SU knows we are close to the beginning of baseball season when long-time subscriber, A. Grossman, starts emailing with his Yankee concerns.  Just a snippet from this week’s communication:

“It appears that the post George style for the Yankees in spending their money (wisely) is to remain competitive until a week or two before the trading deadline and then become either big buyers or big sellers. Last season we did the right thing though who knew the Yanks and Sanchez in particular were going to make things quite interesting until we finally faded near the end. I still can’t believe that the Cubs wouldn’t aggressively go after Chapman. Anyway, George would have done both… get some high profile players before the season and do more of the same near the deadline. I really haven’t seen much success since he can only be seen out in Monument Park. How did Boston beat us to signing a couple of great all ready proven pitchers? Are they connected with the New England Patriots?”

SU  says it’s fair to wonder if Hal Steinbrenner is as committed to “making the Yankees great (again)” based on some of his recent moves as his father was.  Clearly, he wants to get the payroll down and grow the roster with prospects and SU is fully behind this at the cost of being mediocre for a couple of years.  Once they rid the roster of Chase Headley and Chris Carter (it’s not too soon to start not liking this latest move – beat the rush), and move Jacoby Ellsbury for anyone, we will see real progress.

But the truly interesting news this week out of Yankeeland were Hal’s comments on Alex Rodriguez and his expanded role for the team.  Andrew Marchand of espn.com picked up on this and surmised that perhaps A-Rod might be the Yankees’ future manager.  SU thinks this would be a great move.  He is a student of the game and loves talking baseball with anyone who will listen, he works well with the youngsters and has taken many of them under his wing over the years and he knows how to deal with the media.  In-game strategy?  OK, you get some bench coach to help with that and let’s face it, the in-game strategy is over-rated in today’s power game.  The real value is being a good people manager and dealing with the egos.  Plus, think how muscular the Yankee players will be?  Just another benefit.  And it’s not like he needs the money and what’s he going to do if you fire him?

SU is a Joe Girardi fan and feels he is an excellent manager.  But he has been here since 2008 and like everything else, sometimes you need a change.  Don Mattingly is the other likely candidate but he is employed in Miami.  Willie Randolph would be another possibility but it’s not as compelling a story as A-Rod.  Hal has real affection for A-Rod.  This would be too good to pass up.  I don’t know if Brian Cashman would sign up for this but I suspect he doesn’t have the power anymore on these types of decisions.

Tyler Austin has a broken foot – out 6 weeks which is basically spring training.  Tough break literally for the youngster as he will be competing for 1st base and right field.  SU is hoping someone, anyone who plays 3rd base has an unreal spring training making Headley expendable.   It’s not too early to get on Chase Headley and his drive for 10 homeruns which will take the usual 500 at bats.

A-Rod for Yankee manager?  Who’s with me?