New York Preview: Rites of Spring
Over the last few years, the only thing trendier than picking the team that would finally overthrow the Atlanta Braves in the NL East is picking the team that would finally overthrow the New York Yankees in the AL East. Such prognostication became even trendier after the Red Sox won the World Series, when Boston looked like they might gain the upper hand over their long-time rivals.
Sadly, no. The Yankees, despite the best guesses of pundits everywhere (including here) did not collapse like an ice sculpture at Pismo Beach. Jason Giambi put together a season he didn’t have to apologize for, and Joe Torre kept his pitching staff together with chewing gum and baling wire. And when the dust settled, the Yankees won the division again.
1. Johnny Damon got a big contract and a trip to the barber’s. Can he lead the Yankees to a trip to the World Series?
Damon was arguably the biggest name free agent to sign this winter. Conventional wisdom had it that his leadoff skills would only enhance an already-formidable lineup. The lineup was formidable last year – the Yanks finished behind only the Red Sox in runs scored and OPS. But Damon’s .366 OBP would only rank him sixth on last year’s team.
That’s not to say that Damon won’t help matters. But New York’s offensive success will hinge more on Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, and (to a lesser extent) Bernie Williams than Damon. If those three elder statesmen can’t stay healthy and productive, the Bombers might bomb.
The Yankees enjoy the luxury of having Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, and Derek Jeter in the lineup, so even if the threesome mentioned above break down the offense won’t be utterly hopeless. But there’s not a lot of depth on this team, and a lengthy stint on the DL would hurt. Andy Phillips, Melky Cabrera, and Bubba Crosby just aren’t as intimidating as Giambi, Williams, and Sheffield…
2. Will Torre and Co. be able to chew enough gum to keep the staff together for another year?
Good question. The entire rotation is iffy in some form. Ace Randy Johnson is 43 years old with a history of back problems. Mike Mussina has had his share of aches and pains the last few years, too. Jaret Wright is…well, Jaret Wright. Chien-Ming Wang looked like a godsend until he got hurt, too. Carl Pavano was healthy enough to pitch only 17 times last year. Kevin Brown could only go 13 times, and might be done for good.
I guess that means the safest bets among the starters are Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon. Oy…
In the bullpen, Mariano Rivera is still among the elite. His supporting cast has changed, though. And it remains to be seen if it’s for the better.
Tom Gordon bolted for Philadelphia. To buttress the set up role, GM Brian Cashman signed Mike Myers and $17 million man Kyle Farnsworth. Myers will be the lefty specialist, good for 40 or so IP. Farnsworth will be fresh meat for the New York media, and the guy designated to beat the crap out of Paul Wilson during interleague games.
Rivera is great, and is close to a given as anything on the staff. Johnson, Mussina, and Pavano can give the Yankees a strong front of the rotation if they’re healthy. Outside of that, there’s not a lot to get excited about here. New pitching coach Ron Guidry might have a long season ahead of him.
3. So are you following the crowd and betting against the Yankees?
Well, like I said before, picking against New York is a rite of spring, much like the first robin, or first spring training game.
On the other hand, when I look at the competition I can’t really find anyone that is clearly better than the Yankees. The Red Sox spent the winter running in circles. The Blue Jays probably did the most to improve their team, but that doesn’t always translate into immediate success (just ask the 2003 Phillies).
Even though they’re old and hurt, the Yankees still have a lot of talent. If another team manages to pass them this year, I’d be willing to bet that age and injury would have something to do with it.
Sadly, no. The Yankees, despite the best guesses of pundits everywhere (including here) did not collapse like an ice sculpture at Pismo Beach. Jason Giambi put together a season he didn’t have to apologize for, and Joe Torre kept his pitching staff together with chewing gum and baling wire. And when the dust settled, the Yankees won the division again.
1. Johnny Damon got a big contract and a trip to the barber’s. Can he lead the Yankees to a trip to the World Series?
Damon was arguably the biggest name free agent to sign this winter. Conventional wisdom had it that his leadoff skills would only enhance an already-formidable lineup. The lineup was formidable last year – the Yanks finished behind only the Red Sox in runs scored and OPS. But Damon’s .366 OBP would only rank him sixth on last year’s team.
That’s not to say that Damon won’t help matters. But New York’s offensive success will hinge more on Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, and (to a lesser extent) Bernie Williams than Damon. If those three elder statesmen can’t stay healthy and productive, the Bombers might bomb.
The Yankees enjoy the luxury of having Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, and Derek Jeter in the lineup, so even if the threesome mentioned above break down the offense won’t be utterly hopeless. But there’s not a lot of depth on this team, and a lengthy stint on the DL would hurt. Andy Phillips, Melky Cabrera, and Bubba Crosby just aren’t as intimidating as Giambi, Williams, and Sheffield…
2. Will Torre and Co. be able to chew enough gum to keep the staff together for another year?
Good question. The entire rotation is iffy in some form. Ace Randy Johnson is 43 years old with a history of back problems. Mike Mussina has had his share of aches and pains the last few years, too. Jaret Wright is…well, Jaret Wright. Chien-Ming Wang looked like a godsend until he got hurt, too. Carl Pavano was healthy enough to pitch only 17 times last year. Kevin Brown could only go 13 times, and might be done for good.
I guess that means the safest bets among the starters are Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon. Oy…
In the bullpen, Mariano Rivera is still among the elite. His supporting cast has changed, though. And it remains to be seen if it’s for the better.
Tom Gordon bolted for Philadelphia. To buttress the set up role, GM Brian Cashman signed Mike Myers and $17 million man Kyle Farnsworth. Myers will be the lefty specialist, good for 40 or so IP. Farnsworth will be fresh meat for the New York media, and the guy designated to beat the crap out of Paul Wilson during interleague games.
Rivera is great, and is close to a given as anything on the staff. Johnson, Mussina, and Pavano can give the Yankees a strong front of the rotation if they’re healthy. Outside of that, there’s not a lot to get excited about here. New pitching coach Ron Guidry might have a long season ahead of him.
3. So are you following the crowd and betting against the Yankees?
Well, like I said before, picking against New York is a rite of spring, much like the first robin, or first spring training game.
On the other hand, when I look at the competition I can’t really find anyone that is clearly better than the Yankees. The Red Sox spent the winter running in circles. The Blue Jays probably did the most to improve their team, but that doesn’t always translate into immediate success (just ask the 2003 Phillies).
Even though they’re old and hurt, the Yankees still have a lot of talent. If another team manages to pass them this year, I’d be willing to bet that age and injury would have something to do with it.
posted by Bob at
9:10 PM
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