2012 MLB Season Preview: New York Yankees
2012 NEW YORK YANKEES OUTLOOK
The offseason was relatively quiet until one 24-hour period where GM Brian Cashman completed a deal for Michael Pineda, which jettisoned catcher/DH Jesus Montero. Montero had been on the trade block for a couple seasons, so finally the Yankees felt they were getting a good deal for him. The Yankees never looked at Montero as a catcher of the future, but loved his bat. They are deep at catcher in the minor league system which made Montero expendable. Cashman then signed Hiroki Kuroda for one season at $10 million. He could be a bargain for that price if he can work his way around the potent offenses of American League East opponents.
The Yankees surprised many, announcing in early March that they signed Andy Pettitte out of retirement to a minor league deal. If he makes the team he’ll earn $2.5 million which is chump change to the Yankees, and the upside of an effective Pettitte adds significant depth to a rotation already six deep.
At the time of this writing, Michael Pineda is suffering from a sore shoulder and has been diagnosed with tendinitis. He had been showing signs of trouble from the outset of Spring Training with diminished speed on his fastball. This will likely place Freddy Garcia into the rotation as the fifth starter.
With C.C. Sabathia, Kuroda and Ivan Nova leading the way, the Yankees rotation is a strength for the first time in a long time. The depth is going to be significant during the long 162 game season. The Yankees are hoping Phil Hughes can find his way back to the 2010 version who won 18 games. Anything similar from Garcia as he gave last season will be fine until Pineda and/or Pettitte can get on the mound for the Yankees sometime in May. If the starters are able to pitch through the sixth on most days, then the seventh, eighth and ninth innings can be handled by Rafael Soriano, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera.
The biggest issue with the Yankees is age. There are more than a handful of players who are reaching their middle to late thirties (or 42 in Rivera’s case). Manager Joe Girardi becomes responsible for effectively managing their playing time. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez will need to be spelled on occasion by Eduardo Nunez. Expect to see Mark Teixeira receive some off days as well or at least some time at DH.
Sep 19, 2011; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) throws a pitch during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John O
The Yankees’ middle relief may represent another weakness. The Yankees had hoped to have Joba Chamberlain back at some point this season from Tommy John surgery, but he suffered a dislocated ankle while playing on a trampoline with his son. This will most likely keep him out for the season. Boone Logan is their primary lefty and the Yankees could carry one more. Right-hander Corey Wade, who was refreshing last season is having a tough spring.
In the end the Yankees offensive fire power led by Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson should compensate for any letdowns in the rotation or bullpen. They have plenty of financial resources if required at mid-season and are never shy about making moves via trades to fix deficiencies. As such the Yankees could reach a win mark in the high 90s this season. They are finally set to be three starters deep, possibly four, for the postseason. The Yankees are perennially in the mix and this season should be no different. Will Mariano Rivera need to use his other hand for one last World Series ring? For the Yankees, a World Championship is always the goal, anything less is unacceptable.
Find your team’s 2012 season preview or when it will be published here.
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