YankeesRedSox.com

If this report is true, the Yankees have signed Sabathia.  That's a huge hole they filled at the front of the rotation and while the contract is too long and too expensive, they got their ace.  A 28-year old lefty, who struck out 251 batters last year will head their rotation.  That is a wonderful thing if you are a Yankees' fan. (Side note, this story is developing and now multiple sources are reporting the deal is seven years and $160 million.  Interesting that the average per year is actually slightly lower in the new deal from the original offer of $140/6.  Either way, Sabathia won't have any money worries)

Now the next job on Brian Cashman's list is to not screw things up by signing another pitcher to another enormous deal.  AJ Burnett has great talent, but since he broke into the majors in 2000 he has pitched 200 innings three times and two of those times were when he was trying for a new deal.  I don't know if that is just a coincidence, but it is something to think about before throwing money at him.

Derek Lowe last pitched in the AL in 2004 and compiled a 5.42 ERA.  He is going to be 36 and do you really want to give a pitcher that old a four-year deal?  Isn't it a much safer bet to bring back Pettitte for one year or try Sheets on a short deal?

If you look at the payroll, the Yankees could spend $55 million more and still lower the overall number from last year. I would suspect somewhere around $30 of that is going to starters (say a combo of Pettitte and Burnett for example), but that still leaves a big chunk of cash if the Yankees wanted to go after a big bat. Stay tuned....