There is only one thing on the minds of Yankee's fans these days, and that is bringing home a 27th world championship. With the additions of CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, the pitching staff is better then ever. Mark Teixeira brings many tools to the Yankees lineup.
A 35+ power bat, solid glove, the ability to hit in clutch situations, and a .300 batting average, something that the Yankees have been lacking for years. Although the Yanks didn't bring in many new players, the few they did are good enough to really make a difference and return the bombers to postseason greatness.
Starting Pitching:
CC Sabathia: CC was the best pitcher in the majors last year. No doubt, but struggled early for the Indians. Early season struggles in a return to the American League could make Yankee fans quickly turn on Sabathia. Lets hope he can put up solid numbers in his first year in pin-stripes. Which I'm sure he will.
Prediction: 18-9 3.20 ERA
AJ Burnett: AJ, while showing his true potential last season, is a big question mark going into his first season with the Yankees. He is very injury prone and sometimes lacks his true "stuff." I'm a little nervous about AJ, he could be great, but could also give Yankee fans another taste of Carl Pavano.
Prediction: 15-10 4.10 200+ K's
Joba Chamberlain: Some scouts are very concerned with Joba's drop in speed on his fastball. I think he could struggle early but will return to form. He is still a developing starter and is still adjusting to a full major league season which could mean a slow start and a struggling September.
Prediction: 14-9 3.40
Ching-Ming Wang: Solid. Although not a dominating force on the mound. Every time he goes out, Yankee fans expect eight innings of solid pitching. He is very consistent. The only thing is that he is coming off a serious foot injury which caused him to miss some time last season. But I think he rebounds and has another great year.
Prediction: 19-6 3.75
Andy Pettitte: Many of you readers by now are most likely thinking I'm being to generous to the Yankee pitchers. Well here is where i draw the line. Pettitte showed obvious signs of aging and fatigue late last year.
Although he was still considered the 'ace' of the staff last September, Andy struggled greatly. He will do the same this season. Bringing him back was a big mistake.
Prediction: 10-15 4.90 ERA ( and possibly losing his job)
Bullpen:
The current bullpen is looking like this after today's cuts.
Long Reliever: Jonathan Ablate
Middle Relievers: Damaso Marte, Phil Coke, Edwar Ramirez
Setup guys: Jose Veres, Brian Bruney
Closer: Mariano Rivera
Bullpen Analyses: Although being filled with many names that common baseball fans would not know, the Yankee's bullpen was the strengh of the club last season. The pen is still solid. Brian Bruney, Joes Veres and Edwar Ramirez really broke out last season and turned into solid relievers and the future of the bullpen.
Phil Coke was a pleasant surprise last September and is hoping to carry that success into this season. Albaladejo won a battle in spring training for the long relief spot even though nobody had him even in the race. Rivera will be still solid despite getting up there in age.
Field:
Catcher: Jorge Posada- Returning from surgery will be a big obstacle for Jorge coming into this year. His bat should still be able to produce. His play behind the plate however, will decline. Jose Molina is a solid defender who has an all right bat, but Jorge needs to come back strong to help the Yankee's order.
1st Base: Mark Teixeira- Big contract, Big hopes, Big expectations. Hopefully Marky-Mark can come into the big apple and really swing the bat that has made him an all star.
2nd Base: Robinson Cano- Returning to true form is Robinson's goal for the year. He was putting up solid numbers but last years .271 average season put many scouts and coaches in doubt. I know Cano has the potential, he was starting to show some improvement in his swing later on in the year. That will most likely carry over to the 2009 season.
Short Stop: Derek Jeter- The captain will be the captain. Jeter will put up solid numbers offensivly while leading off. Hopefully scoring many runs in the process.
3rd Base- Cody Ransom- Cody is a journey man who has been around for many years in many different systems. He now has the chance to prove himself in a starting role. He has big shoes to fill, but i think he will hold third down until Arod gets back. He wont put up arod numbers, but he should produce something at the No. 8 spot.
Left Field: Johnny Damon- Damon will be batting second in the lineup this year. He hopes to improve his glove and overall play this season. If not, he wont be resigned at the end of the season. THERE'S JOHNNY!
Center Field: Brett Gardner- I had the honor of meeting Brett this off season. I'm rooting for him to really show that he deserves the starting center field job, although he isn't the long time answer. Brett has amazing speed and should create a havoc on the base paths every time he gets on.
Right Field: Xavier Nady- I really enjoy Nady's style of hitting, finese and power when needed. His numbers dipped once he got traded last deadline, but I believe that he will really step things up and will have a nice season.
DH: Hideki Matsui- Another '09 FA. Matsui really needs to impress in order to still be a Yankee next year. The fact that he has been reduced to DH-only duties will hurt him. He can sometimes fill in at left, but I doubt we will see him return to the outfield.
Bench:
Jose Molina- Solid defense and an all right bat. A great backup option for the Yankees.
Nick Swisher- A guy who can start on most teams. Is a bench player because of his average and fielding. But he still has a ton a power, alot more then what the bombers had last year on the bench.
The utility infielder job is still up for grabs. It is between Angel Berrora and prospect Ramiro Pena. Berrora is looking to regain his spot at the major league level while Pena, is looking to break into the majors after spending last year in AA. He hit .266 but showed a great glove down in Trenton.
Overall on paper, the Yankees look solid and should make a run at the World Series. The only thing that can hurt them is a lack of clutch hitting, that iswhat destroyed their chances last season. If everyone remains healthy, then expect seeing the Yankees play well into October.
Season Prediction
98-64. World Series Champs!
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