Why the Yankees Will Return to Their Winning Ways

In what was an extremely turbulent off-season, that began with the near-loss of reigning MVP Alex Rodriguez and ended with Andy Pettitte’s off the field issues, the Yankees are looking to have a drama-free season that only ends with one thing: a championship.

They should get it.
   

As opposed to spending hundreds of millions of dollars on Santana or any other big name free agent this winter, General Manager Brian Cashman has decided to rely on his farm system to get the job done. A system that led the Yankees to four World Series titles in five years from 1996-2000.

Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy should both contribute significantly to the team this year and don’t be surprised if they both end up with 15 win seasons. Cashman’s decision to revert back to old tactics instead of signing expensive free agents should remind Yankee fans what it feels like to win a World Series.

Along with the young pitchers, the fact that the organization has committed to Melky Cabrera as their center fielder should help him to have the best season thus far in his young career. Without having to compete with Johnny Damon for the starting job, Cabrera should be able to focus on his offense where his production should improve greatly.

However, the biggest improvement this season would be in the offensive production of second baseman Robinson Cano. After a shaky start to the season last year, his batting average rose significantly after the all-star break and that success will carry over into the start of this season.

Not only that, but look for Joe Girardi to move Cano higher in the batting order than Joe Torre did, maybe into the fifth spot. With Jeter and Rodriguez getting on base in front of him, his run production will definitely spike to a career high.   

Overall, the Yankees, who had a quick first-round playoff loss last year, have only made improvements to their all-star caliber team. No longer will they be plagued with pitching injuries from aging starters, and with the flexibility they have surrounding breakout star Joba Chamberlin, there rotation is looking deeper than it has in years. Watch out Boston, the Yankees are back.