The first piece of the puzzle has been put in place.

Brian Cashman signed a three-year contract this morning to stay on with the Yankees.  For my money, this was a good move.

“I’ve got a job to finish here,” Cashman said to the Daily News. “That’s the bottom line…I think we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

You’re right, Brian.  There is A LOT of work to do.  Let me help just a bit.

First, what’s going to happen with Jorge?  Is he going to catch?  Is he going to move to first base?  He’s certainly got the hands for it and you and I both know that Giambi, for all he’s done for the club, will not be back next year.  Are you going to spend a lot of money on Teixeira or will you just move Jorge over there and bring in a new catcher to help Molina?    Pudge may move to the Mets, so that’s not an option, though I wouldn’t mind keeping him.

Second, what about second?  Cano had a horrible year, but I’m not sure that’s a good enough reason to get rid of him.  I know he’s your best trade bait right now, but who else would you bring in to replace him?  Orlando Hudson?  David Eckstein?  Felipe Lopez?  Come on.  Cano is better than them, at least with the stick, any day of the week and twice on Sunday. 

Next question is the outfield.  Abreu?  Probably gone, right?  Cabrera?  More trade bait, if you ask me.  Don’t get me wrong.  I like both of those guys, but it may be time to get some new blood in here.  Look what the X-Man did for us after the trade.  Get someone else like him.  Holliday?  Dunn?  I don’t know, but the outfield is a big question mark. Make sure you know what you’re doing here.

Finally, we come to pitching.  This is the biggest question of all.  Moose?  Bring him back!  Andy?  Hire him as your pitching coach.  Joba?  Make him a full-time starter.  Then put Hughes and Kennedy back in the minors for a year and let them simmer.  Now bring in somebody like Sabathia or Burnett or even Derek Lowe as free agents and trade for someone else, like Ben Sheets.  Get rid of Ponson and that big loser Pavano and get some real pitching in here.  If we had had a good pitching staff this year we would have gone a lot further.  Pitching, Brian.  Pitching.  That is what we need.  I’ll say it one more time.  Pitching.  I hope that sticks in your head.  (Pitching)

I’m glad to have you back, Brian.  You’re a proven winner and I know you will bring another championship to the Apple.  But do it quickly, will you?  Get all of these pieces and put them all together.  And don’t be blinded by Hughes’ talent or Kennedy’s potential.  Bring in someone who can win!  And do it now!  (Do I sound like The Boss?)