Yankees 2009 Lineup Preview

With the Yankees signing Mark Teixeira, they now have the four highest paid players in baseball history on their roster (Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, and CC Sabathia).

While the Yankees have spent a ton this offseason, they also have a lot of big contracts coming off their books (Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, and Andy Pettitte in particular). So it looks like their payroll next year might actually be less than it was this year. That being said, they just got hit with a luxury tax of $26.9 million. So they’ll probably owe a similar number next year.

With all this money being thrown around, I wanted to take a moment and look at what their starting lineup will look like if they don’t make any more additions to their team.

Catcher - Jorge Posada - Posada is 37 years old and coming off of shoulder surgery this summer. I’d say iffy at best. The backup is Jose Molina (from the long line of Molina catchers in MLB). This is definitely a weak position for the Yankees.

First base -Mark Teixeira - This is a huge upgrade from last year. They also brought in Nick Swisher who can play a pretty good first base. They have quality and depth at first.

Second base -Robinson Cano - Cano had a major drop off in production last year. He’ll should rebound to somewhere between his numbers last year and 2007. His .984 fielding percentage can be replaced fairly easily and will have to contribute with his bat to really add value.

Shortstop -Derek Jeter - Apparently he can do no wrong. He’s the captain, and he’s a good player. He’s not the best Yankee shortstop ever. He’s not even the best Yankee shortstop in his own infield. He’s consistent and he can play. Very vanilla.

Third base -Alex Rodriguez - I think people have gotten used to his production. If you look at it, it’s gaudy. He’s the best every day baseball player I’ve ever seen. He can flat out rake and he’s the best fielder on his team. Not too much more to say about ARod.

Rightfield - Nick Swisher - Originally slated to play first base, but with the addition of Mark Teixeira, he’ll be stuck in the OF. He’s capable enough to play any outfield position.

Centerfield -Melky Cabrera - This one may change. There have been talks of Cabrera being traded for Mike Cameron. Cabrera isn’t the best fielder and could be replaced. Probably the weakest position on the Yankees. Swisher and Damon can also both play center.

Leftfield - Johnny Damon - Getting a little older and has probably lost a step. His best spot is probably in leftfield or as the DH. He still has skills to play everyday.

Designated hitter - Hideki Matsui - Godzilla will most likely be the everyday DH for the Bronx Bombers. His health has continued to be a problem. When he’s healthy he contributes a lot of RBI.

Starting Rotation - Even with the signing of Sabathia and Burnett this is still a little bit of a question for the Yankees. The rotation is rounded out by Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, and either Philip Hughes or Ian Kennedy. There has been talk that the Yankees will bring back Andy Pettitte for another one-year deal, and why not, he can still deal. Let me take a sec and poke a few holes in their rotation.

Sabathia is great. Nothing more to say there. Burnett is an injury risk and hasn’t proven he can stay healthy. He’s coming off a season where he made more starts and pitched more innings than ever before in his career. He’s ripe for some time on the DL.

Joba Chamberlain is unproven in the starting rotation to say the least. He may end up splitting time in the rotation and the bullpen. Either way not super dependable. Wang could end up being the most consistent contributor to the rotation. He was injured mid-season last year, but was 8-2 at the time. The fifth started for the Yankees will prove to be an adventure. They don’t have a solid number five. Someone will surely arise, but heading into the season they don’t have too much for that fifth spot.

Bullpen - Mariano Rivera and Damaso Marte anchor what could prove to be the Achilles heel of the Mighty Yankees. They don’t have a lot of proven talent down in the pen. They might need Chamberlain more coming in relief than in the rotation.

In conclusion, the 2009 Yankees are going to be good, really good. There are definitely question marks, the bullpen, the backend of the rotation, at least 2/3 of their outfield and behind the plate all pose serious threats to Yankee dominance next season. I’m sure it’ll be interesting to watch no matter what. It always is in the Bronx.

Will the Yankees will the World Series in 2009?

• 
  YE$
• 
  No, Mo Money Mo Problems

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