2011- first look

Starting pitching is the concern, and the Yankees will hope Andy Petitte un-retires because with him they have a chance that seems so much smaller without him.  If he retires then there will be some actions- like a journeyman signing- Kevin Millwood type I like Freddy Garcia among the available, but the spring will bring a search among the minor leaguers.  This is a good thing for the system, there is a benefit when the parent club fills from within the organization.  The Yankees have some excellent prospects...the more talented seem to be a year away- Banuelos in particular- an exciting prospect.  This season shows there is more than one way to be formidable- starting and relievers ina balance that can be dominant. The Angels did this for years, in the NL it is more common- pitchers leave for offensive chances in the 6th inning and later- even when pitching well. With Soriano and Rivera- the Yanks will have a great chance to keep a late lead; with Marte ( if healed) and Robertson they can hold a lead or keep a game close in the 6th -7th.  This is the plan and it is a good one- it will be a strength if Joba Chamberlain can be come a force again- a guy to come in and stop a rally with power fastballs and strikeouts on breaking balls.  Feliciano is a great addition, could appear in 80 games, two or three outs per, a big role and a mix and match guy with Joba.

The Yanks could play 6 inning games--the opposition often held helpless in late innings.  A summer of late game lightning and heroics- the offense should be terrific- Teixera and ARod could be the best tandem in the game, and Andruw Jones-- could be a 20+ homer guy who makes a good offense into an avalanche against lefty pitching. Look for Jeter [200 hits/120 runs], Cano[ 200 hits/100 rbi] and Posada [20 homers /90 rbi] to have big years--huge offensive years.

This should be a fun season, Baltimore and Detroit will be stronger, Boston I think will flop, big time finish near the bottom of the division-- and Tampa will surprise.  The league will play tougher this year, and character teams will rise like cream. Toronto has a chance to stay in the hunt all season as pitching improves, the Orioles will absolutely contend, Boston will likely suffer from a lack of toughness- except for Crawford and Youkilis- an exceptionally soft collection of players.

ahh Spring...can see it in the wet snow...