On a positive note...

[moocow007]

Well the long grueling season that, at times, seemed would never end, is finally over. With not near enough offense and four-fifths of the starting rotation missing most or all of the season the Yankees just didn't have enough to get into the post season.

The Yankees are old, they are still loaded with large dead weight contracts (the biggest of whom will be back next season possibly bringing a dark cloud with him) and will now be hard pressed to find not just a replacement for Jeter but also to find an identity for a team that often seemed disjointed and lacking fight.

But all is not gloom and doom and there were many positives this season that could carry this team onward into an uncertain future.

Dellin Betances - for all the talk about other teams farm systems producing top notch major league talent, the reality is that Betances has been one ofthe most impressive and dominant players in the majors. His numbers, in his first season has been significantly more superior than that of the greatest closer in MLB history (Mariano Rivera). The Yankees were wise to hold onto Betances and he could become the next great closer.

Masahiro Tanaka - was in the CY Young discussions before going down with an injury so we know he can both handle major league hitters and pitching in the spotlight of Yankee Stadium. As long as the arm is fine, the Yankees should have a front line starter for many years to come.

Michael Pineda - having not pitched in over two years there were serious concerns that Pineda was never going to amount to anything. After starting strong, Pineda again went on the DL and again the doubts crept in. But honestly Pineda has been pretty much lights out since returning putting up an anemic 1.89 ERA in 10 games. The stuff is dominant and Pineda has been carrying himself like a man that knows that he can get anyone out.

Farm System - while the system is still not elite, it is one on the rise. Several new high skill prospects have risen among the ranks and moving up into the overall prospect rankings. Rob Refsnyder should be in play as the everyday 2B next season and was one of the best players in all of AAA ball. Luis Severino has garnered comparisons with Pedro Martinez. Aaron Judge has looked like a guy that could make two dozen GMs second guess passing on him in the 2013 draft.

Will be an interesting off season and I for one am excited about next season and beyond.

[Dr. Detfink]

Yea, the Yanks desperately need an infusion of youth. Hopefully Tanaka and Pineda can lead the rotation next season.

[Pharmcat]

tanaka elbow is a huge concern

the farm system is still far away, its not just having the talent, but also them succeeding in the majors, which the yanks have had issues (brackman? lol)

not impressed with this roster overall, the farm, or cashman's lack of leadership and vision

[Grover]

The most positive of notes would be a paradigm shift to not paying older players huge sums of money for multiple years with full or restricted no trade clauses.