189

The Yankees seem like they are standing firm on their goal to not exceed the new hard cap of $189 million in salary starting in 2014. So far this off-season, the Yankees have only handed out one year contracts to players who can make a large impact in the 2013 season. However, the Ichiro deal that is in the works is rumored to be a two year pact at a relatively low annual salary.

With big name free agents off the board like the recently signed outfielder Josh Hamilton and starting pitcher Zach Grienke, it leaves the Yankee fan wondering what the Yankees front office will do this winter. They let Russell Martin and Eric Chavez get away, they passed on MVP Josh Hamilton to fill their right field void, and don't have many contracts that go into 2014. Are the Steinbrenners not committed to winning anymore? They sold a majority share of the YES Network to News Corp last month, making them even more wealthy and still do not want to surpass the luxary tax threshold in 2014. How will the Yankees possibility field a contender beyond 2014 by not signing free agents and lack of depth in their farm system? I don't know the answer to that one, folks.

However, I do know that Brian Cashman is always talking to other clubs about potential trades. He wants to field a championship caliber team every year, and he can only go as far as the Steinbrenners are allowing him to go. With no right fielder (as of this moment), no real starting catcher and questions on the left side of the infield, the Yankees have a lot of work to do if they want to compete in the AL East in future years.

Robinson Cano will be a free agent after the 2013 season, and he wants to make Alex Rodriguez money. With Scott Boras as his agent, I am sure that Cano will sign a huge deal next winter, however I don't think the Yankees are willing to spend that kind of money on another player on the wrong side of 30. This may be a tough pill to swallow, but I think the Dodgers will go hard after Cano after the 2013 season. If Cano signs elsewhere and the Yankees do not sign any free agents, this will be a tough team to watch in 2014.