New York Yankees: Predicting Their Opening-Day Lineup for 2012

The New York Yankees are dangerous from the leadoff position all the way to the No. 9 spot.

The Yankees will begin their quest towards their 28th World Championship on Friday, April 6 at the Tampa Bay Rays.

In a powerhouse lineup that features one of the best hitters in the game in Robinson Cano, the addition of Raul Ibanez and a healthy Alex Rodriguez should help make it an exciting season for the Yanks.

They'll face plenty of competition however, being in the AL East, as Boston has improved and added a new manager, and the pesky Rays are always a contender for either the division or Wild Card.

Without further ado, here is the Yankees' 2012 projected opening-day lineup: 

Starting Pitcher: CC Sabathia

2011 stats: 19W-8L, 237.1IP, 3.00ERA, 230SO, 61BB, 1.23WHIP

CC Sabathia is the ace of the Yankees' staff and an obvious opening-day starter for the Yankees.

He's won 19 games or more in all three of his seasons in pinstripes and has averaged 234.7 innings pitched.

Sabathia is a workhorse who is going to give you everything he has each time he takes the hill.

This one's a no-brainer.

1. Derek Jeter (SS)

2011 stats: .297/.355/.388, .743OPS, 6HR, 61RBI, 16SB

The Captain boasted a .327 post-All-Star break batting average and collected hit number 3,000 in 2011.

The 37-year-old Jeter is getting up there in age but is still a solid hitter at the plate and an invaluable leader in the clubhouse.

Jeter should see his share of DH and days off in 2012, as well as hitting in his accustom No. 2 slot every now and then. 

2. Curtis Granderson (CF)

2011 stats: .262/.364/.552, .916OPS, 41HR, 119RBI, 25SB

The Grandy Man had a monster 2011 campaign, slugging his way to 40-plus home runs and driving in well over 100 runs.

He's a solid center fielder who shows speed and athleticism as the quarterback of the Yankee's outfield.

Don't expect Granderson to hit 40 HRs again, but he should raise his average closer to the .280 mark and should still be a concrete No. 2 hitter for the Yanks.

3. Robinson Cano (2B)

2011 stats: .302/.349/.533, .882OPS, 28HR, 118RBI, 8SB

Easily the MVP of the Yankees and best hitter in 2011, Robinson Cano will move to the third spot in the order for the 2012 season.

At 29-years-old, Cano is hitting in his prime and is arguably the best second baseman in the MLB.

He's consistently hit over .300, smashed 20-plus home runs and played in at least 159 games the past three seasons.

Expect Cano to have another great season and to be in the MVP race come the end of the season.

4. Alex Rodriguez (3B)

2011 stats: .276/.362/.461, .823OPS, 16HR, 62RBI, 4SB

Yankee fans are hoping A-Rod's visit to Germany to have treatment on his injured knee and shoulder pays off in 2012.

He played in just 99 games for New York in 2011 and wasn't much of a factor in the Yankee's offensive production as he's used to.

It's nearly impossible to predict how A-Rod will fare, as we don't know which celebrity he'll be spotted with this season and how the tabloids will effect him.

For now, he's in the cleanup spot, but don't be surprised if Mark Teixeira takes over at the No.4 spot at some point in the season.

5. Mark Teixeira (1B)

2011 stats: .248/.341/.494, .835OPS, 39HR, 111RBI, 4SB

Tex's average has dropped off each season as a Yankee, as it was .292 in 2009, .256 in 2010 and a mere .248 last season.

Luckily for the Yanks, his home run and RBI totals have remained in the 30-plus and 100-plus area. 

He's notorious for his slow starts, though he shocked everyone when he put together a decent April and May last season.

Expect Tex to start slow, but finish his season with an average around .275 with 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBIs.

6. Nick Swisher (RF)

2011 stats: .260/.374/.449, .823OPS, 23HR, 85RBI, 2SB

The switch-hitting Nick Swisher has averaged a .267 average, 27 home runs and 85 RBIs in three seasons with the Yanks, which are all above his career averages.

Rumors swirled this offseason about New York dealing Swisher, but Brian Cashman and the front office decided to keep Swisher.

Swisher provides the Yankees with solid defense in the outfield and a sound bat at the plate.

He's a fan favorite and the Bleacher Creatures will love greeting Swish yet again in 2012.

7. Russell Martin (C)

2011 stats: .237/.324/.408, .732OPS, 18HR, 65RBI, 8SB

He's an average offensive catcher at best, but with the offensive power the Yankees already possess, all they really need from Martin is his great defense behind the plate.

At 28-years-old, Martin is hitting his prime in pinstripes, and should continue to call a sound game for the pitching staff and provide average numbers at the plate.

He boasted a .990 fielding percentage in 2011 and should post the same numbers in 2012.

8. Raul Ibanez (DH)

2011 stats: .245/.289/.419, .708OPS, 20HR, 84RBI, 2SB  

The Yankee's newest offseason addition and ex-Phillie Raul Ibanez will fill the DH void left by Jesus Montero.

He'll provide depth in the lineup against righties, as he hit .256 with 16 homers against RHP last season.

Andruw Jones will handle the left handers, as he hit .286 with 8 home runs in 126 AB in 2011.

He's a decent hitter who can play the outfield if necessary for the Yanks.

For $1.1 million, it's a good move for New York.

9. Brett Gardner (LF)

2011 stats: .259/.345/.369, .713OPS, 7HR, 36RBI, 49SB

As the speedster of the Yankees, Gardner will likely see some time in the lead-off position in 2012.

He's averaged 48 stolen bases over the past two seasons and he plays a solid left field, as he made just four errors in the outfield in 2011.

From the No. 9 spot, Gardner provides speed at the bottom of the lineup along with great bunting skills.

His home run and RBI totals will never be high, but he'll lead New York in stolen bases.

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