The next segment in the "Decisions, Decisions" series will take a look at free agent infielders. Although many believe that the only need is at first base, certain circumstances may arise that would cause the Yankees to need more than this. These circumstances will be explained before each infield position's listed possibilities.

Should Jorge Posada's rehab show that he is unable to catch for all, or any, of the 2009 season, the Yankees may look into a more quality backup catcher than Jose Molina. With that, let's take a look at the catchers on the market.

Catchers

Josh Bard- Prior to the 2008 season, Josh Bard had shown that he was a quality backup catcher, with his best season coming in 2007, and another quality season in 2006 (seven of these games came with Boston, where he did not do so well). However, I do not see Bard as a superior backup to Jose Molina, thus I do not see him signing with the Yankees

Michael Barrett- Michael Barrett was once a quality catcher for the Chicago Cubs. However, those days are behind him. Also, his attitude problems may scare many teams away, including the Yankees. Much like Josh Bard, I see Jose Molina as a better catcher, thus I do not see Barrett donning the pinstripes in 2009.

Miguel Olivo- Many rumors had the Yankees linked to Miguel Olivo around the time of the All-Star Break. Olivo has been much better offensively than Jose Molina. However, he has a slightly lower fielding percentage throughout his shorter career. Because I cannot see the Yankees offering Ivan Rodriguez arbitration, for fear that he will accept, and because Olivo could possibly become a free agent, should the Royals opt for the buyout, I could see Olivo signing a short contract with the Yankees if Jorge Posada's rehab does not take the route that we hope it does.

Should the Yankees opt for the buyout on Jason Giambi's contract, which is very likely, a first baseman would be a necessity. Here's what the free agent market has to offer:

First Baseman

Mark Teixeira- Mark Teixeira has been great thoughout his somewhat short career. With numbers such as 203 home runs, a lifetime .290 batting average, and a .996 lifetime fielding percentage at first base, Teixeira could be exactly what the Yankees need to spark the line up. Having lacked a Gold Glove-type first baseman since the Don Mattingly era, I can see the Yankees signing Teixeira in a heartbeat.

Hank Blalock- Although this name has been thrown around very little in the Mark Teixeira hype, Hank Blalock may be a great plan B to Mark Teixeira. After great seasons in 2005 and 2006, Blalock just could not seem to stay healthy in 2007 or 2008, playing in a combined 123 games. However, in the games that he did play from 2007 to 2008, Blalock had 24 home runs, 71 runs batted in, and had a .996 fielding percentage at first base in 2008 (this was the first year that he played the position). Blalock has always had the potential to be a great player, but has not had the chance as of late. Should the Rangers opt for the buyout and Teixeira go elsewhere, I could see the Yankees signing Hand Blalock.

Adam Dunn- Although Adam Dunn has made his name as an outfielder, he has played a good amount of first base in his career. Although he has never played in the American League, one would think that his outstanding numbers would translate after a short period of time. Despite the fact that Adam Dunn has had a great offensive career, his career fielding percentage at first base is only .984, which is lower than Jason Giambi's in his time with the Yankees. I don't believe that is what the Yankees are looking for in a first baseman, thus I don't see Dunn in a Yankees uniform, at least not at first base, come 2009.

After hearing many rumors about Robinson Cano being on the trade market, I decided that I should add a short list of possible replacements at second base. This list would only pertain to the Yankees if Robinson Cano is traded and the Yankees do not receive a second baseman in return. With that, here's who's available through free agency:

Second Baseman

Orlando Hudson- Although Orlando Hudson missed a good portion of 2008, he helped the Arizona Diamondbacks in many ways both this year and in years passed. Although Hudson has been out of the American League for a few years now, he is an All-Star caliber player that would surely readjust quite quickly. Although Hudson's numbers are a bit lower than Robinson Cano's, with the exception of his fielding percentage, which is .003 % higher than Cano's, Hudson would be far superior to any other second baseman the Yankees would have to offer. However, Hudson may ask for far too much money, especially since the Yankees would first want to acquire a starting pitcher and possibly a first baseman. In conclusion, I could see Hudson playing for the Yankees if Robinson Cano is traded, but don't look forward to Brian Cashman and the Yankees giving up on Robbie just yet.

According to Peter Abraham and Rob Neyer, the Yankees and Mets have discussed a blockbuster trade. This trade would send centerfielder Carlos Beltran to the Yankees and move second baseman Robinson Cano, reliever Jose Veras (or Brian Bruney), starting pitcher Ian Kennedy, and another Yankees' prospect to the Mets.

Although this would be a great trade for the Yankees (with the exception of having to find a second baseman), I do not see this one happening, as the Mets would be giving up an all-star centerfielder for some players that can hopefully live up to their potential.

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As you all know, the Yankees are looking to boost their club using sources outside of their system. Meaning that Brian Cashman and the Yankees are expected to be extremely this winter. Part two of Decisions, Decisions will focus on free agent starting pitchers.

Starting Pitchers

CC Sabathia- CC has proved himself to be a Cy Young-type player in both the American League and the National League. However, his increasingly high inning totals may be somewhat of a concern to the Yankees, as he threw 253 innings in 2008, 241 innings in 2007, and 192.7 innings in 2006. Although these rising numbers may cause concern about Sabathia's shoulder or arm in the future, it would be worth the signing, both next year and for years to come. I see CC signing with the Yankees.

A.J. Burnett- Although A.J. Burnett has been known to be a "Yankee Killer," he has also been known to be quite injury-prone. Following the Carl Pavano incident, the Yankees may be scared away by this fact. Unless CC Sabathia goes elsewhere, don't expect to Burnett in pinstripes.

Ben Sheets- Ben Sheets is an example much like A.J. Burnett. Despite the fact that he is a great pitcher, he is rarely healthy enough to show it. Also, Sheets has little experience against American League batters, which would also scare the Yankees away a bit. Following the recent announcement of his injury, I don't see Sheets signing with the Yankees.

Derek Lowe- Despite the fact that Derek Lowe has been known to do well in both the American League and the National League, those days are behind him. Lowe is 36 years old and the Yankees are looking to get younger. Unless both Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina retire, I can't see Lowe as a Yankee.

Oliver Perez- Oliver Perez may seem like a great fit after 2008. However, he has seen very little American League batting and has not been good against the little that he has faced. Also, Perez seems to be very inconsistent. Despite his young age, Perez's high ERA and lack of experience in the AL will result in a deal with a team other than the Yankees.

Jon Garland- Jon Garland has been a steady pitcher in the American League for a while now, having consecutive 10 win seasons dating back to 2002. Although he does have about a 4.50 lifetime ERA, Garland would not be expected to be a number one starter, but more of a three or four starter (should CC Sabathia be signed). Also, Garland is will only be 29 years old at the start of the 2009 season, which would help somewhat in the youth movement. Unless he resigns with the Angels, I can see Garland in the Yankees' rotation.

Ryan Dempster- Following Ryan Dempster's great 2008 season after a move from the bullpen to the rotation, I can't see the Chicago Cubs letting him go quite yet. However, this may be better for the Yankees, as Dempster has seen very little American League batting and had a great jump in innings totals from 2007 to 2008, going from 66.7 innings to 206.7 innings. If the Yankees have been known for anything regarding starting pitchers lately, its that they like to build up on innings. I can't see Dempster pitching for the Yankees in 2009.

John Lackey and Brad Penny- I don't see the Angels or the Dodgers going for the buyout on either of these number one starters. Unfortunately, neither of these guys will be wearing pinstripes in 2009.

John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Livan Hernandez, and Kenny Rogers- Despite the fact that each of these pitchers have been great in their careers, that was long ago and the Yankees are looking for youth. There is no way that the Yankees sign any of these pitchers.

Check out the original post and the rest of the blog at pinstripespublished.blogspot.com

As you all know, the Yankees are looking to boost their club using sources outside of their system. Meaning that Brian Cashman and the Yankees are expected to be extremely this winter. Part two of Decisions, Decisions will focus on free agent starting pitchers.

Starting Pitchers

CC Sabathia- CC has proved himself to be a Cy Young-type player in both the American League and the National League. However, his increasingly high inning totals may be somewhat of a concern to the Yankees, as he threw 253 innings in 2008, 241 innings in 2007, and 192.7 innings in 2006. Although these rising numbers may cause concern about Sabathia's shoulder or arm in the future, it would be worth the signing, both next year and for years to come. I see CC signing with the Yankees.

A.J. Burnett- Although A.J. Burnett has been known to be a "Yankee Killer," he has also been known to be quite injury-prone. Following the Carl Pavano incident, the Yankees may be scared away by this fact. Unless CC Sabathia goes elsewhere, don't expect to Burnett in pinstripes.

Ben Sheets- Ben Sheets is an example much like A.J. Burnett. Despite the fact that he is a great pitcher, he is rarely healthy enough to show it. Also, Sheets has little experience against American League batters, which would also scare the Yankees away a bit. Following the recent announcement of his injury, I don't see Sheets signing with the Yankees.

Derek Lowe- Despite the fact that Derek Lowe has been known to do well in both the American League and the National League, those days are behind him. Lowe is 36 years old and the Yankees are looking to get younger. Unless both Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina retire, I can't see Lowe as a Yankee.

Oliver Perez- Oliver Perez may seem like a great fit after 2008. However, he has seen very little American League batting and has not been good against the little that he has faced. Also, Perez seems to be very inconsistent. Despite his young age, Perez's high ERA and lack of experience in the AL will result in a deal with a team other than the Yankees.

Jon Garland- Jon Garland has been a steady pitcher in the American League for a while now, having consecutive 10 win seasons dating back to 2002. Although he does have about a 4.50 lifetime ERA, Garland would not be expected to be a number one starter, but more of a three or four starter (should CC Sabathia be signed). Also, Garland is will only be 29 years old at the start of the 2009 season, which would help somewhat in the youth movement. Unless he resigns with the Angels, I can see Garland in the Yankees' rotation.

Ryan Dempster- Following Ryan Dempster's great 2008 season after a move from the bullpen to the rotation, I can't see the Chicago Cubs letting him go quite yet. However, this may be better for the Yankees, as Dempster has seen very little American League batting and had a great jump in innings totals from 2007 to 2008, going from 66.7 innings to 206.7 innings. If the Yankees have been known for anything regarding starting pitchers lately, its that they like to build up on innings. I can't see Dempster pitching for the Yankees in 2009.

John Lackey and Brad Penny- I don't see the Angels or the Dodgers going for the buyout on either of these number one starters. Unfortunately, neither of these guys will be whering pinstripes in 2009.

John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Livan Hernandez, and Kenny Rogers- Despite the fact that each of these pitchers have been great in their careers, that was long ago and the Yankees are looking for youth. There is no way that the Yankees sign any of these pitchers.

Check out the original post and the rest of the blog at pinstripespublished.blogspot.com

This is the final interview for now.

I had a couple of questions regarding the offseason and 2009, so I set out to find answers. Thankfully, Peter Abraham is a great guy and didn't mind giving me a quick Q & A session. Here's what I got:

Q: Who will be the biggest free agent to be donning the pinstripes in 2009?

A: Mark Teixeira

Q: Who will be starting at centerfield on opening day of 2009?

A: Brett Gardner

Q: Who will be starting at first base on opening day of 2009?

A: [Mark] Teixeira

Q: Will the Yankees make any big splashes through trades this offseason? If so who do you see coming in?

A: Not a big splash, no. But I suspect Cashman will make a few moves.

Q: Will Jorge Posada make it as a catcher for all of 2009?

A: Impossible to say until he gets going in his rehab. But I suspect he'll tough it out.

Another big thank you to Peter Abraham at The LoHud Yankees Blog

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I went out to find some answers about the Yankees' AA-affiliate Trenton Thunder and the road led me to Thunder writer Mike Ashmore. Here's what I got through a quick Q & A:

Q: Which member(s) of the Thunder is most likely to be dealt this

offseason (if any)?

A: I don't really necessarily see anyone getting traded -- although there

seems to be a glut of pitching in the organization, so if someone does

go, it would probably be a pitcher -- but I think you could see a few

guys sign with other organizations.

If you look at some of the players who put up solid numbers but seem

to have little chance of advancement in the organization -- guys like

Jason Jones and P.J. Pilittere -- they would both seem to be

candidates to head elsewhere.

Q: Which member of the Thunder is most likely to make an impact for the

big league club in 2009?

A: Taking Humberto Sanchez and Francisco Cervelli out of the equation,

since both of them already got called up, I think Jhonny Nunez could

be a darkhorse to make a real impact with the Yankees next year.

He has a real interesting demeanor out there on the mound, and his

stuff is pretty nasty. Getting him for Alberto Gonzalez could turn

out to be one of the better deals Brian Cashman has pulled off.

Q: Yankee Empire is waiting, when will Austin Jackson be wearing pinstripes?

A: Whenever the Yankees are ready for him, because he's certainly good

enough to start 2009 in the new Yankee Stadium. I'd think you'll see

him make his debut somewhere around the All-Star break, assuming he

keeps up what he was doing with the Thunder for most of 2008.

Thanks again to Mike Ashmore over at Thunder Thoughts.

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The Yankees' offseason will be extremely active. But many want to know, who's staying and who's going?

While we can't see into the future, we can make an educated guess. Below is a list of Yankees' free agents following this season, as well as my prediction of what they will following the postseason,

Mike Mussina- retirement. It turns out that Moose's wife is set on him coming back home, and it seems that he may be willing to hang up the spikes after his first 20-win season.

Andy Pettitte- return to the rotation. This will be a big signing for the Yankees' rotation, not necessarily due to Pettitte's skill, but for his knowledge. He should help the young guns make a smooth transition.

Jason Giambi- leave through free agency. I just don't see The Big G returning to the Bronx, as the Yankees are trying to get both younger and more defensive, neither of which describes Giambi. Look for him to stay in the A.L., most likely as a DH.

Bobby Abreu- return to the outfield. This is a close call, as many sources are saying many things. However, I believe that Abreu's patience at the plate would be missed far to much by the usually free-swinging Bombers.

Carl Pavano- leave through free agency. Must I even explain this case?

Ivan Rodriguez- leave through free agency. On another close call, I believe that Rodriguez will not be offered arbitration, due to the fear that he may accept. However, should there be a set back in Jorge Posada's rehab, this could all change.

Sidney Ponson- leave through free agency. Although Ponson did have his occational bright start, he is still Sidney Ponson. Making this another "must I explain this case?"

Damaso Marte- return to the bullpen. Although Marte struggled early with the Yankees, he started to get used to the A.L. batting pretty quickly, as do most N.L. pitchers making the move. I believe Marte's option will be picked up and that he will, again, be the left-handed specialist in the Yankees' great bullpen.

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Phil Hughes allowed no runs on one hit and five walks, while striking out seven, in five innings of baseball in the Arizona Fall League. This is a great start with the exception of the high number of walks, which could easily have been because his last start was so long ago. Yankee top prospect Austin Jackson went 2-4 in the game with four RBIs. One of his two hits was an RBI triple.

That's about all of the major stats, I'll keep you updated throughout the AFL season.

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As you all know, I have set out to find some answers regarding the Yankees' offseason. My next Q & A session was with MLBTradeRumors.com founder and writer Tim Dierkes. Here's what we found out from yet another great source:

Q: Who will be the biggest free agent wearing pinstipes in 2009?

A: C.C. Sabathia. Their offseason plan seems to start with making him a huge offer.

Q: Will Brian Cashman make a big splash in the trade market this offseason? And if so, who do you see coming in?

A: I don't see it, I think he will mostly improve via free agency. I suppose he could inquire on Jake Peavy if unable to sign Sabathia.

Q: Do you see any top prospects leaving the Yankees' system through trade this offseason?

A: I don't.

Q: Who will be starting at first base for the Yankees on opening day of 2009?

A: It would not shock me to see them sign Teixeira if they can't get Sabathia. But just to change things up I'll go with Hank Blalock.

Q: Who will be the starting on the mound for the Yankees on opening day of 2009?

A: [CC] Sabathia.

A big thanks to Tim Dierkes for answering my questions.

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Did a short Q & A with Yankees' beat writer Peter Abraham on my blog, check it out.

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(Soon to be PinstripesPublished.com)