2012 May Be an Epic

The Yankees come off a disappointing season, but one in which a great deal of change was folded into their mix.  The prospects for the next few years are brighter because of player development and expensive signings that were not made.  Dellin Betances and Many Banuelos are still Yankees.  Something that cannot be said of Arodyz Viscaino traded to the Braves for Javier Vasquez. Viscaino will probably be with the big club this season and his upside is off the charts. The Yankees kept Betances and Banuelos and their upsides too are terrific.  Late next season as call-ups they will get a chance to start their big league careers- if injuries  they may be up after the All-Star break.
Pitching is the key, Sabathia and Mariano Rivera give you a place to start your rotation and bullpen.  From within the Yankees developed a relief ace in David Robertson and have two starters too: Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova. Rafael Soriano and AJ Burnett can be better than last year and should.  One more rotation pitcher plus an insurance number 6 starter are needed.  They already have depth in Hector Noesi and David Phelps- call then numbers 7 and 8 in the rotation, but without a doubt they will be needed.  Freddy Garcia could be the number five starter and it is a reasonable option; a free agent signing would also work-- but the market is slim and they would have to overpay enough to cancel out a more helpful addition to the offense.

Pitching is the urgent need but the offense needs some work too. Jesus Montero and Edwardo Nunez are bats from within the system ready to have an impact. Nunez is one of the best young infielders in the game, he has many tools and power that is just beginning to show- as a full time player he could easily be .290/20 hr/100 r/90 rbi/30 sb batting early or in the middle of a good lineup. Montero projects to a range of .290/20 hr/90 rbi as a catcher /dh over 120-130 games.  Montero could become an outfielder- Nunez could definitely handle the outfield.  The Yankees offense needs a boost and the corner outfield spots are the places where they are weakest. To improve over either Swisher or Gartner you would have to bring in a very talented hitter.  The young Cuban Cespedes fascinates with his raw power- another Mike Stanton perhaps- tape measure home runs and a tough, tough out. Depth adds something to the offense too with Eric Chavez to pinch hit, Andruuw Jones possibly returning platoon in the outfield.

Small but significant changes are needed for the Yankees to reach the World Series and win it.  The Yankees are ONLY on a par with Detroit- perhaps a little behind Texas. The difference maker will be team balance and completeness.  Balance of very good pitching and great hitting and a roster from which significant roles and contributions come from  every spot.There is a blueprint for success, a solid team with an explosive offense dominant even in the tough 2012 American League.