If Manny plays the field it takes away a lot of the pluses of bring him in NY. I've heard matsui's knees cannot stand the rigors of playing a full season anymore but with the glut of OF's the Yankees have they can keep him fresh IMO. Manny is one of our generations top hitters and I wouldn't mind him as a #3 hitter but I'd hate to get caught up in the unnecessary stuff like giving 100% effort or other countless drama filled sunjects.

Damon CF
Jeter SS
Ramirez DH
Rodriguez 3B
Nady RF
Matsui RF
Posada C
Swisher 1B
Cano 2B
That seems like a very good lineup that can complement the pitching additions the Yankees have made this season.
*Most people wouldn't have lineup like this but I think it's really the one I like the most.
1)Damon+Jeter set up the heart of the order. When lineup turns over its Cano, Damon, Jeter, I like.
2)People say the Rays or the Sox have the best lineups, but I'll take Ramirez, Rodriguez, Nady as a middle of the order thats going to get it done. Ramirez will thrive behind Jeter and in front of Rodriguez. Nady is just quiet good.
3)How ironic that I put Matsui+Posada towards the bottom of the lineup together. The Yankees will be looking for injury free seasons from both guys. I personally expect Matsui if healthy to hit .300, 20+HR, 90+RBI as usual. (As I said before, keep him fresh Posada is more of a luxury if he hits, he's always done a good job with the staff and will need to get his throwing problems behind him. (Catchers who hit well are a luxury IMO.)
4)Bottom of the order of Swisher, Cano should take the pressure off both of them and set up nicely for damon, jeter. Everyone expects Swisher to have a much better season and show why the White Sox traded the farm for him.
As for Cano I have a feeling his new batting stance will pay large dividends.

People are underestimating how good the Yankees lineup will be IMO.

Thanks for the comment, Mr. Bakouline. Very interesting and insightful. That would definitely be a strong offensive lineup.

From a pure baseball standpoint, I don't really think that Manny's defense is bad enough (although it is quite bad) to neutralize his offensive prowess. He's just that good of a hitter. If such an acquisition were actually made I might actually rather see Ramirez in RF and Nady in LF, that way Ramirez doesn't have to cover as much ground.

I've gotta admit, I'm a little torn on this one. He can be such a pain, but he's soooo good. I really don't want his baggage here, but the Yankees have regressed offensively. Everyone just assumes that Posada is going to come right out of the gate and be a force again and that Robinson Cano will have a better year, but who knows if that will be the case? That's not to mention that now Abreu is almost certainly gone, and going from Giambi to Swisher at 1B is a bit of a downgrade, offensively.

I also wouldn't compare Ramirez to Sheffield and the Unit because I really don't consider him a "clubhouse malcontent." He can be a thorn in the side of the front office and the media, and I certainly won't defend his lazy antics in the outfield, and I REALLY HATE when he stands there and watches his home runs clear the wall from home plate. But as far as "clubhouse" is concerned, his teammates for the most part have seemed to get along with him.

I feel that the yankees should get manny even tho they really dont have room for another dh matsui posada possibly damon, i feel that they should trade matsui to the giants for pitching prospects and have there lineup look sumtin like Damon lf Jeter Arod Manny dh behind arod so they have to pitch to him Manny is a better clutch hitter Nady Posada Cano Swisher and for now Melky unless they can pull a trade for Cameron or another Cf

Thanks for commenting, Mr. Tagliamonte.