Kevin Brown - $15 million, Jaret Wright - $7 million, Randy Johnson - $16 million, Jason Giambi - $11 million; The Yankees in fourth place - priceless.

Yes, I could be writing how Boston's Doug Mirabelli was the perfect DH or how John Halama filled a big hole in the Red Sox rotation, but I can't get over how a $200-million baseball team is 11-16 so far.

It's gotten so bad for the Yankees, last night they played a rookie at second, sitting Bernie Williams. Tonight New York will start a Double-A pitcher in place of injured-ace Randy Johnson.

Out of the five starters, only Carl Pavano continues to be a solid contributor. I bet he wishes he was with the Boston 9 now.

It's only May, but the Bombers are dismal; I couldn't be happier.

When the boys in pinstripes sit down a veteran like Williams to give rookie Robinson Cano a chance, you know the team is in trouble. The New York Post's Joel Sherman suggests that the recent roster changes were made to send a message.

What's the message? No player is untouchable? It's laughable.
These veterans are struggling, but I can't believe that a guy like Williams needs motivation. He is a class act, who tries his best every time he suits up.

Perhaps the Yankees are simply getting old as New York Times' George Vecsey writes. In his article this morning, Vecsey looks a the age issue and the amount of designated hitters sitting on the Yankees bench.

Ah, the DH. Jason Giambi continues to struggle after a brutal 2004 and an offseason full of questions. He's actually hitting better this year than last, but I wouldn't be too proud of a .217 average. I've said this once, I'll say it again: as long as he is on the team, New York will never win another championship.

I hate to think of myself as old, being only 36. But in baseball I'm near elderly. This is the only similarity the Yankees and I share. That team only has five players under 30 and the majority is, well, elderly. Age is not the only problem, however.

The Yankees have no depth. They lack role players. If A-Rod or one of the outfielders gets hurt, that team would have to field another greenie. And no matter how much Steinbrenner spends, his hefty payroll can not stop injuries.

Its farm teams have been depleted by trades to acquire the superstars. So although Joe Torre can sit a player like Williams down and play a Cano, what difference does it make? Not one bit. Who really is affected by these moves? The whole team. The message gets lost, amid the movement. With all the movement, the team can't gel.

It really comes down to chemistry. The Yankees do not have a Kevin Millar to take the pressure off its superstars, because it's a team of superstars. The Post's Mike Vaccaro writes about the new look, old stink.

So then it comes down to the management, right? The New York Daily News' Mike Lupica says that if the results don't change, face of the Bombers will. Well, I have a lot of respect for Mr. Lupica, but his article today is silliness.

Joe Torre is not the problem. GM Brian Cashman is not the problem. The Boss is the problem. When Cashman fought against acquiring Giambi, George Steinbrenner didn't listen. When Cashman wanted to sign a different pitcher other than Brown, his pleas fell on deaf ears. So blame from the top should go no further.

Cashman's contract is almost up so there is a chance his job is in jeopardy, but it is doubtful. Every team in the league, except one, would be interested in his services. The Boss really doesn't want him to go to another team. Besides, what has he done wrong? Oh yeah, he was forced to listen to King George.

Joe Torre is going no where; he just signed an extension. Perhaps at this present time, New Yorkers would like to see a new face. But does the city really want Lou Piniella kicking dirt every night? If Joe Torre can't right the ship, then no one can.

It'll hit the rocks and sink to a depth that even the Devil Rays can swim above. My guess the skipper will right the ship, but until then, I'll be smiling.

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