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Fantasy Forces:
1B-Jason Giambi (32)- Giambi cast aside questions as to whether he could adapt to the Big Apple by putting up another MVP quality
season. Few players in the game match hitting and power as well as Giambi while his patience is uncanny. He is among the game's
top run-producers and a perennial MVP candidate.
2B-Alfonso Soriano (25)- Not only did Soriano avoid a sophomore slump, he produced arguably the most dominating season ever by a
pivot, barely missing the vaunted 40/40 mark. While proven to be a dangerous runner, his power was a pleasant surprise. A free
swinger who had the majors worst BB/K ratio, Soriano is not likely to hit as many homeruns but should be regarded one of the most valuable
players in the game.
SS-Derek Jeter (28)- Despite hitting below .300 for the first time, the career .317 hitter remains one of the top four shortstops
in baseball. And while he was bound to have an "off" season at some point, his production in other areas was a good as
ever...steals, runs, homeruns, RBIs. There's nothing Jeter won't give you for the price.
CF-Bernie Williams (34)- Fighting through a pair of bothersome shoulders last year, Williams offset a power loss by getting on
base and during the second half, he was second to none. Albeit he has been a big power hitter, his healthy shoulders should get him
back into the 20s while the switch-hitter's typical production should hold true once again.
C-Jorge Posada (31)- With Irod bolting to the NL, Posada takes over as the top run producer in the AL. Though he saw a
dropoff in homeruns, he drove in a career high and proved to be the ALs most durable backstop. He has 2-3 more quality years in him
before the slope starts going down.
SP-Mike Mussina (34)- Mussina took advantage of the 7th highest run support and won 18 games but struggled to find consistency
most of the season. He packs a deep arsenal of which he has impeccable command but was hit harder than usual last year for no apparent
reason. He has never missed a start in 11 seasons and will take the ball on Day 1 and is likely to rebound to his previous standards.
CL-Mariano Rivera (33)- Rivera shook off his 2001 World Series woes and produced perhaps the best half of his career before
shoulder strain in July. Virtually lost the entire second half, he returned for the playoffs but didn't have his usual stuff.
When healthy, he can live off his cutter and it appears he is.
Better Days Ahead:
LF-Hideki Matsui (28)- The path to stardom opened by Kazuhisa Sasaki and Ichiro, Godzilla becomes the first Japanese power hitter
to crack the majors and is slated as the full-time left fielder. He hit .334 with 50 homeruns and 107 RBIs last year with Yomiuri on
his way to league MVP, narrowly missing the Triple Crown. While he is unlikely to hit 50 bombs, all signs suggest he is the real deal
and is the clear favorite to win the AL ROY while potentially putting up huge numbers. |
Supporting Cast:
1B-Nick Johnson (24)- Armed with massive power potential, Johnson has struggled to establish a bigger role in the Yankees' lineup.
The big lefty is useless against southpaws and is presently hampered by a nagging wrist that could potentially lead to missed time.
Either way, he will fall into a platoon role once again.
OF-Rondell White (31)- In an ironic twist, oft-injured Rondell White may find himself in a bigger role due to an injury to someone
else, this time Johnson. Nonetheless, he is still a huge injury risk and is unlikely to reproduce his Montreal production and doesn't
appear to be in the Yankees' long-term plans.
SP-Andy Pettitte (30)- Pettitte missed two months with an elbow injury but returned with a fury, winning 13 games in 22 starts
while posting his second best ERA. He's a proven winner and despite the continuous stream of trade rumors the southpaw is not likely
to go anywhere soon. His value is bigger than his stats suggest.
SP-David Wells (39)- Something happens to Boomer when he puts on the pinstripes. Quietly racking up 19 wins, he was the
recipient of the major's best run support. He will again take up the fourth spot and provide ample innings but don't expect similar
results. It remains to be seen if the fallout from his controversial book will have an effect on his pitching but he is certain to
remain a Yankee.
SP-Jeff Weaver (26)- Happy to get out of Detroit, Weaver settled into a relief role but will not be so easily appeased in '03.
He is a legitimate ace and would be near the top in any other rotation and is likely the second best starter on the Yankees. He is the
favorite to hold the fifth spot and with Contreras' early spring training struggles is likely to land there.
Risky Business:
RF-Raul Mondesi (32)- Run out of Toronto for wasting their millions, Mondesi did little to earn his keep in the Bronx. Long
hindered by the underachiever label, Mondesi reached new hitting lows last year and were it not for his huge contract would be traded to
anyone who'd take him.
P-Jose Contreras (31)- The Yankees threw $32 million at Cuba's best pitcher and may not have a spot for him in the rotation.
He has good control and decent strikeout potential but has gotten tagged in two straight spring outings, steering him to the bullpen until a
starter falls out of the rotation. While he can be a quality 3-4 pitcher, he is a similar age (allegedly) that El Duque was when he
arrived and could be headed for similar success.
Past Their Prime:
SP-Roger Clemens (40)- Clemens continues be a reliable force but also shows more signs of fatigue with big innings. He
followed up a steady first half with a poor second and can't be counted on to put up the same production we have grown accustomed. He
will slide into the #3 spot and will achieve yet two more milestones in '03. With his 7th win he will top 300 and his 91st strikeout
will be his 4,000. Strangely, considering his career rates he is on pace to catch both marks in his 14th start. This may be his
last year.
3B-Robin Ventura (35)- Ventura lit up first half pitching with 19 homeruns but fell into a tremendous slump after the break,
creating a practical void in the lineup. While his glove will get him playing time and he still can hit the long ball, he has little
of the bat speed he used to have and is a liability on the basepaths. With Drew Henson on the horizon, the transition should begin
this season. |
