2009 MLB Preview - New York Yankees

New York Yankees
Manager: Joe Girardi (2nd season)
2008 Record: 89-73 (3rd AL East)


Added: 1B Mark Teixiera (LAA), OF Nick Swisher (CHW), SP C.C. Sabathia (MIL), SP A.J. Burnett (TOR)
Lost: OF Bobby Abreu (LAA), SP Carl Pavano (CLE), RP Billy Traber (BOS)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Derek Jeter (.300, 88 R, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 11 SB) 2. LF Johnny Damon (.303, 95 R, 17 HR, 71 RBI, 29 SB) 3. 1B Mark Teixiera (.308, 102 R, 33 HR, 121 RBI) 4. LF Hideki Matsui (.294, 43 R, 9 HR, 45 RBI) 5. C Jorge Posada (.268, 18 R, 3 HR, 22 RBI) 6. RF Xavier Nady (.305, 76 R, 25 HR, 97 RBI) 7. 2B Robinson Cano (.271, 70 R, 14 HR, 72 RBI) 8. 3B Cody Ransom (.302, 9 R, 4 HR, 8 RBI) 9. CF Brett Gardner (.228, 18 R, 0 HR, 16 RBI)

NOTE: 3B Alex Rodriguez will return in May due to injury

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. C.C. Sabathia (17-10, 2.70 ERA, 251 K) 2. A.J. Burnett (18-10, 4.07 ERA, 231 K) 3. Joba Chamberlain (4-3, 2.60 ERA, 118 K) 4. Chein-Ming Wang (8-2, 4.07 ERA, 54 K) 5. andy Pettitte (14-14, 4.54 ERA, 158 K)

Bench
C Jose Molina, IF Angel Berroa, OF Nick Swisher, OF Melky Cabrera

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Mariano Rivera (39 SV, 70.2 IP, 41 H, 77 K, 1.40 ERA), Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez

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Fantasy Studs: 1B Mark Teixiera, 3B Alex Rodriguez, SP C.C. Sabathia, RP Mariano Rivera
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Joba Chamberlain, SP Chein-Ming Wang

Men In The Minors: C Austin Romine, C/1B Jesus Montero, OF Austin Jackson, SP Dellin Betances, SP Zach McAlister

Home Ballpark: Yankee Stadium (Grade Incomplete - New Ballpark)

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Team Outlook: Like every year, the Yankees spent tons of money in the offseason. But unlike every year, they were spending money on a team that did NOT qualify for the postseason. The emergence of the Rays pushed the Yanks to third in the division. Now, they are looking for payback. The pitching staff is re-tooled and should be much better. Sabathia and Burnett have all the tools but pitching in NYC seeems to change people. Chamberlain has gone through a whole season before and Wang is coming from injury so there's no telling how well they will pitch. Thankfully, Rivera is still one of the best closers in the game. The batting lineup is strong but not having A-Rod early will hurt. Jeter is aging quickly. Same goes for Damon. Teixiera should have a monster season but the same cannot be be guaranteed for Matsui or Posada. Nady should have a great season too and Ransom and Gardner should just feel lucky to be on a big-league team. This team could compete until the end. They could win the division. But they also could not. These are not the Yankees of old. There are just old Yankees.

Next Preview: Oakland Athletics