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Peter,

One of Girardi's strengths is supposed to be getting the most out of young players. Do you think he needs to bear some of the responsibility for Melky's and Cano's regressions this year? I do.

I've said more than once that it looks like Cano needs to have Bowa in his face to keep him on his toes. What do you think?

Greg

I totally agree on both points. Girardi has had a bit of a mixed record this year. C+C have been terrible. Kennedy and Hughes didn't do anything while they were in the bigs. But, Joba certainly stepped forward (do you credit Joe for that though?) and Edwar and Veras have been very good.

I think the loss of Bowa has been huge, but I frankly thought Girardi would be in Cano's face. I am not sure why he hasn't. I wouldn't mind seeing some of the coaches changed after the season. Couldn't stand Bobby Meacham as a player, can't stand him as a coach. Getting a Bowa-esque type coach (Wally Backman?) would be a priority in my mind for 2009.

I am not thrilled with Girardi's performance this year, but I think we need to give him a year to grow into the role. I would also like it if he stopped playing the "I don't know" game with the press on everything.

Peter,

We already knew what Joba was capable of, but I'll give Girardi a share of the credit there, since it was a change of roles for Joba mid-stream, but then he also has to take his share of the blame for Hughes and Kennedy. Net loss for him, I'd say.

I think Girardi got more out of his bullpen then Torre would have gotten.

Greg- The one thing I will really give Girardi credit for is the bullpen. Not only the way he has handled it, but his willingness to try different things. It hasn't worked, but Girardi brings Mo into tie games on the road. How many times did we see the Yankees lose those games under Torre with Mo in the pen?

Cano and Cabrera are at the point in their careers where they need to be able to step up and lead the team. That means bat 4th and 5th and knock in runs and play great defense.

Cabrera may end up being a very good 4th outfielder. Cano has always been questionable in the field and may end up getting himself traded unless he can show a lot more mental toughness. In fact, I hope he has another great offensive run at the end of the season so they can trade him for top value. He's going to put up good numbers, but he's not going to lead anyone to a championship.

Cano's play in the field in Minnesota was disgraceful and I would have benched him for a few days.

I'm reluctant to lay this at the door of Girardi. He does seem to be realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of his players and is willing to take risks and try new things. And he works hard and has the respect of management and his players. Give him a break.

I still say its Jeter that is going to pose the most difficult question. Speaking to another Yankee fan this weekend, we came up with the following idea. Jeter to 3rd, A-rod to 1st. Leaves the 2009 team needing a SS, CF, RF but with Matsui/Damon LF/DH.

Tim- Tough call. I think A-Rod is the better defender, so I would leave him at third, but Jeter's bat would be further below average at first than third.

Jeter cannot hit enough to play 1st and convincing him to play there will be harder than moving him 3B. Cal Ripken had to move there eventually as well.

We thought CF was a possibility but you just leave yourself trying to find another home for him in 2010 when Jackson (hopefully) comes through. There is no one ready for 3B in the high minors.

A-rod will need to move to 1B eventually and its in the Yankees interest to move him there sooner so that he's more useful in years 6-9 of his remaining contract, me thinks.

The real issue is what are the Yankees going to do when Jeter's contract is up. He's not close to an 18mm player at any position.

If this keeps up, the Yankees are going to have to swallow hard and tell him to get his 3,000th hit elsewhere.

I was going to use the Ernie Banks argument with Jeter to get him to move to first, but I see your point. It won't be a fun conversation anywhere.

it is interesting watching the progression of the "what do we do with Jeter" discussion.

Until you have a shortstop that can hit over .280 and be a leader on the team what CAN you do?

Jeter is fine, I'd take him in Boston over Lugo, how about straight up swap?

BL, do you want to pay him 19mm a year? I take your point though, it could be worse.

Right on BLMeanie. There is no one is their system who can carry Jeter's jock. He's hitting like Phil Rizzuto now instead of like Cal Ripken, but that's still better than the alternative. The Yanks won a few champtionships with the Scooter, if I recall correctly.

Corey, problem is its not the stick that the biggest problem, its the D. He's in the bottom 1/3rd at his position defensively and he's probably at 50% offensively. He's a minus player at SS, hard to say but its the truth.