New York Yankees: Mission No. 27 Begins Wednesday

The weather is beautiful in Florida, and the New York Yankees will officially begin their Spring Training schedule with an opener Wednesday in Dunedin against the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. (EST).

According to CBSports.com, Yankees RHP Brett Tomko will start the opener, while Phil Hughes will pitch Thursday against Toronto in Tampa. Ian Kennedy will pitch Friday, and Joba Chamberlain will take to the mound Saturday against the Twins.

The Yankees are ready to put last years effort, injuries, and a pinch of bad luck behind them and have a big season in 2009.

Despite the recent offseason distraction of Alex Rodriguez admitting to steroid use from 2001-2003 with the Texas Rangers, the Yankees remain poised to put it all on the back burner and accomplish what they are set out to do—win the World Series.

With CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira headlining the offseason additions, the Yankees weren't short to pull out all of the stops in the winter and sign almost every good free agent available in the market.

Winning games won't mean anything in the Grapefruit League, but what we will see is a preview of what's to come.

"Winning the winter means squat," General Manager Brian Cashman said. "I want to win the summer."

The beginning of spring also marks the beginning of a battle for positions, as not all of the team's lineup is set in stone.

Centerfield remains a position up for grabs during the spring. Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner are both great players in the field, no question about it. But whoever bests the other in hits should be batting ninth when the regular season begins April 6 in Baltimore.

Austin Jackson, a top talent in the minor leagues, is currently playing for Scranton-Wilkes Barre (AAA). Jackson has been invited to spring to play in center, but still remains a year away from playing on the Major League squad. But you never know.

Derek Jeter has experienced some soreness in his hamstring and will be watched closely, especially since he is departing for the World Baseball Classic next week. 

Jeter said, "It is just a little sore and isn't a big issue." The Yankees aren't going to take any chances right now and will keep an eye on him.

Jorge Posada is still recovering from a surgically repaired shoulder. Peter Gammons spoke on ESPNews today and claimed that Posada, "looked great and ready to go after throwing."  Posada claims he is, "near 100 percent and can play in plenty of games."

It should be an exciting year none the less.

In closing, I am heading down to Tampa this weekend to watch the Feb. 28 game against the Minnesota Twins at Steinbrenner Field and should have a lot to write about.

Various quotes from MLB.com and ESPNEWS.