Yanks acquire Swisher

Cashman made his first big move of the offseason, with the trading partner being the WHite Sox.The deal: Wilson Betemit, and two minor league pitchers (Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez) for Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Texeira (in case you’re wondering, Kanekoa’s a Hawaiian). A pretty good deal for the Yankees, to say the least. Swisher’s still young and can hit, he just had a down year last season. Averaging 26 homers for his entire career is pretty decent, and the Yanks didn’t give up much. (Although I’ll miss that platoonin’ Betemit).

Filing: Andy

36-year old righty Andy Pettitte recently filed for free agency. Pettitte has sworn that if he pitches in ‘09, it’ll be for the Yankees. That probably means he’ll be back in the big leagues wearing pinstripes, because Mike Mussina will (probably) retire. Oh yeah, Andy will settle for a one-year contract, not a 2-year one.

Can Jeter convince CC?

This is a rather interesting update, and Ed Price has the scoop.

Derek Jeter Friday revealed he had spoken to Sabathia — the Yankees’ top target in free agency — in recent weeks about playing in pinstripes.

Golden Moose

39-year old Mike Mussina, who just came off a spectacular 2008 season in which he won 20 games, procured his seventh career Gold Glove award. Kudos to you, Moose. You should really consider coming back to the Yanks in ‘09, now.

Damaso: You’re declined

Lefty reliever Damaso Marte, who joined the Bombers midseason in the Xavier Nady trade, recently got his 6 million option for 2009 declined by the Yankees. This is an expected move, so I’m sure none of us are surprised. The Yankees should sign him to a 2-year contract with a bit of a slight discount, or let him go to some other team and scoop up the draft picks. Remember, Damaso Marte is a Type A free agent, so letting him go won’t be so bad. I still, however, like the presence of a veteran lefty in the bullpen, and Marte does fill the bill.

Triumphant Barack & Other News

Change has finally rained upon the land of America. Barack Obama, a 47-year old senator, won the Presidential Election over John McCain and became the 1st African-American President in the history of the U.S. Barack’s the 44th president of the U.S. in its long history, dating all the way back to G.W. It’s good to know that the Yankees’ nation (NY) supported Obama in electorial votes. (Yes, I am an Obama supporter, ha).

Enough of that, let’s put the politics aside.

Yanks sign Sergio Mitre

Well, it’s time to look at Brian Cashman’s first splash in the Hot Stove season. Cashman made a minor move in snagging right-hander Sergio Mitre off the market.

Thanks Bobby, but it’s Adios to you

Bobby wants to remain a Yankee. Sorry, but it’ll only happen in your dreams, Abreu. According to Chris Leible (Abreu’s agent) , Abreu expressed that “he’s been very happy with the Yankees, and the Yankees are also his first choice.”

A-Rod and Madonna sighted

Via the Post – A new story on the ongoing saga of Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. Madonna—

Manny is da man?

The Yankees will thankfully explore all options this offseason. However, Hank Steinbrenner does likes Manny Ramirez, which is pretty surprising, due to Man-Ram’s age.

Ian Kennedy > Willy Taveras

Yes, everyone in the Yankee empire (except for Brian Cashman, of course) hates IPK. His stuff is just plain horrible and it looks like he’ll never become the ace the fans want. But…

Here’s the latest scoop.

Bruney or Coke?

This is just a random question, but who do you think is the most reliable reliever for the Yanks after Mariano Rivera? Considering that Joba will become a starter, will Brian Bruney or new-face Phil Coke shine brighter in the ‘pen? Cast your opinions! (A poll on this will be made soon)