The Yankees have a budget problem. Yeah, I know staying under $205 million or thereabouts doesn't sound like a problem when you're an A's fan but according to http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2010/11/03/prince-hals-balancing-act/ the Yankees are already committed to nearly $160 million for 2011 and want to sign at least 3 free agents - Lee, Jeter and Rivera - and Hal Steinbrenner says payroll won't be drastically different to 2010's $206.3 million.

Now Lee is likely to want Sabathia money ($24.3m in 2010). Although Rivera is now 40, given his production, he is unlikely to take a pay cut from this year's $15 million. So even with a really creative deal with Jeter (2010 $22.6 million), the budget is going to increase and the Yankees need more pitching.

After Lee, Sabathia and Hughes they have AJ Burnett, whose WHIP has worsened in the last 3 years and reached 1.51 leading to an ERA of 5.26, not even league average. As he is signed for $39 million over another 3 years, the choice is hope he improves or swallow a large part of the contract and find someone else to pitch his 186 innings. Andy Petitte also needs to be resigned (2010 $11.8 million) or his 129 innings replaced.

In addition they need another lefty in the bullpen and probably another setup man.

Swisher's OPS was 870 and he could take over RF again and cover for Barton at 1B.

So who would you trade?

For those who have already written off the season maybe its time to rethink. http://ussmariner.com/2008/02/09/running-the-2008-season-a-hundred-times/
Could this really be Beane's greatest season?