Baseball Guru
02-13-2006, 04:00 PM
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/390513p-331267c.html
BY SAM BORDEN
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
It's been five whole seasons since the Yankees last won a World Series and that drought surely feels 10 times longer to George Steinbrenner. The Bombers didn't make nearly the splash this winter that they did after the 2004 season but they've addressed their glaring needs and many observers believe this could be the year the franchise gets ring No. 27. With pitchers and catchers set to report to Tampa on Wednesday, here's five questions the Yanks will have to answer this season:
1. Can their pitchers stay healthy?
This always seems to be the biggest question for the Bombers, who have been blessed with relatively durable position players but a more fragile staff. Randy Johnson is the elder statesman of the staff at 42 years old, but he was one of the few hurlers to avoid any serious injury last season.
The larger concerns are Carl Pavano (whose mystery shoulder injury is supposedly fine), Chien-Ming Wang (whose surprising success in his rookie year was tempered by a rotator cuff issue) and Jaret Wright (who suffered from inflammation in his throwing shoulder as well as a penchant for getting hit by flying objects on the mound).
Throw in Mike Mussina's late-season elbow flare up last fall as well as lingering concerns over Tanyon Sturtze's tired arm and there's plenty of reason to keep a close eye on who is going in and out of the trainer's room this year.
One thing the Yanks do have in their favor, of course, is their depth; with the Big Unit, Mussina, Pavano, Wang, Wright, Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small all capable of filling rotation spots, there's a little cushion if injuries crop up.
2. Is Johnny Damon the answer in center field?
The Yankees certainly hope so. They shelled out $52 million over four years to snare the former pride of Red Sox Nation and Damon's defection was the Bombers' most glamorous offseason move. Replacing Bernie Williams won't be easy for anyone, but the pressure on Damon is ratcheted up even more because of where he comes from - if he flourishes, Yankee fans will gleefully rub it in the faces of their Boston brethren; but if he flounders, the Stadium faithful figures to quickly jump on the one-time "Idiot."
If anyone can handle that, however, it figures to be the easy-going Damon. His attitude seems perfect for the Bronx since he's fun-loving, fan-friendly and appears able to block out any outside negativity. The key - obviously - is whether his success at Fenway Park will translate to New York and Yankee Stadium.
Everyone knows his throwing arm is below-average but Damon's superior range should significantly improve the Yanks' defense up the middle, and he gives them a legitimate leadoff hitter, allowing Derek Jeter to slide back to his old No. 2 slot. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the Yanks meet the Sox on March 22 in Tampa with their first regular-season engagement set for May 1 in Boston.
3. How strong is the bridge to Mariano Rivera?
It's not as fascinating as talking about home runs, but how the Bombers' bullpen performs this year could be the most important factor in their success. Tom Gordon departed to become the Phillies' new closer and the Yanks signed flamethrower Kyle Farnsworth to be the primary setup man for Rivera. Lefty Ron Villone is also a new addition to the pen and Sturtze is a familiar holdover.
The Farnsworth signing is intriguing. The former Braves closer has a 100 mph fastball that can be absolutely lethal, but scouts wonder about his consistency. When he's on, he's virtually unhittable, but when he's off his pitches stay up in the zone and then end up in the stands. Only time will tell if the pressure of pinstripes is something he can handle.
Look for one (or more) of the Yanks' extra starters to play a key role in the relief corps, too. Small was surprisingly outstanding as a starter last season (10-0) but he'll likely have to get used to being a long man; Wright or Chacon could face the same situation.
4. Which Jason Giambi will the Yanks get in 2006?
The Yanks' first baseman showed up in New York last week looking big - he says he's been able to work out all winter and has bulked up 10 pounds to around 240 - so now the Bombers are wondering if he'll be able to produce similarly huge numbers.
Going into this season, at least, Giambi figures to play most of his games at first base. That's his preferred spot - he hit .209 with eight homers as DH last year and .319 with 24 homers as the first baseman - so the Yanks should be optimistic.
Whether his body (knees and back in particular) will hold up to playing in the field most of the season is another story, however, and the steroid-tinged jeers will surely continue. He's probably the Bombers' weakest defender but no one will care that much if he's able to keep ignoring the scrutiny while providing the Yanks with his familiar pop.
5. Will it be a two- or three-team race for the division title?
Whether you called it Yanks-Sox, Boston-New York or Good vs. Evil, the Rivalry has provided the only real excitement in the AL East over the past few years. Sure, the Orioles started off strong last year but they faded fast in the second half while the Bombers and Boston assumed center stage again.
This year it could be different. The Blue Jays were busy all winter and their slew of moves has many analysts predicting the the Yanks and Sox might not finish 1-2 in the division for the first time since the 1997 Orioles won the division title. Toronto has a strong rotation with Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett, Ted Lilly and Gustavo Chacin and they picked up a premier closer in B.J. Ryan and one of the best catchers at handling a staff in Bengie Molina.
Add solid hitters like Troy Glaus and Moilna to a lineup that already has Vernon Wells and Shea Hillenbrand and the Jays could be in the mix for second place or even the top spot.
Which member of the Rivalry might they replace? Put it this way: If the Yanks repeat their struggles with the lowly Devil Rays from 2005, it'll be pretty tough for them to pick up those lost divisional wins in Toronto, which could lead to a total disaster.
Originally published on February 12, 2006
BY SAM BORDEN
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
It's been five whole seasons since the Yankees last won a World Series and that drought surely feels 10 times longer to George Steinbrenner. The Bombers didn't make nearly the splash this winter that they did after the 2004 season but they've addressed their glaring needs and many observers believe this could be the year the franchise gets ring No. 27. With pitchers and catchers set to report to Tampa on Wednesday, here's five questions the Yanks will have to answer this season:
1. Can their pitchers stay healthy?
This always seems to be the biggest question for the Bombers, who have been blessed with relatively durable position players but a more fragile staff. Randy Johnson is the elder statesman of the staff at 42 years old, but he was one of the few hurlers to avoid any serious injury last season.
The larger concerns are Carl Pavano (whose mystery shoulder injury is supposedly fine), Chien-Ming Wang (whose surprising success in his rookie year was tempered by a rotator cuff issue) and Jaret Wright (who suffered from inflammation in his throwing shoulder as well as a penchant for getting hit by flying objects on the mound).
Throw in Mike Mussina's late-season elbow flare up last fall as well as lingering concerns over Tanyon Sturtze's tired arm and there's plenty of reason to keep a close eye on who is going in and out of the trainer's room this year.
One thing the Yanks do have in their favor, of course, is their depth; with the Big Unit, Mussina, Pavano, Wang, Wright, Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small all capable of filling rotation spots, there's a little cushion if injuries crop up.
2. Is Johnny Damon the answer in center field?
The Yankees certainly hope so. They shelled out $52 million over four years to snare the former pride of Red Sox Nation and Damon's defection was the Bombers' most glamorous offseason move. Replacing Bernie Williams won't be easy for anyone, but the pressure on Damon is ratcheted up even more because of where he comes from - if he flourishes, Yankee fans will gleefully rub it in the faces of their Boston brethren; but if he flounders, the Stadium faithful figures to quickly jump on the one-time "Idiot."
If anyone can handle that, however, it figures to be the easy-going Damon. His attitude seems perfect for the Bronx since he's fun-loving, fan-friendly and appears able to block out any outside negativity. The key - obviously - is whether his success at Fenway Park will translate to New York and Yankee Stadium.
Everyone knows his throwing arm is below-average but Damon's superior range should significantly improve the Yanks' defense up the middle, and he gives them a legitimate leadoff hitter, allowing Derek Jeter to slide back to his old No. 2 slot. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the Yanks meet the Sox on March 22 in Tampa with their first regular-season engagement set for May 1 in Boston.
3. How strong is the bridge to Mariano Rivera?
It's not as fascinating as talking about home runs, but how the Bombers' bullpen performs this year could be the most important factor in their success. Tom Gordon departed to become the Phillies' new closer and the Yanks signed flamethrower Kyle Farnsworth to be the primary setup man for Rivera. Lefty Ron Villone is also a new addition to the pen and Sturtze is a familiar holdover.
The Farnsworth signing is intriguing. The former Braves closer has a 100 mph fastball that can be absolutely lethal, but scouts wonder about his consistency. When he's on, he's virtually unhittable, but when he's off his pitches stay up in the zone and then end up in the stands. Only time will tell if the pressure of pinstripes is something he can handle.
Look for one (or more) of the Yanks' extra starters to play a key role in the relief corps, too. Small was surprisingly outstanding as a starter last season (10-0) but he'll likely have to get used to being a long man; Wright or Chacon could face the same situation.
4. Which Jason Giambi will the Yanks get in 2006?
The Yanks' first baseman showed up in New York last week looking big - he says he's been able to work out all winter and has bulked up 10 pounds to around 240 - so now the Bombers are wondering if he'll be able to produce similarly huge numbers.
Going into this season, at least, Giambi figures to play most of his games at first base. That's his preferred spot - he hit .209 with eight homers as DH last year and .319 with 24 homers as the first baseman - so the Yanks should be optimistic.
Whether his body (knees and back in particular) will hold up to playing in the field most of the season is another story, however, and the steroid-tinged jeers will surely continue. He's probably the Bombers' weakest defender but no one will care that much if he's able to keep ignoring the scrutiny while providing the Yanks with his familiar pop.
5. Will it be a two- or three-team race for the division title?
Whether you called it Yanks-Sox, Boston-New York or Good vs. Evil, the Rivalry has provided the only real excitement in the AL East over the past few years. Sure, the Orioles started off strong last year but they faded fast in the second half while the Bombers and Boston assumed center stage again.
This year it could be different. The Blue Jays were busy all winter and their slew of moves has many analysts predicting the the Yanks and Sox might not finish 1-2 in the division for the first time since the 1997 Orioles won the division title. Toronto has a strong rotation with Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett, Ted Lilly and Gustavo Chacin and they picked up a premier closer in B.J. Ryan and one of the best catchers at handling a staff in Bengie Molina.
Add solid hitters like Troy Glaus and Moilna to a lineup that already has Vernon Wells and Shea Hillenbrand and the Jays could be in the mix for second place or even the top spot.
Which member of the Rivalry might they replace? Put it this way: If the Yanks repeat their struggles with the lowly Devil Rays from 2005, it'll be pretty tough for them to pick up those lost divisional wins in Toronto, which could lead to a total disaster.
Originally published on February 12, 2006