Cashman on the bullpen

According to Brian Cashman, there are only three guaranteed spots in the rotation - Mariano Rivera, LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth.

He spoke to the Daily News about the other spots:

"The pen is a work in progress," Cashman said. "We'll have a lot of competition in spring training. As long as you have quality competing for those spots, that's good. We have guys with a lot of potential. If they're ready now or later, we'll have to see.

"For the most part, we like the talent we have against the market at the prices the market is demanding."

Cashman said prized prospects such as Jeff Marquez and Alan Horne might be in the bullpen mix, along with Ross Ohlendorf, Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, Steven White, Jeff Karstens, Brian Bruney, Chris Britton and Jonathan Albaladejo. Lefties Kei Igawa, Sean Henn and Chase Wright will vie for pen spots, Cashman said.

...

"We've engaged the market," Cashman said. "We'll look at trades, free agents, as always. But right now, what we have is what is going to be competing in spring training."

The bullpen is the one trouble spot on this team, and that has always been a weakness of Cashman's.

I can still see Joba Chamberlain starting the season in the bullpen to keep his innings total down.

Cashman also said that the Yankees will not look outside the organization for a first baseman: "We have (Jason) Giambi, Shelley (Duncan) and Wilson Betemit and (Juan) Miranda is coming off a terrific Double-A season," Cashman said.

...Great.