Predictions '09: New York Yankees

How can you fight against a team that added almost half a billion dollars worth of stardom? The additions of A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and M. Teixeira will greatly add to what is already a decent squad. As much as I despise the pinstriped players from the Bronx, it’s still a scary sight from 3,000 miles away. Not only do they have arguably the best player in the past quarter-century (A-Rod, a title needing to be reconsidered, considering his admitted steroid use), but also a matching threat across the diamond. Add a couple gems in-between the two and the Steinbrenner clan seems happy for now. But that’s only if they can make it to the end of the playoffs. Last year was the first time the Yanks were sitting at home for the playoffs in 15 years. They are looking for revenge. I’ve repeated it a thousand times, but they are in a tough division. Each of their division rivals (minus the Orioles, sorry) can beat the Yanks on any given night. What will determine who goes to the playoffs is who is the most consistent in bringing home the wins.

Highlights: The Yankees could have the best infield in the history of the game. A-Rod and Tex man the corners while Jeter and Cano are up the middle. If Cano can return to his 2007 form and Jeter continues to do what he does best, only pitching can hurt the Yanks.

Question Mark: This brings us to pitching. $82.5 mil for a guy that’s been on the disabled list 10 times in his 10-year career… uh… I don’t quite agree with this deal. But, hey, if you’ve got the money, why not right? If Burnett stays healthy, the rotation is strong. If Phil Hughes actually wins a game or two, the rotation is really strong. If Sabathia, Wang, and Joba Chamberlain win 15 games a-piece, like many claim they can; this rotation is dominant. But those are a bunch of ifs. We’ve seen how pitchers have done in New York the past couple seasons. And it ain’t pretty. New York is hoping a few dollars… million dollars… can change that.

Key to Success: The Yanks were already full of pre-Madonnas. Now they add 3 more. Will the clubhouse atmosphere be that of a Championship team? They must play together as a team. Seriously, the only advice I can give them is the old saying of “there is no I in TEAM.” Seriously! This has been their problem for the past seven, eight years. The thing about the Yankees this season is that even if half of their players don’t have career years, they will still contend. If all of their players have decent years, they are almost a sure bet for the playoffs.

Prediction: 1st Place