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So I’m not a guy that likes to get deep into the issue of politics, but I’ll mention a couple of things about this so-called subpoena that’s being issued to the Yanks by Assemblyman, Richard Brodsky. His issue is that the team already put a lot of money into getting this new stadium built, and came back to ask for an additional $259 million in tax-exempt bonds and $111 million in taxable bonds. He claims that this will ultimately be paid for by the tax-payers of the city, but Yankees’ president Randy Levine says that it’s simply not true. Here’s the bottom line - big businesses and sports franchises get “sweet-heart” deals all the time, and that’s the reality of the world we live in. I understand that we’re in the middle of an economic crisis in this country, but the fact of the matter is that the Yankees have money coming out of their ears, and they’re committed to constructing the best and most high-tech facility around. The stadium will provide jobs for people, and will also be a great thing for the city of New York - whether these politicians like it or not, sports are not only a form of entertainment for people, but they’re also a get-a-way from their hectic lives. Something that gives us enjoyment and happiness, when everything else goes arye. So Mr. Brodsky, I know that you’re trying to look out for the everyday tax-payer, but realize that this is more than just a sports stadium. It’s a big part of our lives.

Now that I got that out of the way, let’s get back to real baseball. There is a growing concern about the back-end of the Bombers’ rotation, being that Andy has played hard-ball, refusing to accept the more than generous $10 million offer. Now I believe that another move needs to be made as well, to simply fill out the rotation, and of course in case Burnett goes down or someone doesn’t work out. My first vote is to go after Oliver Perez, for a few very good reasons. The guy is still 27 (will turn 28 in August), left-handed, and what really attracts me is that he raises his peformance level when facing good teams. I realize that he can be up and down all year, and his control is still very much a concern, all valid. However, he’s pitched in New York, and if you could sign him for $11-12 mil/year on a 3-year deal, get it done immediately. That would give us 2 lefties in the rotation, with a lot of youth and possibly 3 different pitchers with ace-potential.

As far as the guys on the rotation fence: before season’s end, Phil Hughes will establish himself as a major-league pitcher (truly believe that); Joba will be back in the bullpen blowing guys away 1-2-3; Aceves and newly-signed Jason Johnson will be emergency starters, and Ian Kennedy will be back in the minors or get packaged in a trade. Also, keep an eye on Alan Horne and Andrew Brackman down on the farm…

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