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The thing is, you can't buy the best prospects, due to the draft.
Now, if they decide that two years of non-competing is worth the rebuilding that would take place, I could see them selling off guys like Mussina, Matsui, and such for prospects from other contending teams.
However, Steinbrenner would never agree to that.
I believe their first mistake was not taking a the risk of signing Guerrero this offseason and getting an aging Sheffield instead. Having Matsui and Guerrero in that outfield could probably extend Bernie's career a little longer in the field, letting them focus on other things. Their pitching is still suspect and aging, and they have NO pitching prospects. Their only prospect I know of is a catcher who would theoretically take over for Posada at some point.
As other teams, such as Texas, Cleveland, and Tampa Bay, build their teams and can afford to sign guys, they will lose out on free agents to younger teams that they would normally sign.
I don't think they will have a long period like 1982 to 1994 where they aren't competing; I think Steinbrenner has learned a few lessons. However, I believe a few years of second-division finishes could be coming soon.
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"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun
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