New York Yankees Preview

New York Yankees Preview

Summary: The New York Yankees simply werent themselves for much of the season. The Bombers starting pitching proved spotty for much of the year while their offense regularly scratched and clawed for runs during the entire first half of the season.

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Article Body: Overview:

The New York Yankees simply werent themselves for much of the season. The Bombers starting pitching proved spotty for much of the year while their offense regularly scratched and clawed for runs during the entire first half of the season. Newly acquired starter Randy Johnson struggled to become the power pitcher the Yankees had hoped for, while the rest of the pitching staff battled with constant injuries and poor starts. Somehow Manager Joe Torre was able to keep his team in the mix of things until after the All Star break. And as the Orioles and Blue Jays began slumping in the second half of the season, the Yankees hit their stride.

Rookie nd baseman Robinson Cano (. ) provided the Yankees with an impressive bat and steady defense while rd baseman Alex Rodriquez (. ) assembled a stellar MVP campaign hitting behind Shortstop and Captain Derek Jeter (. ). Outfielders Hideki Matsui (. ) and Gary Sheffield (. ) also helped anchor the Yankee offense while st basemen Jason Giambi (. walks) rebounded from his admission of steroid use and a dreadful campaign. Giambi turned in an impressive offensive second half and forced fan favorite Tino Martinez (. ) to the bench despite Tinos hot offensive production prior to the all star break.

Closer Mariano Riveria (- .) proved once again why he is one of the most valuable closers in baseball appearing in games while saving . And Randy Johnson (- . K) finally settled in to provide some needed consistency in the rotation. The Yankees also caught some much needed lightening in a bottle from newcomers Aaron Small (- .) and Chien-Ming Wang (- .) while starting pitcher Mike Mussina was able to string together a number of quality starts in order to improve his overall record to -. The July addition of Shawn Chacon (- .) acquired from the Colorado Rookies for RHP Ramon Ramirez and Eduardo Sierra also provided some much needed help for the starting rotation.

The Yanks ended their season in a classic fight to the finish battling rival Boston for first place finally clinching the AL Eastern division in the final weekend series against the Red Sox.

The Yankees postseason didnt prove quite as exciting as they lost to the Angels in games exiting quickly in the first round of the playoffs.

Off Season Moves:

After a disappointing postseason, Steinbrenner and company quickly re-signed GM Brian Cashman and began focusing on the tasks at hand. First in line was extending leftfielder Hideki Matsuis contract for another four years. Next, Yankee management added bullpen strength by signing free agents Kyle Farnsworth (- . saves) and Mike Myers (- .) while trading for pitcher Ron Villone (- .).

Yankee fans were also given a special Christmas present on December st when Boston free agent outfielder Johnny Damon (. ) agreed to terms as the Yankees new centerfielder. Free agents Octavio Dotel and Miguel Cairo were also signed while fan favorite Bernie Williams (. ) agreed to return - at least for one more season - as the teams DH.

Analysis:

The Yankees addressed some key bullpen concerns with additions of Farnsworth and Myers who will join Tanyon Sturtze (- .), Aaron Small and Chien-Ming Wang as the bridge to Riveria. Dotel is coming off surgery but his save numbers ( in ) have the Yankees hoping he is worth a chance. Damon finally gives the Yankees the leadoff hitter they have lacked for the past few seasons and will solve the defensive problems that eventually forced the benching of centerfield Bernie Williams prior to the all star break.

If both are healthy, Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina should have an easier first half then last season but the th and th starters for the Yankees may need some help - so expect Jaret Wright and Carl Pavano to receive some competition. It will be interesting to see just how Joe Torre fits Chacon, Wang and Small into the mix.