Spring training site
Tampa, Fla.
2007 record
94-68, AL wild-card winner, lost in first round to Indians
New faces
RHP Jonathan Albaladejo (trade, Nationals), RHP LaTroy Hawkins (free agent, Rockies), IF Morgan Ensberg (free agent, Padres), OF Jason Lane (free agent, Padres).
Biggest offseason acquisition
Hawkins was effective with the Rockies last year, and adds something to the Yankees' middle relief. With Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, they'll need Hawkins to be every bit as good.
Gone but not forgotten
The Yankees wasted millions on Roger Clemens last season for a 6-6 record and a 4.18 ERA. They seemed to learn their lesson this winter and didn't overpay for any over-the-hill starters. However, the Yankees let go of Luis Vizcaino and Ron Villone, who both were decent in middle relief.
Spring training battles
Not too many in Yankees camp, where the lineup is essentially settled, barring injury. The biggest situation worth watching is their young pitchers and how new manager Joe Girardi plans to use them. The Joba Rules are still in effect, and they plan to limit Chamberlain to about 150 innings. So he might end up in the bullpen at some point.
Projected lineup
- LF Johnny Damon
- SS Derek Jeter
- RF Bobby Abreu
- 3B Alex Rodriguez
- DH Hideki Matsui
- C Jorge Posada
- 1B Jason Giambi
- 2B Robinson Cano
- CF Melky Cabrera
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Chien-Ming Wang
- LHP Andy Pettitte
- RHP Mike Mussina
- RHP Phil Hughes
- RHP Joba Chamberlain
Projected bullpen
- RHP Mariano Rivera (closer)
- RHP Kyle Farnsworth
- RHP LaTroy Hawkins
- RHP Ross Ohlendorf
- RHP Jose Veras
- RHP Jonathan Albaladejo
Biggest strength
Any lineup that has Robinson Cano hitting eighth is ridiculously potent. With Alex Rodriguez back and in the prime of his Hall of Fame career, The Yankees will score a lot of runs, as usual.
Glaring weakness
The Yankees might not have a single left-hander in their bullpen, and aside from Mariano Rivera, this is one of the weakest bullpens among the American League contenders. If Ian Kennedy is ready to join the rotation, Chamberlain could be moved back to fortify the bullpen.
