by Chuck Mosca
Key Additions: Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett
Key Subtractions: Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi
A look at the lineup:
CA – One of the keys to the Yankees’ fortunes this year is the health of Jorge Posada. The veteran catcher must be in the lineup if they are to seriously contend. The good news is that, as Spring Training progressed, Posada’s right shoulder seemed pretty healthy. Veteran Jose Molina (of the catching Molinas) will serve as Posada’s backup.
1B – The Free Agent prize of the off season, Mark Teixeira will be a fixture in the middle of the lineup while providing Gold Glove caliber defense. Nick Swisher, off season acquisition from the White Sox, will be the backup.
2B – Yankee fans are hoping that Robinson Cano’s 2007 first half performance (.151 BA) was an aberration. There is reason to believe that it was just that and, if so, the Yankee lineup will be a very dangerous one. Cody Ransom was expected to be the backup 2B but will see lots of action at the hot corner until Alex Rodriguez returns.
SS – Derek Jeter is a Yankee icon but an aging one. His offensive game is still effective but, defensively, his range is a shadow of what it once was. Still, there is no other option at SS so the Yankees will live with Jeter making the routine plays while continuing to hit .300. Jeter’s eventual replacement may be, temporarily at least, sharing a locker room with the captain as 23 year old Ramiro Pena seems to have the inside track on the utility infielder position until Rodriguez returns to action.
3B – With all of the controversy that swirled around Alex Rodriguez during this offseason and all the anger aimed at him by frustrated Yankee fans over the past few years, the team’s immediate future rests on his shoulders. Take ARod out of the batting order and suddenly the pinstripers aren’t quite so intimidating offensively. The feeling here is that the Yankees can survive with Cody Ransom at 3B for the month of April. If, however, Rodriguez’ recovery from hip surgery takes longer than expected or results in a drop in his production, New York will be home for the post season.
LF – Johnny Damon will be the starting left fielder which is a wise move since he is such a defensive liability anywhere else in the outfield. Manage Joe Girardi has experimented with swapping Damon and Jeter in the 1-2 spots in the batting order and it seems that the change may be permanent. At this stage in their respective careers, Damon is a more effective #2 hitter than Jeter.
CF – Brett Gardner is slated to be the opening day CF but rumors persist that the Yankees may yet make a deal for veteran Milwaukee CF, Mike Cameron. Melky Cabrera and Swisher will likely serve as reserve outfielders.
RF – Xavier Nady gives the Yankees a solid offensive and defensive presence in RF. A platoon player for much of his MLB career, Nady will get the opportunity to prove that he is a full time starting outfielder.
DH – Hideki Matsui is coming off of knee surgery and will be restricted to DH duties until some time in June. His bat is critical to the success of the team this season, especially while ARod is out of the lineup.
A look at the pitching:
Starters – Free Agent signees CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett should turn this starting staff into one of the league’s very best. Sabathia give New York something they have lacked over the past few seasons; a legitimate Ace at the front of the rotation. Chien-Ming Wang now slides comfortably in the #2 slot while AJ Burnett, Andy Petite and Joba Chamberlain round out a staff that can matchup with any other in MLB.
Youngsters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, both of whom were ineffective in the starting rotation last April will start the season in AAA. Hughes, who had a sold Spring Training for the Yankees, will be back with the big club at some time this season. Kennedy also remains very much in the team’s future plans.
Relievers – Future Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera anchors a bullpen that should be an effective unit for Girardi. Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and young left hander Phil Coke will man the bullpen in front of Rivera. Reportedly, Jonathan Albaladejo, who saw brief action with the Yankees last season is in line for the final bullpen job.
Outlook:
There are so many question marks as the Yankees enter the season that it is difficult to predict how this season will turn out. That said, there is so much talent here, especially with the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett, logic dictates the team will be in the hunt for the AL Eastern crown for the entire season.
Prediction:
The Yankees will be engaged in a three way, steel cage death match with the Red Sox and Rays. The prediction here is that they will outlast the Rays to finish 90-72 and capture second place in the East and the Wildcard slot.
Key Subtractions: Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi
A look at the lineup:
CA – One of the keys to the Yankees’ fortunes this year is the health of Jorge Posada. The veteran catcher must be in the lineup if they are to seriously contend. The good news is that, as Spring Training progressed, Posada’s right shoulder seemed pretty healthy. Veteran Jose Molina (of the catching Molinas) will serve as Posada’s backup.
1B – The Free Agent prize of the off season, Mark Teixeira will be a fixture in the middle of the lineup while providing Gold Glove caliber defense. Nick Swisher, off season acquisition from the White Sox, will be the backup.
2B – Yankee fans are hoping that Robinson Cano’s 2007 first half performance (.151 BA) was an aberration. There is reason to believe that it was just that and, if so, the Yankee lineup will be a very dangerous one. Cody Ransom was expected to be the backup 2B but will see lots of action at the hot corner until Alex Rodriguez returns.
SS – Derek Jeter is a Yankee icon but an aging one. His offensive game is still effective but, defensively, his range is a shadow of what it once was. Still, there is no other option at SS so the Yankees will live with Jeter making the routine plays while continuing to hit .300. Jeter’s eventual replacement may be, temporarily at least, sharing a locker room with the captain as 23 year old Ramiro Pena seems to have the inside track on the utility infielder position until Rodriguez returns to action.
3B – With all of the controversy that swirled around Alex Rodriguez during this offseason and all the anger aimed at him by frustrated Yankee fans over the past few years, the team’s immediate future rests on his shoulders. Take ARod out of the batting order and suddenly the pinstripers aren’t quite so intimidating offensively. The feeling here is that the Yankees can survive with Cody Ransom at 3B for the month of April. If, however, Rodriguez’ recovery from hip surgery takes longer than expected or results in a drop in his production, New York will be home for the post season.
LF – Johnny Damon will be the starting left fielder which is a wise move since he is such a defensive liability anywhere else in the outfield. Manage Joe Girardi has experimented with swapping Damon and Jeter in the 1-2 spots in the batting order and it seems that the change may be permanent. At this stage in their respective careers, Damon is a more effective #2 hitter than Jeter.
CF – Brett Gardner is slated to be the opening day CF but rumors persist that the Yankees may yet make a deal for veteran Milwaukee CF, Mike Cameron. Melky Cabrera and Swisher will likely serve as reserve outfielders.
RF – Xavier Nady gives the Yankees a solid offensive and defensive presence in RF. A platoon player for much of his MLB career, Nady will get the opportunity to prove that he is a full time starting outfielder.
DH – Hideki Matsui is coming off of knee surgery and will be restricted to DH duties until some time in June. His bat is critical to the success of the team this season, especially while ARod is out of the lineup.
A look at the pitching:
Starters – Free Agent signees CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett should turn this starting staff into one of the league’s very best. Sabathia give New York something they have lacked over the past few seasons; a legitimate Ace at the front of the rotation. Chien-Ming Wang now slides comfortably in the #2 slot while AJ Burnett, Andy Petite and Joba Chamberlain round out a staff that can matchup with any other in MLB.
Youngsters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, both of whom were ineffective in the starting rotation last April will start the season in AAA. Hughes, who had a sold Spring Training for the Yankees, will be back with the big club at some time this season. Kennedy also remains very much in the team’s future plans.
Relievers – Future Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera anchors a bullpen that should be an effective unit for Girardi. Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and young left hander Phil Coke will man the bullpen in front of Rivera. Reportedly, Jonathan Albaladejo, who saw brief action with the Yankees last season is in line for the final bullpen job.
Outlook:
There are so many question marks as the Yankees enter the season that it is difficult to predict how this season will turn out. That said, there is so much talent here, especially with the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett, logic dictates the team will be in the hunt for the AL Eastern crown for the entire season.
Prediction:
The Yankees will be engaged in a three way, steel cage death match with the Red Sox and Rays. The prediction here is that they will outlast the Rays to finish 90-72 and capture second place in the East and the Wildcard slot.
Source: rbimagazine.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment