot at Torii Hunter instead; goal would be to kill time until Jose Tabata is ready
- Trade Kei Igawa (will prosper elsewhere in smaller market), Ian Kennedy, Shelley Duncan, and Alberto Gonzales (top SS) to the Twins for Johan Santana; sign Santana to a 5 yr, $100 million contract
- Get rid of Giambi and Farnsworth, PLEASE!!!
- Allow Clemens to "retire".....again.
2008 Rotation would be Santana, Wang, Pettite, Mussina, Hughes
2008 Bullpen: Riviera, Chamberlain, Vizcaino, Bruney, Villone, Humberto Sanchez/Chase Wright
2008 Lineup: Damon (DH), Jeter (SS), Abreu/Hunter (RF), Matsui (LF), Lowell (3B), Posada (C), Mientkiewicz (1B), Cano (2B), Cabrera (CF).
2008 Bench: Betemit (IF-OF), Molina (C), Giambi (if not waived - DH), Brett Gardner (OF)