New York Yankees
2010 Record: 99-68
884 RS, 712 RA, Pythagorean Record: 101-61
Manager: Joe Girardi
GM: Brian Cashman
Free Agents:
Pedro Feliciano, RP (2O, $9MM; TBD Club Option); Derek Jeter, SS (3O, $51MM; $8MM Player Option); Andruw Jones, OF (1, $2MM); Russell Martin, C (1, $4MM); Mariano Rivera, RP (2, $30MM); Rafael Soriano, RP (3, $35MM).
Minor League FA:
Brian Anderson, P; Luis Ayala, P; Ronnie Belliard, 2B; Doug Bernier, 2B; Buddy Carlyle, P; Eric Chavez, 3B; Bartolo Colon, P; Steve Evarts, P; Freddy Garcia, P; Jose Gil, C; Fernando Hernandez, P; Francis Joseph, P; Myron Leslie, 1B; Warner Madrigal, P; Ronny Marte, P; Daniel Martinez, P; Gustavo Molina, C; Yadil Mujica, SS; Luis Nunez, 2B; Juan Carlos Paniagua, P; Jordan Parraz, OF; Mark Prior, P; Jose Quintana, P; Pietro Rodriguez, P; Andy Sisco, P; Leonel Vinas, P.
Rule V Pick:
Robert Fish, P (Angels); Daniel Turpen, P (Red Sox)*
* Turpen was returned to the Red Sox 03/13.
Trades:
Received Scott Allen (P) from the Diamondbacks for Juan Miranda (1B); Received Cody Johnson (OF) from the Braves for cash; Received Justin Maxville (OF) from Adam Olbrychowski (P).
Waiver Claims:
Jordan Parraz, OF (from the Red Sox); Brian Schlitter, P (from the Cubs)**.
*Schletter was placed on waivers again and claimed by the Phillies.
Players Lost:
Alfredo Aceves, P; Jonathan Albaladejo, P; Justo Arias, P; Brian Baisley, 1B; Lance Berkman, 1B; Eric Bruntlett, SS; Ronny Calderon, C; Justin Christian, OF; Neal Cotts, P; Wilkin de la Rosa, P; Robert Fish, P; Harold Garce, P; Charlyn Garcia, P; Chad Gaudin, P; Edwar Gonzalez, P; Reid Gorecki, OF; Rudy Guillen, OF; Robby Hammock, C; Jason Hirsh, P; Matt Kernstad, P; Nick Johnson, 1B; Austin Kearns, OF; Kai Liu, P; Trent Lockwood, 1B; Juan Marcano, P; Chad Moeller, C; Ronald Morillo, 3B; Dustin Moseley, P; Jonathan Ortiz, P; Luis Parache, 2B; Lance Pendleton, P; Andy Pettitte, P; P.J. Pilittere, C; Royce Ring, P; Rene Rivera, C; Brian Schlitter, P; Zach Segovia, P; Erick Tapia, P; Marcus Thames, OF; John Van Benschoten, P; Javier Vazquez, P; Marco Vechionacci, 3B; Kerry Wood, P.
Top 15 Prospects
1. Jesus Montero, C
2. Manny Banuelos, LHP
3. Gary Sanchez, C
4. Dellin Betances, RHP
5. Austin Romine, C
6. Andrew Brackman, RHP
7. Brandon Laird 3B
8. Slade Heathcott, OF
9. Ivan Nova, RHP
10. Eduard Nunez, SS
11. Ramon Flores, OF
12. J.R. Murphy, C
13. Adam Warren, RHP
14. Mason Williams, OF
15. Cito Culver, SS
I’m normally the first one to talk about how overrated the Yankees’ system is due to east coast bias, but they have a truly good system right now. Jesus Montero would be the best prospect in baseball if he were a catcher in the long-term; I really don’t think he’ll stick. It’s OK for the Yankees though, since they have the best catching depth in the game. Gary Sanchez still has a long time before he hits New York, but if he can keep hitting like he did in Rookie Ball, he’ll be good. That leaves Austin Romine as the catcher of the future. The rotation looks like it’ll be stacked, with Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Andrew Brackman looking like they could join Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova for the future rotation.
2010 Review:
The Yankees performed as everyone expected during the regular season – great. It’s just that Tampa performed better (which may have been a surprise). Even with subpar years from Javier Vazquez and A.J. Burnett, the pitching looked good. C.C. Sabathia was his normal self and Hughes took another step forward.
The offense was just as good. Brett Gardner played to the level everyone expected from Melky Cabrera; many expected him to be a part time player, but he excelled in the full time role. Curtis Granderson started slow, but ended up alright. Nick Swisher had a career year as well.
The infield saw the beginning of the decline of Derek Jeter. I’ve always thought he was overrated (place him on any team outside of New York and no one would care about him) and this year he started to show his age. Alex Rodriguez also looks like he’s on the downside too; maybe we know why he’s having injury problems now.
2011 Preview:
I’m not as optimistic about the Yankees this year, since their rotation doesn’t appear to have improved. Yes, C.C. and Hughes will be there to anchor them, but they lost Andy Pettitte and Vazquez (who tends to have good seasons in odd numbered years). They also still have Burnett, which could go either way. Adding Bartolo Colon and/or Freddy Garcia would have been nice 5 years ago, but can either be reliable? Don’t be surprised if they add someone early into the season.
Their hitting is another year older, so winning is becoming increasingly important. A-Rod, Jeter, and Jorge Posada don’t have much time left. They at least have a solid core in Gardner, Montero, and Robinson Cano to build around in the future.
The one question that will pop up all season is “Will C.C. opt out of his contract?” I think if he has a big season, you can expect it.
From the Bloggers:
Russ Blatt, 85% Sports and Inside Pulse Sports: The Yankees came into 2010 with the intentions on repeating as World Series Champions. There were high expectations after roster changes. Damon and Matsui were gone. Nick Johnson and Curtis Granderson were added. Javier Vazquez was brought in to solidify the starting rotation and the “Core Four” were all still part of the team as was Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, et al.
A slow start by Teixeira, along with a bi-polar A.J. Burnett and injuries set the Yankees back in their plans. Joba Chamberlain never found his past form. Alex Rodriguez had a non-MVP season (although still hitting 30 home runs) and Derek Jeter’s on the field hitting was well played out in the media. The team brought in Lance Berkman, Kerry Wood and Austin Kearns at the trade deadline, but missed out on the pitcher they wanted…Cliff Lee. In the end, the team fell short in the American League Championship Series to the Texas Rangers and Joe Girardi will have to wear number 28 for at least one more year.
As far as the 2010 besides the final result, it was a season of up and downs. The “Voice of the Yankees” Bob Sheppard passed away. “The Boss” also passed in 2010. The passing of both men affected the entire organization and they were honored with patches on the pinstripes.
Phil Hughes had a breakout season although he was slowed down by The Hughes Rules. Robinson Cano had a near MVP season. C.C. Sabathia won 21 games and Mariano was still Mariano. Nick Swisher was steady in right and Brett Gardner showed that he belongs in the starting lineup with his speed and defense.
In 2011, the Yankees are heading into the season with a different feel. Their team salary is under $200 million for the first time in 4 years ($189 million), Andy Pettitte has retired, Jorge Posada is now a Designated Hitter and Russell Martin is the catcher. The pitching staff is led by C.C. and Hughes, but after that it is an unknown. Will A.J get his form back? Will Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia take those spots and shine? Will Derek Jeter regain his expected form and will a now healthy Alex Rodriguez carry the Yankees once again?
Prediction:
2nd Place