New York Yankees: 2014 Preview

After months of blizzards and hibernation, baseball has finally found its way back into our lives. Thankfully, March has come to a close, and Opening Day for the "New and Improved" 2014 Yankees is just one ceremonial first pitch away.


As the season concluded with the rival Red Sox hoisting the World Series trophy, it was imperative for the Yanks to go test the free agent market and sign some stars. What the front office accomplished was above and beyond my true expectations. Outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran inked multi-year deals, Brian McCann locked in his starting position as the next power catcher, and Japanese ace Masahiro Tanaka has decided to follow in the footsteps of Hideki Matsui's success in the Bronx. On paper, the Yankees have all of the sudden become 
a stronger team offensively. But what about defensively?

All of the questions lie upon the infield and the pitching rotation. With the loss of Robinson Cano to free agency, the Yanks have now two choices of players to place at second base: veteran Brian Roberts and rookie Yangervis Solarte. It appears that ex-Ray Kelly Johnson will play third, and that Derek Jeter will be back in the hole at shortstop. The Captain has received a great deal of media attention after Jeter's retirement announcement effective at the end of the season, but has this story placed a great amount of pressure on Jeter and the club? Jeter told many reporters that he wanted the front office to know early about his decision so they could prepare for the future. So even though the Yankees want to win one last championship for Jeter, is a season without a ring a failure?     I don't think so. This Yankees squad is capable of accomplishing a division title and a pennant, but once again, it's important to maintain a solid foundation for the years to come. The average age of the lineup is in the mid-thirties, so the only way I actually see the Yankees winning it all is if they stay healthy throughout the entire season. After the injury plague of last year, it will most certainly be difficult to reach the World Series. 

But I don't think it's out of the question. Many of the experts have predicted past year's winners incorrectly because of their interpretations of a team on paper. Baseball is baseball, and every pitch matters. After coming off a horrendous year with an 85-77 record, I feel very optimistic on how well this Bombers squad will perform. CC Sabathia is slimmer and stronger, Mark Teixeira's golden glove is back at first base, and a young talent named Michael Pineda will finally show off his anticipated pitching prowess. For an old team, this projected lineup brings a perfect combination of power and speed, and if the Yankees take advantage of their opportunities, they will most definitely be on their way to making the postseason once again. Get ready for a Season 2 Watch. The road to Number 28 starts Tuesday in Houston!

PREDICTION: 91-71, 2nd AL EAST