The parade is later today, but it’s never too early to look ahead. The Yankees may have won the World Series in 2009, however there are some questions surrounding the team for 2010. Here are some early ones that I have:

The Starting Rotation

All signs indicate that Chien Ming Wang will be non tendered. If this happens you can bet there will be tons of teams lining up to sign a great low risk/high reward pitching candidate. Sabathia and Burnett are staples of the 2010 rotation, but very little is guaranteed after. Will Andy Pettitte retire? Even if he doesn’t will the Yankees want to commit to $12 million plus dollars for him? Will the Yankees go hard after John Lackey? What about Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain? Once and for all both those young pitchers need to be thrown into the rotation to either succeed or fail. If both Chamberlain and Hughes are 2010 rotation candidates then it comes down to big time free agent or Pettitte. Will common sense or nostalgia win out? I can’t see the Yankees not at least taking a look at Lackey. Remember, Roy Halliday is still very much available as well.

Matsui, Damon, and the Outfield

What seemed like a foregone conclusion (Matsui being allowed to walk) earlier in the season is a much tougher decision today. Will the Game 6 heroics and World Series MVP convince the Yankees to bring Matsui back on a two year deal? What about Johnny Damon? He slowed down later in the season and broke down in the World Series. He will probably also command a two year deal. I don’t think the Yankees can justify bringing both back which will probably cost them upwards of $20 million a year combined. I wouldn’t be surprised if Damon is now allowed to walk, they resign Matsui as the DH, and Brian Cashman pursues a big outfield bat. It also sometimes is smart to let players go a year too early instead of a year too late. They could still rotate the DH spot and rest Matsui to give Posada, A-Rod, or Jeter four stress free at bats. Just like with Lackey I could see them dialing up Jason Bay or Matt Holliday later this month.

Bridge to Rivera

The ageless wonder is going to need some help in 2010. How much longer can the Yankees expect Rivera to go multiple innings? It was reported that Rivera would have been hurting if there was as decisive Game 7. Assuming that Hughes and Chamberlain are rotation bound that leaves David Robertson, the two lefties, and tons of kids with power arms and upside. We all know that potential doesn’t always equal results. The Yankees will need to either trade or sign a veteran setup man. There are some interesting names on the free agent market, but each could easily be the next LaTroy Hawkins, Steve Karsay, or Kyle Farnsworth.

Short Time to Rest

Everyone should enjoy the spoils of victory, but the GM meetings are less than a week away. Before you know it we are into the winter meetings and holidays. Pitchers and catcher 2010 is closer then you think.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

Mike Silva

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, Chien Ming Wang, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Off Season Moves, Phil Hughes