30 Team Marathon: New York Yankees

As we head towards Spring Training, it's time to check out where all 30 teams in Major League Baseball are headed as we enter the 2010 season. In this first installment, we'll start from the top and analyze the 2009 World Series Champions, New York Yankees.

- New York Yankees: (2009 W/L: 103-59, 915 Runs Scored, 753 Runs Allowed)

Key Additions: OF Curtis Granderson, DH/1B Nick Johnson, SP Javier Vasquez, OF Randy Winn
Key Departures: LF Johnny Damon, DH Hideki Matsui, SP Chien Ming Wang, OF Melky Cabrera, SP Ian Kennedy, RP Phil Coke, OF Austin Jackson

Starting Pitching: After dramatically altering their rotation last season with the acquisitions of C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees were much quieter this offseason in the starting pitching front. They once again resigned Andy Pettitte to a one year deal and added a veteran arm in Javier Vasquez. Vasquez, still best remembered in New York for the infamous grand slam he served up to Johnny Damon in game 7 of the 2004 ALCS, claims to be wiser this time around. However, unlike 2004 when he was asked to be an ace/#2 type starter, in 2010 he’ll simply be looked upon to provide 200 innings of solid pitching which is something he’s done in nine of his 12 major league seasons. The drama in spring training will surround the fifth spot in the rotation where Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and the likes of Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre will compete to round things out. Chamberlain should be considered the early favorite now that he is all but free of the shackles of the “Joba Rules” after tossing 157.1 innings as a starter last season. Hughes finds himself in the same position as Chamberlain did last season, under an innings limit and with many in the media calling for him to remain in the bullpen. Regardless of who eventually wins out in camp, expect both of these pitchers to see significant time starting as injuries always occur in the rotation (who really thinks Burnett is staying healthy for a third straight year?).

Bullpen: It’s difficult to predict the production you’ll get from a major league reliever these days and as an example, look no further than the Yankees opening day 2009 bullpen compared to the bullpen during the postseason. Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez were long gone and forgotten by the time the All-Star break rolled around and Damaso Marte, who was persona non grata entering the season, had emerged as a bullpen weapon along with Phil Hughes. At least on opening day, expect to see the likes of Alfredo Aceves, Marte, David Robertson and Gaudin in the bullpen. However, by mid-July, you know the only name still guaranteed to be looming in the Yankees’ pen is Mariano Rivera. Rivera, after another virtuoso October performance in which he gave up just one run in 16 innings, needs no words written about him. Many will question if this is the year he finally runs out of gas, but haven’t we heard that asked every season since 2004?

Infield: The Yankees’ infield remains intact from 2009 with Mark Teixeira manning first base, Robinson Cano at second, Derek Jeter at shortstop and Alex Rodriguez at third. Teixeria’s arrival last season improved the infield defense all around, with his range allowing him to nab the ground balls and line drives that would have blown by Jason Giambi in the past, and his glove allowing him to scoop the errant throws from A-Rod, Jeter and Cano that might’ve normally gone down as errors with Giambi. Production wise, Cano and Tex are the only two in their prime, with Jeter on the cusp of 36 and A-Rod approaching 35. The question will be how much longer Jeter can continue to produce at an elite level and if A-Rod’s health will become a factor once again during the season.

Outfield: The area where the Yankees underwent the most renovating this season lies in the outfield. Granderson takes over for Melky Cabrera in centerfield, while Brett Gardner replaces Johnny Damon in left. Granderson’s defense has become a question mark in the eyes of scouts but his bat is elite at his production, at least when facing righties. Gardner and Randy Winn will handle left field in a platoon spot but are unlikely to even approach Damon’s production. The one constant is Nick Swisher in right, who’s hot and cold streaks made some fans’ heads explode month by month. However, his gregarious personality, OBP and ability to work counts have made him a popular Yankee.

Catcher: Jorge Posada once again will make his home behind the plate after another often times tumultuous season where he butted heads with his starting pitchers. Burnett and Chamberlain were typically seen arguing with Posada over the way he calls games and as a result, manager Joe Girardi paired them up with Jose Molina. With Molina gone, it will be more important than ever for all sides to work better with Posada. Francisco Cervelli’s emergence allowed Molina to become expendable, the rookie backstop’s fiery demeanor and excellent defense helped him to become a fan favorite. However, while his game is similar to Molina’s he lacks the experience and it will be interesting to see if he can build upon the moderate success he had in 2009.

Designated Hitter: Reacquired Nick Johnson will be prominently featured at DH, expect him to see at least 400 to 450 at-bats as the Yankees will also utilize the DH spot to rest their aging veterans. Johnson’s production is unlikely to match Hideki Matsui’s, but much like Swisher, Johnson is an expert at working the pitcher and driving up pitch counts.

Players to Watch: The Yankees managed to wheel and deal without trading their biggest chip in the minors, catcher Jesus Montero. Montero’s bat is project to be Manny Ramirez-esque, although it is unlikely that he will have a position in the majors due to his inadequacies behind the plate. However, a long term injury to Posada could result in Montero’s Bronx debut. Also, don’t forget about pitcher Mark Melancon. Melancon had a spotty debut in 13 appearances for the Yankees last season but his minor league numbers (8.7 SO/9) indicate that given the opportunity, he could be an above average reliever at the Major League level.

Outlook for 2010: The Yankees will enter the 2010 season as favorites to win it all in October again but as the past decade made clear, nothing can guarantee October success on a regular basis in today’s MLB.

Prediction: 97-65, First Place AL East