PREDICTIONS 2009

Now that we have all heard A-Rods appology we can finally focus on the game...right?
Well Im going to lead that charge with my list of predictions for the Yankees '09 line-up. With the first spring training game just about 6 days away and Manny Ramirez still is not signed, there may be a strategic play by the bomber to sign him for a season. Not only do you get out-of-this-world run production from Manny but he could be a much needed distraction from the steroid talks.

BATTING ORDER SEASON FINALS ( AVG - HR - RBI - Key Stat )


1. Johnny Damon .305 18 87 — 120 runs
Damon will get off to a good start and be the table-setter that he is. The key here is RUNS! If Damon and the rest of the line-up jives right, we will see Damon leading the
oft mentioned 'Conga line' John Sterling talks about.

2. Derek Jeter .365 25 125 — 230 hits
The new ballpark will be even better to hit in and the Captain will produce one of his best seasons yet. I still think he was ripped of in the 2006 MVP voting so I will predict that the will be an MVP season from our captain. Not only will he have to deal with ridiculous media questions about A-Rod all season but he will have career bests in AVG, HRs, and HITS as he closes in on 3,000.

3. Alex Rodriguez .320 42 130 — 30 Stolen Bases
Look, he admitted to taking steroids. After looking at his numbers for those three seasons, I think the most that happened is that he may have had a few games where he was not affected by the hot hot heat of Texas allowing him to have the energy to hit
a few extra long balls. I do not condone what he or any player did during that era but you still have to hit, catch, and throw. A-Rod still does all of those things pretty well and 2009 will be no different. Look for Girardi to use all of the dimensions in this line-up including the speed of A-Rod to keep the pitchers throwing out of the stretch and serving up hangers to the boppers down in the order.

4. Manny Ramirez .340 48 145 — 162 Games played
As much as I was against it before, I think the Yanks could 1. Afford singing Manny to a one year deal. 2. Win it all with possibly the greatest 1-2 punch ever. If the Yanks add him to the club it would be like watching a wrecking ball pummel and smash a building into bits over and over again. But Manny would have to be prepared to play every game, so no mysterious knee injuries here. I know the economy is a factor in why he is still out there, but let's face it clubs are also wondering what they are going to get. Maybe he signs an incentive filled contract that get him what he wants if he plays over 90% of the season. Sigh, a guy can dream can't he...

4. Mark Teixeira .315 40 120 - .995 Fielding Percentage
Great hitter with a superb glove...they don't make 'em like this every day. Yankee fans will be witnessing something special for the years to come.

5. Hideki Matsui .310 27 110 — 200 Hits
Matsui will settle into the DH roll and bounce back from last seasons injuries.
Always a good hitter, I predict Matsui to get 200 hits, most of those coming in the second half in key situations. When he is healthy he is as reliable as any of the top 20 hitters in the game.

6. Xavier Nady .290 18 90 — 30 Doubles
Solid glove, solid bat...let's call him the Paul O'Neill of this version of the Yankees. He could be a good fit anywhere in the lineup.

7. Jorge Posada .260 18 80 — 140 Games
Most of Posada's importance will come as a ringmaster for the new arms on the pitching staff. Girardi will not over use him before the All-Star break leaving him fresh for the second half and the playoffs. Don't let the .260 average fool you, he will probably hit over .300 August through October...when it counts.

8. Robinson Cano .330 15 90 — 9 Errors
We will finally see that batting champ potential come to fruition this season. Look for Cano to be more relaxed at the plate due to not feeling like he has to carry the line up. Being more relaxed at the plate may also translate to a better fielding season as well.

9. Bret Gardner .260 3 35
9. Melky Cabrera .270 10 60
9. Nick Swisher .265 20 70

Center field is up for grabs this season and if Melky can return to form the job is likely his leaving Swish and Gardner to be used in mix and match situations. All three guys will fit well in Girardi's game plan. Gardner will get into games where key stolen bases are needed, Swisher to spell Tex or Cabrera late in games.

STARTERS (Wins - Losses - ERA)

Pitching will be very strong for this team. There are five guys that could be number one starters for almost any other team in the league. This staff has a shot at having each starter win at least 10 games.

C.C. Sabathia 21-8 3.24
When there is money on the table, C.C. is going to cash in ( and he all ready has ). What he did with the Brewers down the stretch was incredible. I think Girardi should tell Sabathia that the Yanks are 1 game ahead of the Red Sox and they REALLY need the win to stay on top, so he can pitch light-out baseball like he did last season.

A.J. Burnett 17-9 4.22
He is tough and I don't see that changing.

Chien-Ming Wang 20-7 3.95
Wang will finally get noticed as one of the better pitchers in the league.

Andy Pettitte 17-10 4.15
Look for Andy to bounce back and have a productive season.

Phil Hughes 12-7 3.40
Yes Phil Huges. I really don't think Joba will be a starter. I see him playing the all important set-up role to Mo. Joba better solidifies the bullpen in relief than he as a starter. Huges will take full advantage of this development.

THE "REAL" GAME OVER

Mariano Rivera 5-1 1.20 45 saves
Did anyone realize that Mo only walked 6 batters last season??? With Joba as a set-up man you can pretty much take any Yankee lead after 8 innings to the bank.

This team did a good job at filling some holes this off-season. If the Sox and Rays get off to a slow start, they will be chasing the Yanks shadow all season long. The numbers may seem gaudy but I think this is the team that can do it. There is a good balance of youth and seasoned veterans. Bottom line this is a team that I can see playing well together and winning it all.

WORLD SERIES
Yankees 4 Cubs 2