On the Yankees beat

What about Bernie Williams? Last time I checked he was still playing.

For pitchers, I go with Bruney, Rasner and, because he's a lefty, Villone.

I'd love to see Rasner on the roster instead of Wright, but Rasner would need a few more starts to move that high up on Torre's depth chart. What a shame he won't get them.

The position players are tougher. I'd love to see Wilson and Guiel because they have pop off the bench. But you need a back-up infielder, right? So maybe Wilson/Guiel and Cairo/Green. Pick either one; it matters very little. Poor Andy Phillips.

Tough calls across the board, but I guess that is a good problem to have.

I do not agree that Giambi and Sheff are locks. It remains to be seen if Giambi's wrist will allow him to play.

Presuming Sheff's hitting is up to par and he can play 1B, the position players are Cairo, Guiel. If Giambi is out, then Phillips. If Sheff is out then Wilson.

For pitching hard to take Villone until we see some return to form whether lefty or righty batters he may face.

Bruney is absolute. And then Rasner and Villone. If Villone is not going then Karstens. If Farns is not available to pitch reasonably then Veras.

These decisions can be changed each series depending on matchups.

really pretty easy. Bruney is a lock and the others should be Rasner and Veras. Veras is a gamble but he has been good so far and had a terrific season in AAA at least he wonn't neccesarily give up a run like villone.

Villone has to have a spot! Veras or Rassner on the playoff roster? PallEEEEEEEEEZE! Some folks are so crazy. Phillips sits, Wilson sits and gets traded next year, Green sits and gets traded next year, Bruney makes it with Villone. Guiel is the new Jimmy Leyritz. Lidle makes the trip because he can start or long releive. Any changes would be if Giambi admits he cant go, than Wilson makes it and or Lidle's finger wont heal and then they take probably Rassner over the kid, yet Karstens has been a man this year!

All doubts about Sheff will be over by the weekend. Watch and learn young jedis.

forget the roster. show me the batting order if sheffield can play first base. if not, put giambi in there and let sheff DH. this is the real murderer's row. posada might have to bat ninth in these playoffs.

I'm taking Cairo, Guiel, Bruney, Rasner, and Villone.

-Cairo gives us a reliable pinch-runner that can play all 4 infield positions in a pinch.

-Guiel can play all 3 outfield positions and 1st base in a pinch.

-Bruney's the type of hard-throwing guy every team needs in the bullpen. If the Yanks can get 5 good innings out of their starters, they can start piecing together the Bruney-Proctor-Farnsworth bridge to Mo.

-Rasner has been effective as a spot-starter and as a long-reliever. He's shown that he can throw strikes early and work quickly. There's nothing about him that I don't like right now.

-Villone worries me. But the Yankees need another lefty out there in the bullpen. As long as Joe doesn't let him face too many righties (he can't really get them out) then Villone, in small doses, can be useful.

I pretty much agree with MJ. Cairo is an experienced pro that can play lots of positions well and I think that Mr. Torre likes Guiel coming off the bench as a pinch hitter, pinch runner and back-up at 1st base/OF. As to pitching, it still would not surprise me if Mr. Torre winds up taking Veras over Rasner as Veras may have more experience -albet it at AAA - coming out of the bullpen.

I would send Guiel, Cairo, Bruney, Rasner and unfortunately Villone because he is a lefty. Use him sparringly!

First, your locks.
Couldn't agree with you more. However, next year Melky must learn to fill in at Center. Williams should be signed to another contract (if he wants to, which I think he does), but used only as spot starter & pitch hitter. Melky could rotate among all these spots and DH to keep sharp and productive (and giving aging veterans a rest); Then, Yanks can opt in on Sheffield's option. I strongly believe he has one more good year in him- he loves beating the odds and would love the fact Yanks kept their unofficial semi-promise to him to pick up the option- even with Abreau. Also, with all his work strengthening his wrist- so essential to his batting style, he shold be really spectacular next season- if not this post season. I find it heartening that an over 10 year veteran would be willing to take on and learn 1st just to play. And, he's clutch- and relentless at the plate. In fact, I read most teams have felt in the past he was the most dangerous Yankee hitter. Finally, he acquitted himself well during the Devil Rays game, he made solid contact on a play to shortstop, and fielded cleanly (with 2 scoops- looked like they were giving him practice). I think such a move will prolong he and Giambi's careers. He will not have to make strong throws from right field (and cover so much ground), and Giambi will not have to play first- a liability (he can stay at DH longer into the game- and he will be less injury prone- he stated playing the field contributed to his wrist problem). Sheff would be the regular first baseman with Giambi regular DH. My belief is that Giambi will not be back for the playoffs, and Matsui will DH and Melky will play left at Yankee Stadium. At the NL park, Matsui will play left, with Melky on the bench. By the way, I don't think we will see any significant moves during the off season because of the back-ups they have, and because Hughes and Pavano becoming factors in the rotation fight for the fourth and fifth starters (not to mention letting more options develop in the minors).
By the way, if anyone saw the beginning of the Devil Ray's game, can anyone tell me why Posada played instead of Fasano, and Matsui did not play in the left field (except, to make sure Wang got his 18th)?
Now, to the question, of what two position players to add. Here, I believe that Green should be selected, as well as Guiel (see below). Green, although low average, seems comfortable at third (plays a better third than Cairo- especially because of his arm), and plays 2nd and short solidly. Although I would hate to lose Cairo as "Torre's good luck charm", his playoff experience, past clutch hitting and speed. However, they are off-set by other factors that are more important.
As for the other position, I do think Guiel should be a lock. He has some pop in his bat. Gets clutch hits, and is so versatile in the field. He also has shown that he plays a solid first base, as well as being comfortable in right, and being able in a pinch to play center. Although I like Wilson's bat and pop against lefties, and Phillips defense at 1st- I just think the intangibles, versatility and more dependable (clutch) bat of Guile make them more expendable. And, with Giambi likely not playing, I would think we would need another left handed bat on the bench besides Williams. Also, for those who do not believe we have speed on the bench the Yankees need with Cairo absent, Cabrera provides that in the NL, and Guile provides some adequate speed (he stole a base last night- 3rd for the season) in the AL. I also think Green (not sure) may have some speed. Although Guile and Green may not have as much speed as Cairo, I feel that is only a small problem when they play in Yankee stadium. The Yankee line-up in the Bronx is so powerful I just don't think they will be worried much about speed (preferring to keep the bats in the line-up rather than pitch run for one of those superstars)!
Now, for the pitchers. Joe has a problem, too many with unpredictable results or rookie status. The way Bruney has pitched- he should be a lock. Now, with regard to the other two, I am not too sure (although I believe Joe will make the right decision). Here's my analysis, anyway. First, I would go with Veras. Of that group, he is the only one with successful closing experience (and, as we know- Farnsworth can't go two days in a row- and he always scares me when he pitches because of home runs and walks- although, I do admit he usually extricates himelf out of his messes). The last spot should go to whoever has more long relief experience between Rasner and Karsten). Both have pitched well, and I don't know how else I could make the distinction between the two that would be meaningful (other, than perhaps, Rasner is a vet). I know they have all been impressive, handle pressure well. I do not forsee
Lidle healing his blister and regaining his good control (which he has to have) before or during the playoffs- or I would put him in the last spot. And, as far as Villone- he just has been awful recently (over uused in the
beginning of the season, and never regained his stuff and control). As far as needing a lefty, I do not think so (with Rivera so effective against them, and Meyer in reserve for the very tough lefty outs in the 7th and 8th. Also, Farnsworth and Proctor are not too bad against leftees as far as I know. IMHO, I just don't think that Dotel and Bean are pitching well-enough to take a valuable roster spot. And, besides, taking at least two rookies gives them valuable experience for next year (or, for upping their trading value).
For my starting line-ups, considering that guys are just coming back from injuries, playing new positions, etc.- it would look something like this:

1. Damon (CF)
2. Jeter (SS)
3. Abreau (RF)
4. Rodriguez (3rd)
5. Cano (2nd)
6. Sheffield (1st)
7. Matsui (DH or LF)
8. Posada (Catcher)
9. Cabrerra (LF in NY or
Pitcher Slot in NL)

Oh, a last observation, since I believe Giambi will not be able to play, Joe can take away one of his two tough decisions (adding Cairo or a pitcher of his liking0 to the roster.

Had to get that off my chest. That's all. BZ

My 2 position picks are Cairo and Wilson. Cairo is obvious because of the many positions he can play. But all the posters missed Wilson for this very same reason. He can play 1st base, the outfield, and can give the Yanks an emergency 3rd catcher. This allows "Clueless Joe" the option of using a pinch-runner for Posada and or Fasano late in the game. I hate the idea of the Yanks trailing by a run late, and Posada getting on but being unable to score from 1st on a double. Most managers are reluctant to put themselves in a position where they use their backup catcher late in a game, and have no where to go if he gets hurt. Wilson alleviates this concern. He also gives us a legitimate "long ball" threat off the bench, which the other players in contention for those 2 roster spots do not.

Presenting the 25-man roster for your New York Yankees
Pitchers:
Game 1 - Chien Ming wang (His record at home speaks for himself)
Game 2 - Randy Johnson (gives opposing left-handed hitters a 'Lefty-flu' thus avoiding long balls on the short left field porch, plus pitching at home won't give him a lot of pressure)
Game 3 - Mike Mussina (clutch pitcher in a clutch situation and doesn't get rattled too often)
Game 4 (If necessary) - Jared Wright (He is coming around and has enough Post Season, inc WS start, to rely on)

Batting Order if facing a right handed pitcher:
Johnny Damon - CF
Derek Jeter - SS
Bobby Abreu - RF
Alex Rodriguez - 3B
Jason Giambi - DH
Gary Sheffield - 1B
Hideki Matsui - LF
Jorge Posada - C
Robinson Cano - 2B

If Facing left handed starter:
Damon - CF
Jeter - SS
Abreu - RF
Arod - 3B
Sheffield - 1B
Matsui - DH
Posada - C
Cano - 2B
Cabrera - LF

Bench Players:
Giambi - PH
Williams - PH
Cabrera - PH/PR/Late inning defensive replacement
Guiel/Wilson/Cairo -Infielders/PR
Cabrera/Guiel/Wilson - Outfielders

Bullpen:
Mariano Rivera - Closer
Cory Lidle/Ron Villone - Middle Inning Reliever
Mike Myers - LH Specialist
Bob Bruney/Ron Proctor/Kyle Farnsworth - 6th, 7th, 8th inning Relief

Villone has been too reliable for the Bombers Joe T. will eventually give him a slot. Lidle will be helpful if coming from the Pen, I don't see him making a start on any series. Phillips is a good defensive player but Guiel or Wilson (even Cairo) can fill up that spot plus the intangibles that they bring to the table (i.e. hitting, running and more flexibility on the defensive end). I'm really sorry to let him out of the playoff roster. Melky is a terrific player and a real savior for the Yankees this year but with Hideki back at full strength, it's unfortunate that his playing time will be diminished. The team has to rely on the guys that has been there and will create fear for the opposing team. Matsui has done that (let's face it, he is much better hitter than Melky) and not a liability on defense (not like Giambino). Cabrera's time will come. He is still young and the whole Right Field in two years.
This I think will be the logical lineup that will propel the Pinstripes on their 27th Championship.
Go Yankees!!!

WHY IN BLOODY HELL IS FRANSWORTH A LOCK. His freakin back locked up once again for the fifth time already this season last night. Why do we have to rely on this guy heading to the postseason. What happens if a tight spot comes up and he cant perform and must be sat down. We cant have MO pitch two innings in a row like we had in the past. The way I see it I'll put Bruney as a lock and put farnsworth as a probable. With that said I'll take rasner, veras and villone. As for position players I'll take Guiel and cairo

Christian, the Yankees and Torre always put veterans ahead of youngsters, even when it doesn't make sense.

I know it's dumb but that's how they operate.

Torre does this every year, he plays the wrong lineup in the post season. Cabrera should be in left, Giambi should be at first, and Matsui and Sheffield should split the DH spot.