I'm fully aware that here in the great state of Pennsylvania people get sick and tired of hearing about the New York Yankees.
After all, the Phillies are the World Champs, and the Pirates could have a historic season this year, and yet the Bronx Bombers still get more attention.
Well get used to it, because I think we could be seeing a lot of drama in the Bronx this summer, and it starts with Derek Jeter moving to the leadoff spot.
No big deal you say? Is is that big of a difference having Jeter bat first instead of his customary second spot? On its own, this move isn't earth-shattering, but it shows the lack of offensive talent currently occupying the Yanks' roster. With A-Rod on the shelf for a while nursing an injury that could hamper his effectiveness the rest of the year, the Yanks have a huge hole to fill.
Yes, Mark Teixeira will be a huge upgrade over the departed Jason Giambi, but what will happen when he struggles in April, like he always does? How will he handle the scrutiny of New York?
The Yankees will have to rely on the aging Jorge Posada to overcome his recent injuries, Robinson Cano to break out of last year's season-long slump and Xavier Nady to repeat last year's career year. Gulp.
Sure the rotation is seemingly loaded after adding C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. But do I even need to mention Burnett's injury history? And everyone remembers the workload Sabathia shouldered down the stretch last year, could C.C. break down? Chien Ming-Wang is an injury risk too, and Joba Chamberlain is still unproven as a starter.
Add to this the opening of the team's decadent new Bronx palace (with the ticket prices to go with it) and a struggling Yanks squad could lead to more acrimony than even we are used to from the Pinstripers.
So while we may have to hear a lot about the Yankees this summer, a lot of it may end up being music to Yankee-haters' ears.
I must say, you raise a few interesting questions. But to shed some light, we can start with Jeter in the leadoff spot. Since A-Rod is out, and Ransom is in his place (batting 9th) moving Jeter to the leadoff spot is good in two ways. Number one, Jeter will see better pitches, and having a reputation of hitting in the clutch, this will also allow Cody Ransom to see better pitches as well. Because, ofcourse, they will want to avoid facing Jeter with men on. They spent a ton of money, and what they seem to lack might just be consistency, but what sets them apart from the rest is their versatility. With pitching, catching, and defense, they have the potential to be a Championship team, however, beyond that, who knows...