New Look, Same Expectations in Bronx

FanHouse completes its 2009 MLB Preview with a look at the New York Yankees.

When they signed A.J. Burnett, CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira for a combined $423.5 million in December, the Yankees opened the door to criticism that they were just trying to use their revenue advantage to bludgeon the opposition. The team did use a heavy hand, but they aren't deserving of criticism.

Coming out of 2008, the Yankees had three significant problems. They were too old, they couldn't pitch and they played poor defense. All three of the signings represent a move to address those shortcomings, and the players came without sacrificing any prospects who will help them continue to address those problems going forward. Brian Cashman has gotten a fair amount of leeway to do things his way, and the result was one of the team's best offseasons in a long time.

If all goes according to plan, an offensive rebound will team with an improved staff to return the Yankees to October baseball.

Lineup
1.	Derek Jeter	SS
2.	Johnny Damon	LF
3.	Mark Teixeira	1B
4.	Alex Rodriguez	3B
5.	Robinson Cano	2B
6.	Jorge Posada	C
7.	Hideki Matsui	DH
8.	Xavier Nady	RF
9.	Brett Gardner	CF
Pitching Staff
1.	CC Sabathia	L
2.	Chien-Ming Wang	R
3.	A.J. Burnett	R
4.	Andy Pettitte	L
5.	Joba Chamberlain	R
CL	Mariano Rivera	R

Coming and Going

In: Burnett, SP (free agency); Sabathia, SP (free agency); Teixeira, 1B (free agency); Nick Swisher, OF (trade); Brett Tomko, RP (free agency); Angel Berroa, IF (free agency)
Out: Mike Mussina, SP (retirement); Bobby Abreu, OF (free agency); Jason Giambi, 1B (free agency); Wilson Betemit, IF (trade); Ivan Rodriguez, C (free agency); Carl Pavano, SP (free agency); Sidney Ponson, SP (free agency)

Storylines

I Don't Know on Third...
You knew we weren't getting through this without mentioning Alex Rodriguez, so we might as well get it out of the way up top. Anyone who can tell you with absolute confidence that they know what will happen when A-Rod returns from hip surgery/steroid questioning exile is either lying or blessed with a time machine. He could hit 50 home runs or he could go down with another injury. The forthcoming book on his life could bring more embarrassing and distracting information to light, or he could simply get lost in a mirror while listening to Papa Don't Preach. Nothing is surprising at this point.

The Yankees could use something close to the 50 home runs, though. The team slumped to seventh in the AL in runs scored per game last season, and there isn't quite as much firepower this season as there was entering 2008. There are also injury risks all over the place, which makes having as much A-Rod as possible essential for the Yankees this season.

Whaddya Know Cano...
Robinson Cano contributed mightily to last season's offensive struggles by losing 50 points of on-base percentage and 80 points of slugging from 2007. That's a terrifying drop, and illustrates how much the free-swinging, impatient Cano relies on the vagaries of batting average for his value. He looked better toward the end of 2008, raising hopes that he wasn't a completely lost cause. That said, if he isn't producing at 2007 levels, he will be hurting the team much more than he's helping them.

The Nameless Bullpen...
One of the many mistakes the Yankees' front office has made over the last eight years is throwing money away on multi-year deals for relief pitchers not named Mariano Rivera. Last season, they turned the bullpen over to a mostly anonymous crew and got their best results in ages. Wisely, they've decided to go the same route this season which means Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte and Jose Veras will provide the bridge to the incomparable closer.

Last season's results, and a deep corps of arms in the organization, mean that it's a strategy that's likely to pay off, even if the group will remain light on the brand names that the Yankees have mistaken for effective pitchers in years past.

Here's to Your Health...
A-Rod's recuperating from hip surgery. Rivera is coming off of shoulder surgery. So is Jorge Posada. Chien-Ming Wang missed three and a half months with a broken foot. Hideki Matsui has two bad knees. Johnny Damon is 35, and Derek Jeter will be in late-June. Andy Pettitte turns 37 around the same time, and he pitched like his body was falling apart in the second half.

That's plenty of reason to keep an eye on the trainer's room. The Yankees have improved their depth from years past, but that much brittleness has to make anyone swallow hard before picking them to outlast the Rays and Red Sox.

2009 Outlook

Why You Should Watch: Each of those storylines will provide good theater, as will Joba Chamberlain's attempt to go a full year in the rotation and seeing if a powerless speed merchant like Brett Gardner can hold down the center field job in the long run. Throw in the chance to see how Sabathia and Teixeira adjust to the glare of New York, how Joe Girardi handles what could become a very hot seat and how the new stadium looks and you won't struggle for reasons to stay tuned.

What Defines Success: A ring. The stadium, the names and the philosophy of roster construction may have changed, but the jerseys still have pinstripes and the expectations are still enormous. Missing the playoffs again will likely mean that Cashman and Girardi will be looking for work.

Related Links

- Fantasy Baseball Preview: Paying Premium for Bronx Goods
- Better Know a Prospect: New York Yankees