shadyridr
Footballguy
Here's a little breakdown of the Yankees and what issues they have going into camp.
Starting Pitchers:
Probably among the best rotations in the game. Im very excited about watching all these guys pitch. If one of CC, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, or Joba get hurt Hughes and/or Aceves should be solid enough depth. A+
Bullpen:
Im loving this bullpen! Bruney, Veras, Marte, Coke, Ramirez should form a very solid bridge to Rivera. Keep an eye on Mark Melancon who many are saying could be this year's Joba. I expect him to start in AAA but be up by midseason. A-
Catcher:
Posada's shoulder is a HUGE concern and Molina breaks down if he plays too many games. B-
Infield:
Jeter is a statue at SS, ARod's defense is solid but not spectacular, and Cano has too many mental lapses although he does have the potential to be a gold glover. Tex should be a great help to all the infielders but its not saying much when your 1B is your best fielder. Hitting wise these guys are all studs (except Cano who at best is decent). A-
Outfield:
Damon had one of his best years hitting last year and is a solid leftfielder with a terrible arm. The CF battle is disgusting. The "winner" of the Gardner/Cabrera battle will probably be the worst hitting OFer in the AL. They are both solid defensively. Nady and Swisher are going to battle for the RF job with the backup probably getting a bunch of playing time as a supersub. Id prefer Swisher. Matsui wont play the OF this year but if he stays healthy (a HUGE if) hes a lock for 100RBI in the 5th spot. C
Bench:
The loser of the Nady/Swisher battle, the loser of the Cabrera/Gardner battle, Ransom. Once again Cashman does a HORRIBLE job building the bench. D
Issues heading into spring training:
1. Posada's return from shoulder surgery. IF Posada can play 110-120 games behind the plate and hit .280-20-85 then the Yanks lineup suddenly becomes less top heavy.
2. Rivera's return from minor shoulder surgery. Everyone says there isnt much to worry about but still color me concerned.
3. A-Roid. Will the distractions get to him?
4. Matsui's knee. Im not too concerned about this because even if hes not healthy then Nady and or Swisher should be a fine DH but it would kill the depth.
Prediction:
I think the Yankees filled a ton of holes especially in the pitching area. I think if their rotation and bullpen stays healthy then there is no way they miss the playoffs. They have a lot of holes in their lineup and defense but I think the pitching will get them over the hump.
95-67, 2nd place behind TB- WC winners. Lose in ALCS playoffs to CLE
Starting Pitchers:
Probably among the best rotations in the game. Im very excited about watching all these guys pitch. If one of CC, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, or Joba get hurt Hughes and/or Aceves should be solid enough depth. A+
Bullpen:
Im loving this bullpen! Bruney, Veras, Marte, Coke, Ramirez should form a very solid bridge to Rivera. Keep an eye on Mark Melancon who many are saying could be this year's Joba. I expect him to start in AAA but be up by midseason. A-
Catcher:
Posada's shoulder is a HUGE concern and Molina breaks down if he plays too many games. B-
Infield:
Jeter is a statue at SS, ARod's defense is solid but not spectacular, and Cano has too many mental lapses although he does have the potential to be a gold glover. Tex should be a great help to all the infielders but its not saying much when your 1B is your best fielder. Hitting wise these guys are all studs (except Cano who at best is decent). A-
Outfield:
Damon had one of his best years hitting last year and is a solid leftfielder with a terrible arm. The CF battle is disgusting. The "winner" of the Gardner/Cabrera battle will probably be the worst hitting OFer in the AL. They are both solid defensively. Nady and Swisher are going to battle for the RF job with the backup probably getting a bunch of playing time as a supersub. Id prefer Swisher. Matsui wont play the OF this year but if he stays healthy (a HUGE if) hes a lock for 100RBI in the 5th spot. C
Bench:
The loser of the Nady/Swisher battle, the loser of the Cabrera/Gardner battle, Ransom. Once again Cashman does a HORRIBLE job building the bench. D
Issues heading into spring training:
1. Posada's return from shoulder surgery. IF Posada can play 110-120 games behind the plate and hit .280-20-85 then the Yanks lineup suddenly becomes less top heavy.
2. Rivera's return from minor shoulder surgery. Everyone says there isnt much to worry about but still color me concerned.
3. A-Roid. Will the distractions get to him?
4. Matsui's knee. Im not too concerned about this because even if hes not healthy then Nady and or Swisher should be a fine DH but it would kill the depth.
Prediction:
I think the Yankees filled a ton of holes especially in the pitching area. I think if their rotation and bullpen stays healthy then there is no way they miss the playoffs. They have a lot of holes in their lineup and defense but I think the pitching will get them over the hump.
95-67, 2nd place behind TB- WC winners. Lose in ALCS playoffs to CLE
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But, they don't.
My sides...
good one
good one
