The New York Yankees needed more than a change in leadership when the Steinbrenner family unloaded Joe Torre. It is not Joe Girardi's fault that the Yankees are in the basement of the American League East. The issue is the core group of Yankees is getting older. Rivera, Jeter, Posada and yes A-Rod are all 32 years old to 38 years old. This group has given their best at all times. The young Yankees have not added much punch. Robinson Cano has too many "head" problems. Melky Cabrera is an adequate utility outfielder and Johnny Damon is past his prime. Bobby Abreu is almost 34 years old as well and Matsui is 34 and always a contirbutor. The problem for the Yankees is that all of the above players are not 24 years old any longer. Jason Giambi was finished as a big time player at least three years ago. The Yankees need some youth all around. Pitching wins games and championships, the Yankees will not win a World Series with the pitchers on this roster. Pettitte is a mess in the head after the Clemens issue and HGH issue. The young guns are not ready and may never be ready. Mike Mussina is nearing 40 and still gives it a go even without a fastball. A bit of history, when Whitey Ford came up to the Yankees in 1950 Ford was 21 years old and won 9 games and a World Series game. I do not see this coming from Hughes and Kennedy. Joba Chamberlain may need to move up to the starting five. Whatever the Yankees do this year will not be enough for them to beat Boston, or even Tampa Bay. Well there is 2009 and the new Yankee Stadium.
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