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2008 New York Yankees preview

The Yankees lost in the ALDS last year to the Cleveland Indians. They should bounce back well this year however due to the experience on the ball club. The Bronx Bombers will be a new look team this year. Manager Joe Torre is out and new manager Joe Girardi is in. Girardi will have big expectations after taking over for a HOF manager who led the Yankees to 13 straight postseason appearances. Girardi will stress fundamentals and should bring a fresh look to an old club. Also departed is hitting coach Don Mattingly. However bench coach Tony Pena stayed. Also the Yankees brought in 2 guys in Latroy Hawkins and Jonathan Albaladejo to sure up the relief core. However Roger Clemens left the team presumably retiring.

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2008 Yankees Starting Pitchers

The Yankees starting pitching got old real fast last year. But with an influx of youth they should be able to be bounce back this year and not be the weakest point of the team. Chien Ming Wang (19-7, 3.70 ERA) is the ace and goes out and pitches very good every 5 th day. Wang with his sinkerball has been the winningest pitcher in the major leagues over the last 2 years winning 19 twice for a total of 38. Lanky lefty Andy Pettitte (15-9, 4.05 ERA) is a great #2 starter and still has one of the best cutters in all of the majors. Mike Mussina (11-10, 5.15 ERA) is a model of consistency having won at least 10 games in 16 straight seasons. After the all star break though Mussina dropped off having a 5.74 ERA. The #4 spot belongs to youngster Phil Hughes (5-3, 4.46 ERA) after a strong showing in the postseason as well as late in the regular season. The last spot in the rotation should belong to rookie Ian Kennedy (1-0, 1.89 ERA, 3 GS).

2008 Yankees Bullpen

The Yankees bullpen is probably the weakest part of the team. Latroy Hawkins should help though. CL Mariano Rivera (3.15 ERA, 30 SV) signed a 3 year 45 million dollar deal this off-season. Even at 38 Mariano is one of the premier closers in all of baseball. Setting up should be returnees Kyle Farnsworth (4.80 ERA, 64 G), Joba Chamberlain (0.38 ERA, 19 G) and newcomer Latroy Hawkins (3.42 ERA, 62 G). Joba should start out of the pen to begin the year but if any injuries occur in the rotation he will step in. Chamberlain showcases an upper 90’s fastball along with a sharp slider with these two pitches behind him as well as a developing curve and change Joba is one of the premier P prospects in all of baseball. The other 3 spots in the bullpen should go to righty's Brian Bruney (4.68 ERA, 50 IP), Brandon Albaladejo (1.88 ERA, 14 G), and Edwar Ramirez (8.14 ERA, 21 IP).

2008 Yankees Infield

Arguably the Yankees have the best IF in all of baseball. Jorge Posada (.338 BA, 20 HR, 90 RBI) is coming of a career year but at 36 can he repeat a season where he batted 68 points higher than his career average. At 1B there will be a platoon with. Jason Giambi (.236 BA, 14 HR, 39 RBI) should get the start vs. righty’s and Shelly Duncan ( 7 HR, 17 RBI in 74 AB) against lefties. At 2B Robby Cano (.306 BA, 19 Hr, 97 RBI) is one of the best young players in the game. At SS is the heart and soul of the team and the captain Derek Jeter (.322 BA, 12 HR, 73 RBI). 3B is manned by the best player in all of baseball: Alex Rodriguez (.314 BA, 54 Hr, 156 RBI). The reigning AL MVP is likely to win a few more by the time he is done in NYC after signing the richest contract in MLB history a 10 year deal worth up to 275 million dollars.

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2008 Yankees Outfield

The OF in New York has 4 guys who are really solid players; however only 3 can start. In RF the starter will be Bobby Abreu (.283 BA, 16 HR, 101 RBI) who is a guy that is good at all aspects off the game. In CF both Johnny Damon (.270, 12 HR, 63 RBI) and Melky Cabrera (.273 BA, 8 HR, 73 RBI) will share time. Melky also should get some time in left because rest will be needed for LF Hideki Matsui (.285 BA, 25 HR, 103 RBI). Matsui hurt his knee last year and will need to play DH from time to time. So in the long run Giambi, Duncan, and Matsui will get time at DH.

2008 New York Yankees Outlook

The Yankees did not make major off season moves but still figure to be contenders in the AL East. Boston are the defending WS champions and are primed to repeat again. Toronto did not improve their team very much by trading 3B Troy Glaus for 3B Scott Rolen but did improve their team with the signing of SS David Eckstein. The Rays should be an improved team from last year due to the influx of talented players to the majors from the farm system. The Orioles are in prime position to lose 100+ games this year and could challenge for the worst record ever in the AL if they trade 2B Brian Roberts.

2008 New York Yankees Prediction - 93-69, 2nd in the AL East

By Austin Champagne
ProBaseball-fans.com Staff Writer

> View all of the 2008 MLB team previews from Pro Baseball Fans