Are the Yankees in deep trouble?

I've not posted a topic in months or even been here. I've had my reasons but tonight is fitting because you see tonight is Halloween 2007. The Yankees have decided to screw Joe Torre by having him take a pay cut and name Joe Girardi his heir apparent. Then free agents- C: Jorge Posada, RHP: Mariano Rivera, LHP: Andy Pettitte, RF: Bobby Abreu and NOW 3B- Alex Rodriguez*. You ask yourself as a Yankee fan, besides A-Rod not coming back, who will return for the 2008 seasons and beyond? The sure thing is that the Yankees need to focus on bringing the main three back- Posada, Rivera, and Pettitte. That really is the key. You'll probably think that's stupid because Posada only had that season in a contract year and Mo isn't that great of a pitcher. Well then what options do the Yankees have. There are still many questions to answer on the part of Hank Steinbrenner and company.

This is the 2008 Lineup right now (without signing Posada and Rivera)-

C- Jose Molina
1B- Jason Giambi
2B- Robinson Cano
SS- Derek Jeter
3B- Andy Phillips or Wilson Betemit
RF- Bobby Abreu (we'll probably sign him)
CF- Melky Cabrera
LF- Johnny Damon
DH- Hideki Matsui

This may sound nuts but there isn't a third base on the free agent market unless we trade Cabrera and Hughes to get someone. The choices I've heard are Miguel Cabrera (Florida Marlins), and Hank Blalock (Texas Rangers). But we risk Johnny Damon not playing well in center again. So did the Yankees do the right thing by saying that if A-Rod opts out (prior to him saying it on Game 4 of the World Series) the Yankees won't persue him. I severly doubt that. You mean you'll trust Andy Phillips or Wilson Betemit to play third base or sign a free agent.

The Yankees catching issue needs to be addressed. Jose Molina isn't a starting catcher. Mainly all the Yankees good starting catching prospects are in Single-A or lower. It'll take at least 3 years to develop them if not sooner (depends on progress). The Yankees really should've kept Navarro; I know he sucks now but at least he would've been called up when Posada would've became a free agent. I thought Navarro would've been good but I guess I was wrong about that.

Mariano Rivera- He's the key to the development of Joba Chamberlain in the future. He needs to stay for at least 2 seasons. I know J.B. Cox would've been the successor to Mo but I doubt he'll be ready by the time 2009 is around. If we lose Mo, Joba's development has a reliever could be in serious trouble. Besides, I think I'd rather see Joba in the 'pen then in the rotation. I know was having my doubts because of the adjustment he would have to make but now think of what he would have to do. Joba is better off in the bullpen because he would be the closer. If he were a starter, I think there would be more pressure on him to be the best in baseball (if you see what I mean by that statement).

The coaching staff- With Joe Torre now gone and Don Mattingly joining him, don't be surprised if Guidry, Long and the other coaches leave. I expect Girardi to name his staff which includes Dave Eiland. This is if Guidry leaves because of Torre leaving.

Are the Yankees in deep trouble? Not yet but if they don't sign Mo and Posada, they easily could be and be forced to be on a rebuilding trend. The Yankees don't want that just yet considering that Girardi was named manager and does have a lot to prove.