2008 New York Yankees Baseball Preview

Despite having the largest payroll and some of the best talent in the Majors, the Yanks have not won the World Series in the 21st century. With new manager Joe Girardi taking over for Joe Torre, New York enters a new era.

The rotation features the young and talented Chien-Ming Wang (19-7, 3.70 ERA, 104 SO). He’s got a good repertoire of pitches and the ability to make hitters ground out. Lefty Andy Pettitte (15-9, 4.05 ERA, 141 SO) looks to be a solid second man. Although age and worry may both be a concern. Can young Phil Hughes (5- 3, 4.46 ERA, 58 SO), who performed well in the post season, really be the third man out? Vet Mike Mussina (11-10, 5.15 ERA, 91 SO) is good but always seems to have trouble as the season goes on. Save master Mariano Rivera (3- 4, 3.15 ERA, 30 SAV) is back for another season.

The Yankees can hit, there’s no doubt about it. Much of the production last season came from infielders—SS Derek Jeter .322 AVG, 12 HR, 73 RBI), 3B and league MVP Alex Rodriguez (.314 AVG, 54 HR, 156 RBI) and 2B Robinson Cano (.306 AVG, 19 HR, 97 RBI). Jeter is a clutch guy, while Rodriguez has a superlative stroke. Cano seems to hit doubles at will. From the outfield, Johnny Damon (.270 AVG, 12 HR, 63 RBI) and Hideki Matsui (.285 AVG, 25 HR, 103 RBI) have been tough competitors. Damon slashes away at the ball to gather hits while Hideki has one of the most disciplined swings in the Majors. Catcher Jorge Posada (.338 AVG, 20 HR, 90 RBI) continues to contribute.

The Yankees tend to have a decent but not a great defense. The arms in the outfield are weak. Posada does a good job behind the plate. Giambi can be an adventure at first. The rest of the infield is quite good.

Elder son of George Steinbrenner, Hank, is now in charge. Will he continue the Steinbrenner tradition of trying to buy a championship? There’s a solid core here. For the Yankees the question this season, as it has been for the past seven years, is starting pitching. Starting pitching is the key to winning the World Series.

Read more on the Yankees other AL East division opponents, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

For more info on the Yankees check out the MLB official page for New York baseball.