New York Yankees

Losses: OF Melky Cabrera, DH Hideki Matsui, UT Xavier Nady, OF Johnny Damon, UT Jerry Hairston Jr, C Jose Molina, P Ian Kennedy, P Phil Coke, P Brian Bruney, P Chien-Ming Wang, OF Shelly Duncan, P Josh Towers

Gains: P Javier Vasquez, OF Curtis Granderson, OF Marcus Thames, 1B Nick Johnson, OF Randy Winn, P Chan Ho Park

Analysis: It's tough to analyze the Yankees. I feel as though any criticism in analysis would simply be a difference in opinion strategically. Because, if the Yankees brass thought they needed more, they'd get more. They can do that. They have that type of control. But let's look at them as though they don't. The Yankees lost a lot of good arms, however, they still have a ton of good arms AND the best arm transaction this winter, was on the positive side, reacquiring Javier Vasquez. Vasquez was one of the top few pitchers in the National League, despite a tough luck record. So Vasquez moves into the number 3 or 4 spot in a great rotation. That is just scary. The Yankees lost a lot of outfield talent, or I suppose I should say, they lost a lot of batting talent. They didn't lose much in the way of fielding. They bring in Granderson, Thames and Winn to replace Damon, Matsui, the Melk Man and Hairston. Once again, the most valuable outfielder is one coming in. Granderson is young, will hit 30 homeruns playing in the BX-Jet Stream and is a solid fielder. Thames is a good source of power, and may win himself the left field job. And Randy Winn replaces the level of veteran-ness they lost with the other guys. The one thing they lose is clutchness. Matsui and Damon were two of the most clutch hitters in the lineup. And Melky Cabrera showed an ability to get big hits as well. Granderson might not have that same ability, especially against a lefty specialist from the pen. Randy Winn however is a more clutch, and may be useful pinch hitting in a stitch. Speaking of lefty specialists, Phil Coke is probably the biggest loss of the off-season (unless you count the potential that Chien-Ming Wang still has). He really solidified his role at the end of last year, pitching very well. The Yankees did not replace that second lefty arm out of the pen. Perhaps they still will.

More moves: Like I said, perhaps they will pick up another lefty out of the pen. I don't see them doing much else.

2010 Thoughts: The Yankees are going to continue to be a successful franchise. Nothing you or I can do about that. If they are in second place in June, expect a big move in July. If they are in first place in June, expect a medium-sized move in July. They may look for some pop at DH to take through the playoffs. This current squadron is great top-to-bottom. The lineup is a touch down on what came out last year. The last outfield spot is probably going to be taken by Brett Gardner, who is a bit of a light hitter. But he and Granderson will cover so much more outfield then Melky and Damon, that it will be worth it. Nick Johnson in the DH spot is a drop-off as well. But that might not come into effect until playoff time. The only concern is if he were to get injured yet again. Marcus Thames would be a slightly larger drop-off on Matsui. But if we remember, Matsui was not a stud during the regular season. His clutch run-producing was a playoff factor, and I expect the Yankees to do something about that in July. The rest of the line-up returns from the World Series Championship. The starters are great. Javier Vasquez takes a spot that was previously occupied by Sergio Mitre. That is as big an improvement as you can get. Wang will not be missed. The Yankees have to hope Hughes or Joba solidifies the 5th spot. AT LEAST one will. The pen is really good too. I think this week's addition of Chan Ho Park is a good one, though it has been glossed over. If Marte pitches like he did last October, then they have everything they need. Aceves is a solid middle-man/spot-starter, and both Hughes and Joba have shown the ability to handle the 8th inning. Chad Gaudin will be a solid long-reliever, though the rotation will rarely need it.

Prediction: The Red Sox didn't do enough with their line-up to catch the Yankees. The Yanks will again win the AL East. It's hard to repeat, so the Bolt will have them losing in the ALCS.

APT