Josh Towers – signed with Dodgers, no big loss for the Yankees who only ever used him when pitchers were overused the night before.

Hideki Matsui – signed with Angels, the Angels might give Matsui the opportunity to play the field, which is what he wanted. Obviously a loss for the Yankees but they signed Nick Johnson & traded for Curtis Granderson in order to replace his production.

Eric Hinske – signed with Braves, he is a good glue guy but the Yankees had to let him go. In 2007 & 2009 he won World Series, in 2008 he lost the World Series, so Yankees expect him to be on the losing team in 2010 as well.

Johnny Damon – All reports indicate he will sign with Tigers, which benefits both teams. Tigers always overpay players past their prime: Kenny Rogers, etc. to excessive contracts & feel the pain. This will allow the Yankees to look at options in the minors for left field, unfortunately it appears Shelley Duncan signed with the Indians.

Xavier Nady – If he is healthy the Yankees should re-sign him as a potential fourth outfielder who can hit a lot.

Jose Molina – Francisco Cervelli’s emergence & the signing of Nick Johnson to play DH means Jose Molina will not return. Due to his defense & game calling he will catch on with another team, possibly the Mets or Royals.

Jerry Hairston Jr. – signed with Padres to play with his brother this season. The Yankees lose a good utility man who obviously didn’t care about winning, but wants to play – only reason I can explain signing with the Padres.

Freddy Guzman – good speed guy, who the Yankees may re-sign & store away in Triple A, unless he is signed to a major league roster. No big loss for the Yankees if he leaves, guys with speed who can’t hit are all over.

Chien Ming Wang – 16 teams supposedly want him but he won’t pitch until at least June according to sources. The Yankees should re-sign him at some point in the season due to the certainty Andy Pettitte will struggle or be hurt. Him leaving only hurts Yankees if he reverts to old form & signs with rival team.

Chad Gaudin – resigned, no doubt he will spend all season in Triple A unless a starter gets injured for an extended period of time.

Sergio Mitre – resigned, no doubt he will spend all season in Triple A unless a starter gets injured for an extended period of time.

Reid Gorecki – who? Clearly just a “depth” move, as he’ll never see the field for the NY Yankees.

Royce Ring – if healthy, could be a reliable middle reliever at some point during the season.

Zack Segovia – who? Another “depth” move, entirely possible he starts out in Double A before ending the year in Triple A.

Mike Rivera – another “depth” move. Could easily be the starting catcher for the Triple A ballclub, assuming Cervelli breaks camp with the big club, if Cervelli fails to make the big club, could be Posada’s new backup.

Nick Johnson – honestly the only signing the Yankees have made of note, as all their moves were via trade. If healthy he’ll hit 320 with 20 homers and 90 rbis. I like this signing, as not only can he hit but he can field as well, which could keep Teixeira fresher as the season moves on. Being the primary DH could help him avoid injuries.