YankeesRedSox.com

Philosophically, I have no problem with Brian Cashman holding onto the Yankees' prospects. In fact, I prefer it. Usually, it is a lot more fun to root for guys who grew up in the system than to root for imports. This fall/winter we have seen the big pitching names go off the board through free agency, posting, extensions and trades. Apart from a guy like Kuroda, there is very little left out there that you could see helping the Yankees in 2012. So, I think it is fair to say that Brian Cashman has decided to use his farm system instead of his pocket book to improve the Yankees this offseason. I am 100% on board with this plan, but now Brian has to be as well.

What does that mean? It means no more Sergio Mitre's or Brian Gordon's in 2012. Those spots don't get wasted on other organizations retreads, they go to guys like Noesi, Warren and Phelps. It means a guy like Kevin Whelan gets to stick in the big league pen for a few weeks after dominating AAA and Jesus Montero opens the season as a regular in the lineup. Prospects are a depreciating asset. They are the opposite of a fine wine, the older the get the more they lose in value. You can only stock them in AAA for so long before they begin to become worthless. The Yankees have a ton of guys who could help the 2012 club in their system. Cashman didn't want to trade those guys this offseason, so it is time to start using them.

Barring any Yankees news in the next few days, this will mark the start of my Christmas break. I will be back at some point next week, but until then I hope everyone enjoys the holidays.