2008 Woodie Awards
2008 Yankees Preview
Mike Duffy, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: Sports
There are many unknowns heading into the upcoming season for the defending American League Wild Card Champion New York Yankees.
For the first time in 12 years, a new manager has taken over the reigns as Joe Girardi replaces beloved manager Joe Torre. Girardi was the Yankees' bench coach in 2005 and was manager of the year in 2006 while managing the Florida Marlins. He has a talented roster that will help him succeed in New York as long as he can handle the pressures that come along with managing the Yankees.
This year is also the first time that owner George Steinbrenner has handed over control of the team to his two sons, Hank and Hal. At this point there is no way to know how this will affect the team, but early indications are that no major changes will happen with the team's philosophy. It is also unclear what effect the off the field issues surrounding Andy Pettitte will have; hopefully it will not pose too big a distraction.
One of the biggest question marks lies in the bullpen, where there is an abundance of arms. The only assured spot is closer Mariana Rivera's. The addition of free agent LaTroy Hawkins throws a wrench into the makeup of the bullpen. It's safe to assume that when he signed the Yankees guaranteed him a spot as well, but his role is still undetermined. At this point it looks like Joba Chamberlain will start the season in the bullpen; he will compete with Kyle Farnsworth to be the setup man, as it is Farnsworth's role to lose. Depending on how many relievers the team will carry, that still leaves about five pitchers: Edward Ramirez, Jose Veras, Sean Henn, Chris Britton, and Brian Bruney are all vying for, at the very least, two spots.
The starting rotation does not have as much confusion. Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy will most likely be the opening day rotation in that order. Pitchers like Jeff Karstens, Kei Igawa, and Chase Wright, who all made starts last season, will probably start the season in Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Joba Chamberlain will eventually be moved to the starting rotation later in the season or when someone goes on the DL. Oh, and Carl Pavano, who Yankee fans might remember as the pitcher who signed that fat contract a few years ago and has yet to pitch a full season due to injuries, is now on the active roster and hopes to see some playing time this season, granted he can stay healthy.
For the first time in 12 years, a new manager has taken over the reigns as Joe Girardi replaces beloved manager Joe Torre. Girardi was the Yankees' bench coach in 2005 and was manager of the year in 2006 while managing the Florida Marlins. He has a talented roster that will help him succeed in New York as long as he can handle the pressures that come along with managing the Yankees.
This year is also the first time that owner George Steinbrenner has handed over control of the team to his two sons, Hank and Hal. At this point there is no way to know how this will affect the team, but early indications are that no major changes will happen with the team's philosophy. It is also unclear what effect the off the field issues surrounding Andy Pettitte will have; hopefully it will not pose too big a distraction.
One of the biggest question marks lies in the bullpen, where there is an abundance of arms. The only assured spot is closer Mariana Rivera's. The addition of free agent LaTroy Hawkins throws a wrench into the makeup of the bullpen. It's safe to assume that when he signed the Yankees guaranteed him a spot as well, but his role is still undetermined. At this point it looks like Joba Chamberlain will start the season in the bullpen; he will compete with Kyle Farnsworth to be the setup man, as it is Farnsworth's role to lose. Depending on how many relievers the team will carry, that still leaves about five pitchers: Edward Ramirez, Jose Veras, Sean Henn, Chris Britton, and Brian Bruney are all vying for, at the very least, two spots.
The starting rotation does not have as much confusion. Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy will most likely be the opening day rotation in that order. Pitchers like Jeff Karstens, Kei Igawa, and Chase Wright, who all made starts last season, will probably start the season in Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Joba Chamberlain will eventually be moved to the starting rotation later in the season or when someone goes on the DL. Oh, and Carl Pavano, who Yankee fans might remember as the pitcher who signed that fat contract a few years ago and has yet to pitch a full season due to injuries, is now on the active roster and hopes to see some playing time this season, granted he can stay healthy.
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Frank Riccard
posted 3/12/08 @ 5:58 PM EST
mike duffy is a fantastic writer. i heard he was a "staff writer" now. very good choice!!:)
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