Who will lead off for the Yankees next year

Although we are all worried about this coming year and how to improve the team so they can return to the play-offs. I get nervous when it looks like 2009 is the only thing we are worried about. When I heir rumors of trading Cano for a center-fielder who has power and the ability to drive in runs I have to wonder if anyone is thinking about 2010. If Damon leaves Who will be our lead-off hitter Jeter is grate but will be even older and his wrist injury affected his hitting not his legs yet there was a fall off in his speed and base-stealing that i believe lead to many of the double plays he hit into. With Jeter stealing less and getting even slower I don't see him leading off. Gardner is the only option i see filling this important spot, not only is he fast he is selective which allows the hitters behind him to see more pitches before they even get in the batters box. Now don't think I am giving him the job, we don't even know if he is able to hit major league pitching but if we don't give him a chance to prove himself this year what will we do next year for a lead off hitter rehire Damon for too many years as a quick fix. That's how we got where we are with to many older players with no trade clauses. If we are going to turn things around we must look to the future and plan accordingly.

We need Manny

Ask yourself who is the best hitter available in the free agent market over the next two years. If you are being honest you will probably say with out a doubt Manny. If Manny was batting behind Alex next year I believe it would lead to a competition that might rival 1960 for the Yankees.
Of course we are talking about Manny so we can only count on him being happy with his new surroundings, competition with Alex, and lets not forget sticking it to the Red Sox for about a year. So for this reason we will give him a two year contract so the second year he can concentrate on producing for his next free agent contract.
Nothing is guaranteed when buying a free agent in Baseball but if 30 mil a year for two years would make Manny happy, we would probably be getting the best hitter in baseball over those two years. Yes that includes Alex and Manny would be cheaper.
Xman could play first. and the added offence would allow us to let Gardner and Melky battle in center which would improve the defence and help us see if Gardner can replace Damon in the lead-off spot since Damon is a free agent after next season.
Please feel free to respond, and I will try to expand on these thoughts as the hot stove season moves along.