What was the difference between the Yankees of ’09 and the team that missed the playoffs in ’08?

Answer: CC, Burnett, and Tex.

And when did we get those guys?

During the winter free agent period, which we’re in once again.

So we better get moving on something inspiring, because Boston & Seattle are doing their damnest to overtake us. And they’ve definately made major in-roads on us the last few days.

So, yes, it is time to start worrying!

And yes, I do think we’re no longer the clear cut favorite to win the AL or WS at this point.

Look at Seatles’ pitching now, god their starting three is scary now. If they get some more offensive, as they’re trying to do & no doubt will do, they could be extremely tough to beat in the playoffs.

And that’s assumeing we can get by Boston, who’s starting five is clearly better than our starting five with the signing of Lackey. And yes, our offensive is better than Boston’s, but their obviously going to add at least one more bat, and that bat might be a certain fellow in San Diego, who’ll help close the gap some between them and us.

Bottom line: we are not markedly better than Boston or Seattle at this point; we may even be getting perilously close to even with those two, and both those teams are prepared to add more parts to their team, so we certainly need to do more.

So go get Holliday and Sheets, Cashman.

I’ll start reading encyclopedia . . .when I get to Z, I’ll assume you’ve given up.

Damon’s defense is HIDEOUS at this point in his career, He’s even scary under fly balls. It’s hard to believe, but Melky in left is actually an upgrade over Damon in left field.

Stronger arm: Melky. He can actually reach home on less than 64 bounces (about 63 less).

Faster runner: Melky.

Damon was a better hitter for power last year (24 vs. 13), and a slightly better hitter for average, but not markedly so (.282 vs. .274 during the regular season and .281 vs. .271 during the post season).

So, Damon’s offensive numbers were better, but not markedly better than Melky’s, but let’s not forget three important things:

1. Be very leery of players who match their best years or drastically improve in a category such as HRs in THEIR WALK YEAR. Those player’s numbers virtually always drop off preciptiously after they get a new contract.

2. Damon is already in his decline years (at age 36, I believe), while Melky is just approaching his prime, so Melky is more likely to improve, while Damon is more likely to decline rapidly.

Players in their late 30s don’t improve like wine, they improve only with steroids, so there’s little or no chance we’ll see a repeat of Damon’s numbers from last year this year, while Melky’s numbers could (at least theoretically) improve as he moves into his prime.

3. Damon’s defense is so bad that it easily offsets any offensive advantage he has over Melky.

This is not to say I’m thrilled about the idea of going with Melky in left. I’d prefer Holliday. But, all things considered, Melky in left is no worse than a push when compared to Damon in left.

And if you want Damon as a DH, there are definately better options available than him –e.g., Delgado (not one of my favorities), Vladdy, or Dunn — and those guys can at least supply a measure of protection for A-Rod in the 5th spot, which Damon can’t do.

Really? If the Yankees added Bay to their lineup right now and didn’t make another move for the rest of the offseason, I think you’d be hard pressed to suggest that the Yankees would be anything less than favorites to represent the AL in the WS.