Today's the Day

The off season has come to a close for the Yankees. It was an off season that was different from all the others. No big name free agents were signed and the Yankees are trying to lower their payroll. They made three significant moves this off season. The first two came on the same day on that Friday the 13th in January. They traded away prospect Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda. On the same day, they came to an agreement with free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda on a one-year deal that will further stabilize the Yankees rotation.

Their next move is still pending, however it is essentially a done deal. They dealt erratic pitcher, A.J. Burnett to the Pirates for salary relief and two marginal prospects. The Yankees rotation is now one of the best in the game on paper, with a powerful 1-2 punch, Sabathia and Pineda.

The Yankees final move will come during spring training. They will probably sign Raul Ibanez to a one-year deal to be their lefty designated hitter. If finances permit, (can't believe I'm saying this about the New York Yankees) they will go out and sign Eric Chavez to provide insurance for an aging A-Rod at third base and an occasional inning at first.

So the day is here, all of the moves made in the off-season are put under a microscope and are dissected piece by piece. All of that does not matter. The Yankees are back in business, healthy and fresh, and that's what makes me happy- I have something to look forward to. Not many fans are blessed to have a team that succeeds year in and year out.