New York Yankees: 5 Bronx Bombers to Look out for in 2012

Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training, and there are quite a few stories to follow this season. The New York Yankees are looking to add to their championship total, and it all starts this week at Spring Training.

Through the journey of the 2012 baseball season, there are bound to be some wonderful stories to follow.

Here are five players to follow for the New York Yankees.

Hiroki Kuroda

One of the big pitching acquisitions of the offseason for the Yanks was Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda joins a Yankees staff and the AL East after spending his entire career pitching in the NL West for the LA Dodgers.

Current projections have Kuroda pitching in the two slot or the three slot for the Yanks this season, depending what manager Joe Girardi decides to do with Michael Pineda.

While Kuroda is certainly an upgrade over those that were in rotation before, there are some who question Kuroda this season.

How will he fare pitching in the AL East, arguably the toughest division in all of baseball? Will he be able to be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 pitcher in the American League?

Michael Pineda

Michael Pineda is the player on the Yankees this season that will have the most pressure on him.

General Manager Brian Cashman traded beloved top prospect Jesus Montero and formidable pitcher Hector Noesi for Pineda and prospect Jose Campos this offseason. This gave the Yankees a young controllable pitcher that has ace potential in Pineda and another prospect that is expected to produce at the majors level in Campos.

Fans absolutely loved Montero, so Pineda will be expected to perform or else he may suffer the wrath of the Yankee faithful this season.

The first question is where will Pineda pitch in the rotation? Will he pitch behind CC Sabathia or will he be slotted behind Kuroda in the three hole? Also, can he repeat his success from his rookie season, or will he suffer the ever unfortunate sophomore slump?

Austin Romine

One of the main reasons the Yankees were able to trade away Jesus Montero was because of the depth the organization has at catcher. One of those catchers that is able to produce at the majors level is Austin Romine.

Not normally known for his offensive production. Romine is an exceptional defender behind the plate. He is expected to compete with Francisco Cervelli for the backup catcher position.

His offense has improved a little bit, but if he can hit over .275 and provide his solid defense, the Yankees will be very happy. 

Joba Chamberlain

One player to watch this season is Joba Chamberlain. Joba is coming back from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be return around the all-star break.

The bullpen took an initial hit last season when Joba went down for the season with Tommy John. Thankfully, the bullpen received some surprise performances from David Robertson, Cory Wade and Luis Ayala.

Look for Joba to return just after the Mid-Summer Classic and help shore up the bullpen. His return will be just as good as a trade at the deadline.

Raul Ibanez

After spending the last few seasons in the NL East with the Philadelphia Phillies, Raul Ibanez returns to the American League as the Yanks' new designated hitter.

Last season Ibanez hit .245 and blasted 20 home runs. With his left-handed bat in the lineup against right-handers this season, it is likely that he will approach or even surpass those numbers with the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium.