They ought to get Grady Sizemore.

"Playing center field for the Yankees is one of the most hallowed jobs in sports, sort of like being the tailback at USC or linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

I always think of Dave Collins and Omar Moreno. But that's just me.


"Multiple Hall of Famers, including two of the biggest names in baseball history in Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, have roamed center in pinstripes, and All-Stars such as Bernie Williams, Bobby Murcer and Mickey Rivers once owned the position, too."

Mickey Rivers was an All Star one time. He was often replaced by Paul Blair for defensive reasons.


"But in 2009 - if team executives are to be believed - the Yankees will take a different approach. Rather than filling center with a star, Brett Gardner, an unproven rookie, and Melky Cabrera, last season’s flop, will compete for the job when spring training opens next month. "

Different approach compared to what?

Melky Cabrera has been the Yankees' starting center fielder for almost three full seasons. Last year, he was benched and replaced by Brett Gardner. Bernie Williams hasn't played a lot of CF since 2002.

So, the hallowed ground has showcased Charles Gipson, Karim Garcia, Kenny Lofton, Bubba Crosby, and my personal favorite, Tony Womack.

Put another way: Bernie Williams is certainly a worthy successor to the Yankee CF greats. Bernie is a very strong HOF candidate. But he stopped putting up HOF numbers after the 2002 season.

The Yankees have not had a premier CFer since 2002.

What exactly is different in 2009?


"And, historically, high-level talent in center has been an integral part of Yankee success.

The last time the Yankees won the World Series without a big-name player as their primary center fielder was 1943 - DiMaggio was in the Army Air Forces that year because of World War II and Roy Weatherly (68 games), Johnny Lindell (55 games) and Tuck Stainback (43 games) split the position."

Well, okay, if you insist. It sure can't hurt to have players like Mickey Mantle and Joe Dimaggio.

I adored Mick the Quick. I even twirled my wiffle bat when I hit a foul ball. But he was absolutely not a superstar CFer.


In any case, the entire argument is moot.

Let's say the Yankees really need a superstar in CF. How are they going to get a superstar CFer?

I mean, the only replacement who is even mentioned is Mike Cameron, who pretty much stinks.