New York Yankees 2007 baseball preview

By Petko and Steve

Six seasons ago, 2000, was the last time the Yankee fans celebrated a World Series victory. The Yankees have ended each of the past six seasons with a heartbreaking loss to clear underdogs. For last few years the players George and Brian have brought in for a quick fix are not ’true Yankees’ but this years team seems different.

Through out much of the 1990s the Yankees were very successful because of great pitching and home-grown talent. This year’s team is starting to resemble their old self a little more than in years past.

Let's take a look at the 2007 Yankees' roster position by position and see how it loads up for the '07 season.

Catcher

Posada will again have no worries about being replaced for at least three years and again having to worry about catching about 140 games since the Yankees failed to find an applicable backup. Veteran suitcase Todd Pratt was brought in to take the load off Posada but again the Yankees will rely heavy on Posada more than ever.

1st Base

A lot of competition exists at this position. Is Giambi going to play first or be a full time DH? Yanks signed veteran Doug Mientkiewicz whose best years are behind him. The Yanks need his glove more than his bat. He is a former .300 hitter with the Twins but how much offense is needed for him to play ahead of young Josh Phelps and Andy Phillips? A-rod was happy to see his former high school teammate join the Pinstripes but expect a rotating 1st base till someone takes the bull by the horn. This more than likely will be Giambi’s last season catching balls at first with Phelps and Phillips battling it out at first for years to come.

2nd Base

Another homegrown talent – Robinson Cano is now a favorite among fantasy ballers. Cano is a stud and top 5 2nd basemen in all of baseball. Cano will bat 8th and hopefully get on base for Jeter to bring him in. No concerns at 2nd; Miguel Cairo is an exceptional backup.

3rd Base

Yes, A-Rod is still a Yankee and the fans should be thrilled to have him. He’ll improve on his errors and his bat is one of the best in the majors. He is one year removed from an MVP and near Gold Glove year, and besides his issues in the field, wasn't bad at the plate this past season. He is a franchise player in his prime who should bounce all the way back. Yankees don’t have anyone ready for the majors for at least two years; Cairo will again serve as an exceptional backup. Yankees won the Series with Scott Bosius and Charlie Hayes so why not A-rod? If the Yankees don’t win it all, expect A-Rod to opt out of the finals years of his deal and sign for even more jack.

SS

Jeter is back and will more than likely lead off. Jeter needs to take charge in the locker room and on the field again for the Yankees to be successful. Jeter is to the Yankees as Bush is to Oil, he makes the Yankees successful. Jeter could also hit from 2 or 3rd spot and score a lot of runs. Yanks will look for rookie Alberto Gonzalez as future successor and capable back up for Jeter this season, if Gonzalez doesn’t pan out, Cairo will again fill in nicely.

Outfield

Damon, Matsui, and Abreu are very scary offensive threat but not a scary defensive unit. Damon’s short range and Abreu’s lack of hustle will allow opponents to go for extra bases. Matsui and Abreu both have strong arms to go along with their bats. The ever patient Bobby Abreu fits perfectly into the old Yankee style of hitting and a healthy Matsui, and a consistent Johnny Damon make this one of the best offensive outfields in the majors. Melky Cabrea provides the role player in the outfield. Bronson Sardinha will be on Abreu’s heel if he doesn’t pan out in right but expect no competition this season unless Bobby falls apart. Gone is Sheff and Williams. Many failed to buy into Sheffield as a true Yankee and Williams’ best years are well behind him. It would be good to see Bernie retire as a Yankee but the man does have his pride.

DH

Giambi will only bat and rarely field this season because of the depth at the first base. Cabrera and Phelps will also get a shot at DH to give Jason a rest. The Gambino is looking to build a solid year statistically in 2006 and with another year removed from the steroid scandal may continue to improve.

Rotation

I hate to admit it but the Yankees don’t have a clear cut ace. The Yankees haven’t had one since Clemens left for Houston. The pitching staff on paper is better this season than the last four years. Gone are Wright and Johnson, both were busts as Yankees. No one has to worry about whether or not Pettitte can deal with the pressures of pitching in New York or if he’ll be a media nightmare. He’s a consummate professional that can be counted on every five days. Pettitte will also help to restore the faith in a fan base that is becoming ever more frustrated with the direction the Yankees have gone. Some lingering fears remain upon looking at what Pettitte accomplished in Houston, but hopefully returning to the Bronx will rejuvenate his career. The Yankees will get away with Mussina, Wang, and Pettitte as 1, 2, and 3. Wang is on his way to be the future ace of the franchise for years to come. Yankees lost out on Daisuke Matsuzaka sweepstake so they went with poor man’s Daisuke – Kei Igawa. He should be a capable #4. The same far East fears are present however, Japanese players for the Yanks have historically faired well. The biggest hole and question mark in the entire rotation or lineup for that matter is the #5 starter, Carl Pavano. He had as much use to him last season as a broken bat. More than likely Phillip Hughes will become a full time starter by seasons end, Humberto Sanchez may also see a lot of innings in New York to give the staff a rest. Yankees can’t rely on the chance Roger Clemens comes back but regardless this staff, when healthy is very good.

Bully

Mo is back and in a contract year. This guy is lights out, but at 37 there is the potential for a let down. He finished the year strong and shows no visible signs of losing it yet. The real problem will be getting the ball to Rivera in the 9^th. The gas coming from hard throwing right Kyle Farnsworth is never guaranteed with instances of no control at times. However, with lefties like Meyers returning look for the ‘pen to be adequate and expect acquisitions or call ups mid season.