Yankees Still Need Work On Their Everyday Lineup
High priced pitching additions help but there are more holes to fill
Dec 19, 2008
World Series or Bust
Every year, the New York Yankees stated goal is to win the World Series. That should be the goal of every team, but the Yankees do more than just talk about it.
Seeing a need to improve their pitching, the Yankees went out and signed free agent pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett for a combined quarter of a billion dollars.
The moves solidify the Yankees starting rotation on paper, (whether these moves workout remains to be seen) but there are other needs if they intend to get back into the playoffs.
Offense was overrated in 2008
The Yankees went into last season with the belief that their offense could help overcome a lack of pitching depth in the starting rotation. They had the best closer on the planet, so the blueprint was to have the starters give them innings and not get blown out, the offense would give them a lead in the ninth inning and Mariano Rivera would lock it down.
Some of the ingredients worked, but the offense which was picked by some to score over 1000 runs, failed to produce up to its capabilities.
The Yankees scored 789 runs in the 2008 season so they fell way short of the prognostications but here’s a telling stat. The Yankees’ offense produced three runs or less in 70 games, nearly half the season, and they posted a 21-49 record in those games. Of those 49 losses, 12 were by one run, 37 were by three runs or less.
Numbers are misleading
2007 American League Most Valuable Player Alex Rodriguez hit .302 with 35 homeruns and 68 extra base hits overall, yet he only drove in 103 runs and just nudged over 100 towards the end of the season.
Jason Giambi hit 32 longballs with 96 runs batted in but was .213 with runners in scoring position and .136 (3 for 22) with the bases loaded. After a year in which he hit over .300 and drove in a career high 97 runs, Robinson Cano went backwards and hit only .271 with 72 ribbies.
The Yankees 2-5 hitters in the batting order hit a combined 94 homeruns, yet hit into 77 double plays, thus wiping out any potential scoring opportunities.
Yankees need another bat
The Yankees offense lacked balance. With too many left hand hitters, they became very susceptible to left handed pitching. With that in mind, New York let Giambi, and Bobby Abreu walk away as free agents and may have their sights set on Manny Ramirez.
Ramirez has some backing in the higher echelons of the organization. The Yankees would love to "tweak" the Red Sox by bringing Manny back to Fenway Park in a Yankee uniform.
More pressure to make the playoffs
Last season, the Yankees streak of consecutive appearances in the post season came to an end. After a 13 year run, the Yankees missed the playoffs and are more determined than ever to get back there.
Some unexpected roadblocks could pop up along the way.
Rivera underwent shoulder surgery during the off season and is 39 years old. The surgery was considered minor but will he be able to return and be the same dominant closer he’s always been. The Yankees look at Joba Chamberlain as some insurance if that is the case, but you don’t know how Chamberlain will handle closing duties. You need the mental makeup to be an effective closer and no one knows if Joba can be that guy.
The Yankees lack range defensively but by adding strikeout pitchers like Sabathia and Burnett, it will take some pressure off the fielders.
With the "New Yankee Stadium" all set to make its debut in April, the Yankees want to christen their new home with a team that will put them back in the hunt for the World Championship. There is a lot more work to be done if they expect that to happen.
