Even Without A-Rod, Yanks In Good Shape

Forget the conspiracy theories that the Yankees didn't want Alex Rodriguez in the World Baseball Classic or Bud Selig gained some testicular fortitude and suddenly wants to get tough on steroids by suspending A-Roid. A torn labrum is a BIG deal. Honestly, this whole rest thing is not cool. Alex should have surgery NOW. He's 33. Get surgery done, get him back by July or August Don't take the chance that the torn labrum causes more problems, and then lose him-maybe forever.

Even if they lose Rodriguez, the Yanks will be OK. They have enough offense, even if A-Rod misses big stretches of the year. Two options the Yankees could take: Have Xavier Nady or Mark Texieira play third, and Nick Swisher play first or right field. Hank Blaylock is currently DH-ing for the Rangers. He has experience playing 3rd. You could always reach out for Aaron Boone. Think about it: If Boone hadn't violated his contract by playing basketball and getting injured in the 2003 offseason, there is NO history of Rodriguez and the Yankees. Cody Ransom won't mean the difference between October playoffs and a second straight early trip home.

Remember, the Yankees have enough offense and MORE important, good pitching, Sabathia, Burnett, Wang and Pettitte are solid. My thought: A-Rod's injury-which at the very least limits his playing time and at most keeps him out 4 months-only stresses the idea that Joba Chamberlain should be in the bullpen. Shorten the game as much as you can with 4 good starters, and let Joba and Mariano Rivera become the Rivera and John Wetteland of 1996. Phil Hughes can be the 5th starter.

A-Rod's hip IS a big deal, but NOT the end of the world. That's why with about 9 years left on his contract, the Yankees should have him get the surgery done now and let him be at 100 percent as soon as possible.