A comparison of off-seasons

Bryan Hoch over at Bombers Beat has an interesting look back at what happened last off-season compared to this one. This is everything that happened last year up until today's date, Dec. 4:

Oct. 18 - Joe Torre turns down the Yankees' "insulting" one-year contract offer
Oct. 22 - Joe Girardi interviews for managerial job
Oct. 23 - Don Mattingly interviews for managerial job
Oct. 24 - Tony Pena interviews for managerial job
Oct. 29 - Alex Rodriguez opts out of his contract during World Series
Oct. 29 - Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera file for free agency
Oct. 30 - Joe Girardi hired as Yankees manager
Oct. 30 - Reports indicate Dodgers interested in Joe Torre
Nov. 1 - Joe Girardi introduced as Yankees manager
Nov. 2 - Yankees pick up $16 million option on Bobby Abreu
Nov. 5 - Andy Pettitte, considering retirement, declines $16 million option
Nov. 5 - Dodgers introduce Joe Torre as manager
Nov. 7 - A-Rod gone, Yankees flirting with trade for Marlins' Miguel Cabrera
Nov. 9 - Derek Jeter promises Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera will return
Nov. 13 - Jorge Posada signs four-year, $52.4 million contract
Nov. 14 - Alex Rodriguez bypasses his agent and reopens talks with Hank Steinbrenner
Nov. 15 - A-Rod, Yankees agree to framework of 10-year contract
Nov. 19 - Mariano Rivera signs three-year, $45 million contract
Nov. 25 - A-Rod agrees to marketing package that could make his deal worth $300+ million
Nov. 26 - Yankees, Twins discuss Johan Santana trade
Dec. 3 - Winter Meetings open, Hank Steinbrenner sets deadline for Santana deal
Dec. 4 - Yankees reportedly close the door on Santana deal

That's quite a lot of stuff. In comparison, the biggest news this year was the Yankees declining to offer arbitration to all of their free agents.

The Winter Meetings will begin in Las Vegas on Monday. Hopefully things will pick up then.

Heyman on Sabathia: Yanks to go 'all-in'

More good news on the CC Sabathia front, if you believe SI's Jon Heyman (via MLB Trade Rumors).

The Yankees are going all in for Sabathia, according to people familiar with their thinking, so if he means what he says, he can expect an attractive offer. Sabathia said he believes his great time in Milwaukee proved to him that he'd enjoy playing in most, if not all, places.

He's become "more open-minded,'' said a person close to Sabathia, meaning he'll consider places outside his native California. Which would also seem to suggest he's more willing to consider the Yankees.

Yay.

Heyman also specifically mentions the Angels, Dodgers, Mets and Giants as other possible players in Sabathiapalooza.

Olney: Yanks to have lower payroll

Buster Olney (via MLB Trade Rumors) says that he heard the Yankees' payroll will be around $180 million next season. That would be a decrease of almost $30 million if true.

I'm not sure where he got that number from, but let's examine it.

Big money coming off the payroll:

• Jason Giambi's $21 million. He has a $5 million buyout.
• Bobby Abreu's $16 million
• Andy Pettitte's $16 million
• Mike Mussina's $11 million
• Carl Pavano's $11 million

That is $70 million coming off the books right there. On the above list, I can only see Abreu and Mussina have a chance of coming back next year. Ivan Rodriguez won't be back, Damaso Marte has a 2009 club option and the Yankees will have to pay arbitration eligible players like Chien-Ming Wang, Xavier Nady and Brian Bruney.

The Yankees will have a lot of money to throw around at free agents. The weeks and months after the World Series should be a lot of fun.

And so the Hot Stove Season begins

Above you can see what CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett would look like as Yankees (I'm so smart!).

The 2008 Yankees cleaned out their lockers today, and at least a few of them will not be on the 2009 squad. I would not be shocked if, for better or worse, we see at least two of the above on the team next year.

Which free agents would you like to see here next year?