Some things are rock solid for the New York Yankees going into the 2010 season.
To begin with they have the best infield in all of baseball both offensively and defensively.
Mark Texeira - First Base. Robinson Cano - Second Base. Alex Rodriguez - Third Base. Derek Jeter - Shortstop. No need for any changes there.
Jorge Posada will back behind the plate but don't expect him to catch more than 100 games. He will DH a great deal more and they will give his aging legs a lot more rest.
Francisco Cervelli will be the back up catcher and will start 60 games or so. He will provide spark with his youth and exuberance.
The Yankees should sign Matt Holliday to play left field. Even if Johnny Damon is brought back on a short contract, he should be the primary DH and should not be in the field.
Melky Cabrera will be the starting centerfielder. He has proven over several years now that he can be a dependable player and Brett Gardner has not proven that. Gardner will be the fourth outfielder and provide some speed off the bench.
Nick Swisher will patrol right field again. He produced, despite the fact that he sometimes shortens the order with his strikeouts. He needs to be more consistent, but he gets the job done.
As mentioned above, Damon will be resigned and will be the primary DH. If he is not signed, Juan Miranda should be given a shot at DH, since Posada will probably be the DH in about 40 games this year.
Ramiro Pena and Jerry Hairston, Jr. will be brought back to provide bench help.
CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain and Roy Halladay will be the five starting pitchers for New York.
The Yankees will acquire Halladay by trading away Ian Kennedy, Austin Romine and two lesser known minor league prospects. The Jays have to take the deal because they are going to lose Halladay anyway and Boston will not give them any more for Doc. If absolutely necessary the Yankees will throw Brett Gardner into the deal.
The bullpen will be made up of Mariano Rivera, Phil Hughes, David Robertson, Damaso Marte, Phil Coke and Alfredo Aceves.
The management may decide to carry one other pitcher who can spot start or provide long relief, but the starting staff will give you enough innings that carrying eleven pitchers may be enough. Chad Gaudin is a good bet for the 12th pitcher if it comes to that.
If only eleven pitchers are carried then another bat can be added from among Eric Hinske, Xavier Nady or someone else who proves themselves in camp.
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