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As we try to transition from Alex Rodriguez news to real baseball discussions, manager Joe Girardi has come out with some statements regarding the team’s upcoming approach to the season. It appears that Hideki Matsui will strictly DH from now on (which I completely agree with), and newly added Mark Teixeira will hit 3rd, in front of Alex Rodriguez. My opinion on the latter is that I think a guy of Teixeira’s ability should be used to protect A-Rod - PLUS he will have a great opportunity to drive A-Rod in (being the great baserunner that he is). However, Girardi is probably trying to mix up the righties and lefties, so he would hit a lefty/righty/lefty/righty to start the line-up. Now, if Cano explodes the way many think this year, you can stick him in the 3-hole and still have lefty/righty/lefty/righty, while Tex hits behind A-Rod at #5.

Matsui will be interesting to watch, because if he takes off and shows that he can endure the season without injury, he could very well be dealt during the year to a team that needs offense (specifically in the American League) - that would free up some space on the roster and continue to drive the team in the direction of getting younger/athletic. He’s in the final year of his contract, so we will have to see how that sounds to teams around the league (maybe Seattle will be in the race by the break, and be intrigued to add Matsui to a line-up that now has Griffey back).

Last on the list today is the pursuit of an unknown Mexican pitcher named Walter Silva - apparently he put up quite a showing in the Mexican Winter League, striking out 29 guys in 35 innings. He’s 32-years-old, right-handed, and currently belongs to the Monterrey club. Maybe this could be another El Duque situation, where we can grab this guy while he’s still in his early 30’s and add to the depth of the staff? I have no idea if he can pitch in this league, but if it’s not too much of an expense, it’s worth a look.

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