Taking Stock Of The 2011 Yankee Roster

Roster

1) Russell Martin- C
2) Mark Teixeira- 1B
3) Robinson Cano- 2B
4) Alex Rodriguez- 3B
5) Derek Jeter- SS
6) Brett Gardner- LF
7) Curtis Granderson- CF
8) Nick Swisher- RF
9- Jorge Posada- DH 

Rotation 

10) CC Sabathia- LHP
11) Phil Hughes- RHP
12) A.J. Burnett- RHP
13) Ivan Nova- RHP 

Bench 

14) Eduardo Nunez- IF
15) Ramiro Pena- IF
16) Francisco Cervelli- C 

Bullpen 

17) Mariano Rivera- RHP
18) Joba Chamberlain- RHP
19) Dave Robertson- RHP
20) Boone Logan- LHP
21) Pedro Feliciano- LHP
22) Sergio Mitre

23) ?
24) ??
25) ???

As you can see, the cupboard is still a little bare as we head into 2011 in Yankeeland.  There are 3 holes to be filled in the 25-man roster, one in the rotation, one on the bench, and the last either as another bench or another bullpen option.  Everyone has been assuming Sergio Mitre would be the 5th starter if the Yankees are unable to come up with somebody else, but let's be honest, Sergio Mitre is not going to be in the rotation by choice at any point this season so he gets bumped back to the bullpen where he belongs.

The most attractive option at filling the rotation spot is still Andy Pettitte, but with each passing day the indication is that he is going to choose retirement and stay home with his family rather than give it one last go.  There are a multitude of Triple-A options who can fill in, but none of whom can be considered "ready" to handle that role.  The trade and free agent market is also drying up quickly in terms of pitchers.

The bench is short outfielders and if the season started today we would most likely see Greg Golson and Kevin Russo there to fill out the roster, but once again the ideal situation would be to bring in some Major-League level guys who have the experience (and bat) to hold their own as bench players.  Also, don't forget about The Almighty, who will start the year lurking in 2011, waiting for his time to take over the catching duties from Martin.

So there ya go, people.  The same situation the Yankees were in in early December, mid-December, and late December has carried over to 2011.  You've got some work to do, Cash.  Let's put the fun Christmas gifts away, bottle up the rest of the leftover New Year's champagne, and add some bodies to this fucking roster.