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Here we are with the Yankees, who are back and big spending as always.

The New York Yankees

Last Season’s Result: 89-73. 3rd place in the AL East.

Major Offseason Changes

• Added SP CC Sabathia (Signed from Milwaukee)
• Added 1B Mark Teixeira (Signed from Los Angeles Angels)
• Added 1B/OF Nick Swisher (Trade with Chicago White Sox)
• Added SP A.J. Burnett (Signed from Toronto)
• Added SP Jason Johnson (Signed from LA Dodgers)
• Lost RF Bobby Abreu (Signed with Los Angeles Angels)
• Lost 1B Jason Giambi (Signed with Oakland)
• Lost SP Mike Mussina (Retired)
• Lost SP Carl Pavano (Signed with Cleveland)
• Lost C Ivan Rodriguez (Signed with Houston)

Letter Grades

• Offseason Moves: B The Yankees spent a small fortune bringing in most of the top free agents of this offseason. The additions of Sabathia and Burnett will return the Yankees rotation to among the best in the league, if not the best. Teixeira’s addition makes the Yankees lineup a step closer to the juggernaut that they are used to. The reason I didn’t give them an A is because they have a terrible defensive team, and it doesn’t look like its getting any better. Teixeira is a fine defender, but up the middle they are very suspect.

• Rotation Grade: A+ Chien-Ming Wang goes from a solid ace to the game’s best #3 (sorry Dice-K). This is probably the best rotation in baseball. Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, and Chamberlain form a murderer’s row of a rotation, and only Pettitte’s advanced age makes him the only one who can’t win twenty games this season.

• Bullpen Grade: C+ Mariano Rivera was amazing in 2008, posting a 1.40 ERA in 64 appearances. Forget all the K-Rod hype, this guy may have been the AL’s best closer in 2008. Surrounding this future hall of famer is a cast of lesser known young hurlers.

• Lineup Grade: A- A lot of talk this preseason is about the flaws in this group, but think they are still among the game’s best. They are above-average at worst at every offensive position except left and centerfield. This team will score, with A-Rod and without him.

Player most closely linked to team’s 2009 hopes: Alex Rodriguez. How much will this hip injury affect his production? If the controversial third basemen return at his normal level, then with their upgraded pitching staff the Yankees will contend in the East.

Biggest Breakout Star Potential: Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees are finally going to give Joba the chance to throw every fifth day, and with that chance expect him to emerge as the Yankees #2 guy. If Joba’s arm troubles return, then the new star on the block may end up being RF Xavier Nady who will finally showcase his “un-tier” clutchness for a full season in the biggest market in the country.
Best Case Scenario: If the pitching stays healthy, this team will definitely be in contention. If A-Rod plays to form as well, then this team has the ability to run away with this division regardless of Boston and Tampa.

Worst Case Scenario: AJ Burnett, Joba, and Wang all get injured again. A-Rod slumps after his return and become a lightning rod for criticism. This team added some nice talent, but an A-Rod circus could derail what they have going.

Prediction for 2009: 96-66. 1st place in the AL East.

Local Thoughts

A trio of Yankees bloggers give us a ton of insight to the upcoming year; Edward Valentine and Travis Goldman from Pinstripe Alley, and Patrick O’Keefe of YanksBlog.com.

By: First up is Edward Valentine of Pinstripe Alley

• Letter Grade for Offseason Moves: A-: As everyone knows, and many have whined about, the Yankees spent a ton of money in the off-season. The signings of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett give them front-line starting pitching they didn't have in 2008. Re-signing Andy Pettitte was also huge, as it means they now have depth with Phil Hughes and Alfredo Aceves at AAA. Mark Teixeira was also a great get, especially since the Yankees have no other true, young, in their prime offensive players. Nick Swisher gives them flexibility, and a bat, off the bench they have been missing. Letting Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi go were also smart moves, as it helped the Yankees get more flexible. The only demerit Brian Cashman gets is for not finding a better backup middle infielder than Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa, and the Yanks will pay for that with A-Rod hurt.

• Most Essential: Oh, man. You can argue that it will be A-Rod once he returns. You can argue Sabathia since he gives them a true No. 1. You can argue that it is Teixeira. I think, though, that is is the same guy it has been for the last 10-12 years -- Mariano Rivera. Since he became the closer Yankee games have always been about getting the ball to Mo. If he is healthy following shoulder surgery, and still the dominant force he has always been even at 39, then the Yankee pitching staff sets up great and they have no 9th inning worries. If he can't handle the workload, or his stuff isn't the same, then there is a problem.

• Breakout Potential: I am looking for (pleading for? hoping for? begging for?) a big comeback season from Robinson Cano. A guy who isn't even on the radar right now is Phil Hughes, who will start the season in AAA. The Franchise was very disappointing last season, but I think he will still pitch some big games, and pitch well, in the Bronx this summer.


• Prediction for 2009: I think this team wins in the neighborhood of 95 games. The pitching and defense should both be better than they were in 2008. I hate to say it, but I think the Red Sox win the division and the Yankees place 2nd and earn the wild card. Sorry, Tampa Bay fans.

By: Travis Goldman also from Pinstripe Alley

• Letter Grade for Offseason Moves: B+, would've been an A if they had signed Manny.

• Most Essential: Posada and his health. If he can play 110 games at catcher, the offense should be fine. If he can't, and we have to use Molina a lot, it could kill the offense.

• Breakout Potential: Brett Gardner, who could turn into a very good centerfielder. His defense and speed are already plus, and while his minor league OBP was great, he'll have to hit for average because pitchers aren't afraid to challenge him in the Bigs. But I think he can do that.

• Prediction for 2009: 95-67, 2nd in the AL East behind Tampa. They would've been first but A-Rod's injury derailed that outcome.

By: Finally we have Patrick O’Keefe from YanksBlog.com.

• Letter Grade for Offseason Moves: A.

• Most Essential: I don’t think there is one. Either the team will win or the team will lose, but it’s not on one guy. If we get hit by injuries, we’ll be vulnerable like any other team.

• Breakout Potential: Tough because this is a team of people who have already played well. Does CC Sabathia count? I mean, he’s never had a 20 win season. This could be the year. Joba comes to mind, too, just because this will be his first full season as a starter, so I’m hopeful he’ll have a big year and put to rest the concerns about him starting.

• Prediction for 2009: 104-58, first place. It’s hard to predict such a high number, but this team has the potential if they stay healthy and play the way they look on paper. That’s baseball.


Thanks for all the help, see you guys tomorrow when we make our debut from Canada!