We conducted this interview on Wednesday, April 25th (day before Phil Hughes' debut)
 

SJK: What do you think about the Yanks calling up Phil Hughes this early in the season?

KL: I think it's a panic move. You go into the season with a plan for each player in your farm system, or at least one for each prospect. You can alter the plan if the player's situation changes, but you can't alter the plan because your major league club's situation changes, unless you're willing to risk the kid's development.
 

SJK: Do you think the Yankees starting pitching woes will be corrected with the return of Wang & Mussina?

KL: "Corrected" might be too strong a word, but they'll be substantially reduced. Wang eats innings, and even if he has a 4 ERA this year because of bad luck on balls in play or whatever reason, he'll be a huge help. I think the long-term concern for the Yanks has to be the bullpen, not just because of the pitchers there (I see you have that as another question) but because short outings from your starters can have a cumulative, negative effect on a bullpen. And you don't really want guys 10-11-12 to be whoever was fresh in Columbus on that day.
 

SJK: If Arod wants an extension, would you give it to him?

KL: I'd be pretty comfortable adding 2-3 years to his contract. I don't see any reason he won't be productive into his late 30s. He's in such good shape, is such a good athlete, and is now (again?) a good defensive infielder - all good indicators that he'll age well.
 

SJK: The Yankee bullpen has been ineffective.  Is this a product of being overworked or a lack of talent in the bullpen?

KL: Both. It's not a good bullpen. But the #1 problem for me is that Torre has lost it vis-à-vis the pen. Earth to Joe: Stanton and Nelson aren't there any more. You might think about changing your style.
 

SJK: Is getting Roger Clemens now a necessity for the Yankees?

KL: I suppose it depends on the goal. They're no longer the favorites to win the division; the rough start plus Boston looking stronger than expected have made a division title less likely for the Yanks. So if that's the goal, then addressing some of the weaknesses on the staff is key. If the goal is the wild card, I'd downgrade "necessary" to "maybe."  But there is no situation in which adding Clemens is a bad idea. He'll be an upgrade over whoever he replaces - Pavano, Karstens, or Igawa.