Yanks Spring Training Preview

The defending World Series Champions will take the field in 2010 a more talented group than the 2009 version that knocked off the Phillies last Fall.

The anchors of last season remain the same: Mark Teixeira at first base; Robinson Cano at second; Derek Jeter at short and Alex Rodriguez at third comprise a nearly $100 million infield.

However, it's the pitching that will determine whether Joe Girardi's club will defend their title. Ace CC Sabathia leads the staff followed by A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and newcomer Javier Vazquez.

The fifth starter spot is an open competition entering Spring Training. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are the favorites, but Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves will all get a shot.

Adding Vazquez – via trade with Atlanta in exchange for Melky Cabrera – gives a front-loaded pitching staff the depth it lacked last season.

In a separate deal, GM Brian Cashman addressed the only shaky everyday position by acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson in exchange for what amounts to spare parts.

Granderson, who will roam the legendary outfield spot once manned by Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Bernie Williams, will be flanked by joyful Nick Swisher in right and a carousel of Brett Gardner, Randy Winn and Marcus Thames in left. (In certain situations, Grandy may flip-flop and play left.)

Former Yankees prospect Nick Johnson returns to The Bronx as DH, but don't expect Johnson to be there full-time. Girardi will exploit the DH position as an old-age-home for the numerous 30-plus-years-old regulars who can use some half days off.

The most senior aging veteran is catcher Jorge Posada. Girardi wants Posada's bat in the lineup but not his 38-year-old knees behind the plate. Look for Jorge to play upwards of 40 games as DH, with energetic youngster Francisco Cervelli filling in as backstop.

The greatest reliever of all-time, Mariano Rivera, will be the backbone of the bullpen. After a shaky April last season, Mo went on to have one of the finest campaigns of his first-ballot Hall-of-Fame-career. Damaso Marte will be top lefty out of the ‘pen. Displaying his value against lefties last postseason, Marte is the only other reliever with a defined role going into the season.

The other slots will be determined along with the fifth starter competition. Hughes is best suited to be in the rotation and Joba the eighth inning man. The other rotation contenders, along with David Robertson, fill out the relief corps.

The depth on the team is the best money can buy. That's what separates the Yankees from every other team in Major League Baseball. It's not enough to have a couple of All-Stars on the roster, there needs to be an All-Star at just about every position.

Of the eight regulars in the field, all but the corner outfielders have a legitimate – if not the best – chance to start the Mid-Summer Classic.

This offseason the Red Sox improved their pitching, signing free agent John Lackey, and defense, Gold Glove centerfielder Mike Cameron, in preparation for the annual mid-Summer tango with The Bombers for AL East supremacy.

Boston needs to be carried by its starting rotation as the Sox lineup is missing a big bat in the middle and the bullpen is suspect.

The Rays believe this is their last year with a legitimate shot for the AL East crown as their top two players, Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, are both eligible for free agency after the season. Tampa will make a dent in the division race, but ultimately the Yanks and BoSox will be at the top.

OUTLOOK:
The Yanks combination of depth and star-power is not matched by any team in baseball. There are concerns going into the season, age throughout the team, A.J. Burnett is still an injury concern, but those issues are minor compared to most other clubs.

Look for The Bombers to win 95-plus games and win the East. The playoffs are a crapshoot, but with Sabathia as the ace, Mariano in the ‘pen and big hitters up and down the lineup Girardi has the best odds of rolling sevens.