New York Yankees: Stat Predictions for Each Opening Day Starter

Despite the Yankees' pitching rotation enduring many blows this offseason—the departure of A.J. Burnett, Joba Chamberlain hurting his ankle on a trampoline, and Michael Pineda landing on the DL to start the season—the Yankees have the deepest batting lineup in the entire league.

Finishing first in the American League East last season, the Yankees suffered a loss in the Division Series to the Detroit Tigers. In New York, anything short of a World Series is considered a failed season, and the Yankees are looking to have a successful one in 2012.

A rare blown save for Rivera on Opening Day resulted in the Yankees first loss of the season, but they have 161 more games to rebound and prove that they have the best team out there. With some stiff competition in the American League this year, let's see how their lineup looks.

SS Derek Jeter

Avg: .285

OBP: .348

H: 160

HR: 5

RBI: 62

SB: 12

After a year filled with milestones, it's safe to say that Derek Jeter has cemented his place in the Hall of Fame. Despite having passed his prime, Jeter still has the potential to put up some decent numbers that will give a lift to the Yankees from the lead-off position. He is still a great fielder at a position that has very little depth.

CF Curtis Granderson

AVG: .257

OBP: .348

H: 161

HR: 36

RBI: 111

SB: 25

In an MVP-type year for the Yankees last season, Granderson proved that he made the full transition to being a Yankee. He had a career high 41 home runs last season, and he will be right around that area again this year. With one of the best gloves in center field, look for Granderson to be a key batter in front of the Yankees' power hitters.

2B Robinson Cano

AVG: .322

OBP: .376

H: 205

HR: 34

RBI: 121

SB: 7

*A.L. MVP Runner-UP

Robinson Cano is one of the league's most confident young stars. Having been a key piece to the Yankee lineup since his rookie year, Cano has Gold Glove-caliber fielding abilities as well as a big bat. This year he moves from fifth to third in the league's most talented lineup. Robby has the potential to come away with the MVP award, but with Pujols joining the Angels, and A-Rod and Teixeira batting behind him, he will have some stiff competition.

3B Alex Rodriguez

AVG: .272

OBP: .354

H: 138

HR: 31

RBI: 101

SB: 6

Playing fewer than 100 games last season, Alex Rodriguez put up his worst numbers since his rookie year. He will look to rebound this year, but he just does not have the same power that he once had. If he stays healthy he can make a turn around, but look for him to lose that clean-up position soon.

1B Mark Teixeira

AVG: .250

OBP: .344

H: 152

HR: 36

RBI: 114

SB: 5

*Gold Glove

Teixeira is the third head to this middle-of-the-lineup power blast. This is undoubtedly the deadliest one-two-THREE punch in the entire league. Teixeira has been consistently putting up 100+ RBI's throughout his career, and look for him to keep that up this year.

RF Nick Swisher

AVG: .262

OBP: .380

H: 146

HR: 26

RBI: 88

SB: 1

In a very business-oriented franchise, Swisher brings some life and excitement to the Yankee dugout. He is a fun guy to watch, and he looks like he simply loves to play baseball. His strength is walking, as he has a very keen eye. He is also known for exciting the "bleacher creatures" in right field of Yankee Stadium. His numbers won't fluctuate too much this year, as he will still be a solid role player. 

DH Raul Ibanez

AVG: .262

OBP: .290

H: 140

HR: 24

RBI: 85

SB: 1

In his debut with the Yankees, Ibanez had a remarkable performance as he joined a select few people to record 4 RBI's in their first game with the franchise. He was an important pickup for the Yankees as replacement for Jorge Posada's hitting. He was always a solid player for the Phillies, especially in 2009 when he had 34 home runs and almost 100 RBIs. 

C Russell Martin

AVG: .238

OBP: .352

H: 132

HR: 21

RBI: 67

SB: 7

With Jorge Posada officially retiring, and the distribution of Jesus Montero (I'm still crying about it), Martin will be taking almost all of the catching load this season (bearing impressive outbreaks from Francisco Cervelli or Austin Romine). Martin has been an All-Star caliber catcher in his career, and he is a solid asset to have behind the plate. He does not put up outstanding hitting numbers, but for someone that bats eighth he can deliver.

LF Brett Gardner

AVG: .266

OBP: .358

H: 133

HR: 6

RBI: 37

SB: 48

Do you want to know how good the Bronx lineup really is? Gardner is the only Yankee starter that has not been an All-Star once in his career, but he has a long way to go. Gardner is one of the few players in the league that can steal a base even when everyone in the ball park knows he is taking off. He adds an exciting facet to the game that is not usually in the Yankees' forte.