Plum Crazy

1. Not sign Carlos Beltran. Not unless they find a way to dump Jason Giambi and his hefty salary. If they're worried about Bernie Williams' ability to play center, move Hideki Matsui to center and Williams to left. We already know Matsui can play center (he's faster than he looks, and he's played it before), and if they are stuck with Giambi, it would make no sense to have Williams DH. Of course, if they can get rid of Giambi, then, by all means, sign Beltran. But otherwise, use that money to get what the Yankees really need - PITCHING!

2. Sign Carl Pavano. Unless they can find a way to trade for Johan Santana, but I don't see the Twins agreeing to trade him. Of course, if there's a way for them to have both Pavano and Santana, well...

3. Keep Jon Lieber. That Tommy John elbow surgery seems to have helped him a lot. Outside of one bad inning, he pitched very well during the ALCS.

4. Bullpen, bullpen, bullpen. Buh-bye Heredia. Find another lefty reliever. The man has one use and one use only - getting out David Ortiz. A lefty reliever also needs to get out other batters too, not grant runs. Also, nix either Sturtze or Quantrill and get a more consistent righty reliever. Ramiro Mendoza comes to mind.

5. I'm unsure as to whether or not they should keep Javy Vazquez, as he does show signs of being a great pitcher, or dump him and keep Loaiza instead. I was impressed with Loaiza's stuff out of the bullpen during the ALCS, so I think there may be hope for him yet. But don't keep both.

I seriously hope Joe Torre still has his job next year. I don't know if Steinbrenner would fire him, but Torre may decide to resign if Steinbrenner doesn't back off. Torre knew that what the Yankees needed for 2004 was pitching, not A-Rod, but did the Boss listen? However, if Steinbrenner does fire Torre, I will hate Steinbrenner even more than I do now. And that's saying something.