Report Card: Yankees contend again as big signings spice up an aging roster

Mark Teixeira holds down first base for the Yankees now. (Getty Images)

By Pete Catapano

In the offseason, the Yankees filled glaring holes in the pitching staff and at first base. However, competing in a tough American League East division with an aging roster, this team falls short of perfection. Nonetheless, if the team stays healthy, it should eclipse the 89 wins the Yankees posted last season.

First base: A+

The Yankees got better-than-expected production last year from Jason Giambi, who had 32 homers and 96 RBIs. But Giambi’s departure via free agency means the Oakland A’s now must deal with his defensive shortcomings. Replacing Giambi is arguably the most coveted offensive player on last winter’s market: Mark Teixeira. The 28-year-old slugger, signed to an eight-year, $180 million contract, gives the Yankees their first complete player at the position since Tino Martinez. A power-hitting, slick-gloved switch hitter, the seventh-year major leaguer is a lock for 30 homers, 100 RBIs and an average around .290.

Second base: B

Suffice to say, Robinson Cano has a lot to prove despite being three years removed from his .341 average in ’06. But, unlike others Yankees’ underwhelming 2008 performances, we’re going to say that Cano’s “down” year last year was exaggerated. He had an atrocious start, but got better as the season went along. In April, Cano hit .151, but he hit .327 in July and .290 in August. What’s more worrisome is Cano’s often maddeningly complacent defensive play. Cano should rise back to around .300 this year.Shortstop: B

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Derek Jeter is the Yankees’ heart and soul and their spark plug. He is indispensable in that regard. But let’s be realistic about his declining talents. Jeter is nearly 35, and his range at shortstop ranks him near the bottom of the league. His offensive numbers have also waned, with his average falling from .344 to .322 to .300 over that last three years.

Third base: C+

Things will change in mid-May when Alex Rodriguez returns from hip surgery, but for now, the Yankees will rely on journeyman Cody Ransom as a fill-in. In the preseason, the 33-year-old’s numbers have been rather pedestrian, hitting .270, with one homer and four RBIs through Saturday's games. However, if Ransom plays solid defense and hits anywhere over .250, that will be good enough. If he stays healthy after his return, A-Rod should provide 25 HRs and 80 RBIs.

Catcher: B

Since this is generally a weak position in the sport, it’s safe to say the Yanks still have one of the league’s top catchers in Jorge Posada. But Posada is 36 years old with a rebuilt shoulder, so it’s hard to expect him to put up his usual numbers. It will be a bonus if the career Yankee manages to start 120 games behind the plate. Jose Molina is a serviceable albeit light-hitting backup.

Left field: B

Johnny Damon is coming off his best season with the Yankees, hitting .303 with 17 homers, 71 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. Expect those stats to come down a little for the 35-year-old, whose miserable throwing arm makes him average at best defensively. Nonetheless, Damon is still a top-notch leadoff man when healthy — and a clubhouse leader.

Center field: C

Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera have been vying to start at the biggest question-mark postionas the 2009 season opens. Melky has three pluses: His arm, his switch-hitting ability and his experience. However, Gardner had a great spring and has great speed. Also, he hasn’t displayed the mental lapses Cabrera has. Gardner will likely get the bulk of the playing time.

Right field: B

Surprisingly productive since he was acquired last year, Xavier Nady will take over for Bobby Abreu, who, over two-and-a-half years as a Yankee, proved to be a quality No. 3 hitter with his automatic 100 RBIs and runs scored. Nady won’t get near those numbers, but expect .280, 20 Hrs and 70 RBIs. Nick Swisher will also contribute when he gets time here.

Designated hitter: B

Hideki Matsui is expected to be the regular DH, with Damon and Swisher spelling him. Injuries and knee surgery will keep the 34-year-old Matsui out of the field for most of the season. But if he can swing the bat like he’s shown in the past six years in New York, expect numbers around .290, 18 HRs and 85 RBIs.

Starters: A

By signing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees have assembled their best rotation in a decade. Rounded out by a healthy Chien-Ming Wang, flame-throwing Joba Chamberlain and veteran Andy Pettitte, the Yankees’ staff should feel confident no matter who takes the mound. And in case of injury, 22-year-old Phil Hughes should comfortably fill the void.

Middle Relief: C+

The Yankees have a well-balanced relief corps that will include maybe Kei Igawa as long man, two lefties in Damaso Marte and Phil Coke and Brian Bruney stepping up as the eight-inning guy. If Jonathan Albalajo stays healthy (13 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings last year), the middle to late innings should leave the Yankees with plenty of options, as long as each pitcher reaches full potential.

Closer: A

Let’s put it like this: Mariano Rivera pitched most of 2008 with an injured shoulder and still converted 39 saves out of 40, struck out 77 and walked just six.

Intangibles: C

This team is crawling toward a decade without a championship, and has the pressure of a huge payroll and star acquisitions tinged with the A-Rod sideshow. As always, there’s a lot more to the Yankees than what happens on the field, and this often works against them.

Manager: B+

Sure, the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time since 1993 under first-year skipper Joe Girardi’s watch. However, Girardi delivered 89 wins in the toughest division in baseball despite losing Wang, his ace, for two-thirds of the season, working without Posada and Matsui for a good chunk of the year and getting zero wins out of Hughes and Ian Kennedy, each expected to tally double-digit wins — not to mention injuries to A-Rod and Chamberlain. Girardi may be robotic, but he knows the game as well as anybody.

Fans: A

Despite exploding ticket prices, Yankee fans have been heading to the Bronx in droves the past few years. Early playoff exits and disappointments haven’t affected their devotion and downright obsession.

Stadium: A

The purists are going to miss the old stadium, but from the looks of it, the Yankees’ beautiful new ballpark is a combination of the original (renovated) stadium and modern accoutrements. The downside is that there are more than 4,000 fewer seats, making always hard-to-come by tickets that much more scarce. But there’s a dozen restaurants and, thank heavens, more bathrooms.

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