YANKEES- 02/23/03
February 22, 2003
LATEST TEAM INFO:
The Yankees won 103 games last year, but without a World Series title the season was a failure. Owner George Steinbrenner made more headlines this winter than in recent years. The Boss was unsatisfied with SS Derek Jeter's 2002 season and is now asking for 110% from his star player and in an act of hipocrosy ordered GM Brian Cashman to reduce payroll, yet he was pressured into resigning SP Roger Clemens and to sign OF Hideki Matsui (Godzilla) and RP Jose Contreras. The Boss responded to the luxury tax by increasing the Yankees' record $135 million payroll in 2002 by adding $15 million more in salary for 2003. This is getting plain ridiculous.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
The major subtractions to the club were the trading of SP Orlando Hernandez (to the Expos) and letting RP Ramiro Mendoza, RP Mike Stanton, OF Shane Spencer and OF John VanderWal walk. It's tough seeing Mendoza and Stanton sign with the Red Sox and Mets, respectively, especially since the Yankees could have signed both of them with the money used to sign Jose Conteras ($32 million over 4 years). It looks like he will be the highest paid setup man in the game until a few SPs go down with injuries, look for him to enter the rotation permanently in 2004 once Clemens hangs up the cleats. There were many new additions in the offseason including: RP Chris Hammond, IF Todd Zeile, RP Juan Acevedo and RP Antonio Osuna- all of these guys will likely have a minimal fantasy impact on the Yankees. The big names to know are Hideki Matsui and Jose Contreras. Put your money on Matsui as the better fantasy player since he has been handed the starting LF job.
RUMOR MILL and the 2003 PITCHERS:
Despite all the rumors having SP Andy Pettitte on the move, there were no takers due to injury and salary concerns. The starting rotation shakes up with SP Mike Mussina (drafted on average #43 overall in ESPN leagues), Roger Clemens (drafted #108), Andy Pettitte (drafted #159), SP David Wells (drafted #177) and SP Jeff Weaver (drafted #205). Expect Mussina and Weaver to put up better numbers this year. Clemens and Pettitte should put up similar numbers, but between Pettitte's elbow and Clemens affinity for groin injuries you shouldn't expect more than 150-200 innings. Wells won't repeat his 19 win performance with a sub 4.00 ERA, but 15 wins with a sub 5.00 ERA is more probable. RP Sterling Hitchcock will be left to do the mop up work and should be kept far away from your draft sheets. Setup men will likely include some combination of RP Steve Karsay, Contreras (drafted #165), Osuna, Hammond and RP Randy Choate. RP Mariano Rivera (drafted #56) is without question the closer of this club, but expect Karsay to get 5 to 10 saves this year. Rivera could be a steal in this year's draft since he was a perineal 3rd round pick, he is now dropping closer to the 6th round in drafts this year due to injury concerns.
POSSIBLE 2003 LINEUP:
1. 2B Alfonso Soriano (drafted #4)- could go 40-40 this year with a ton of runs. He has proven he doesn't need to walk a lot to be successful.
2. SS Derek Jeter (drafted #20)- should improve on his 2002 campaign.
3. 1B/DH Jason Giambi (drafted #8)- should put up similar numbers, look for average to improve.
4. CF Bernie Williams (drafted #76)- steady yet unspectacular. Don't count on him to be your top OF, but expect a slight improvement in HR production.
5. C Jorge Posada (drafted #50)- steady and top AL hitting catcher.
6. 3B Robin Ventura (drafted #209)- a steal if he can repeat last year's numbers. May lose some time to Zeile and Henson.
7. LF Hideki Matsui (drafted #103)- write him in for 25 homers and the rest is gravy.
8. RF Raul Mondesi (drafted #196)- an albatross on your batting average. If you can support that he adds some nice power and steals for your last OF spot.
9. DH Nick Johnson, Todd Zeile or Rondell White- several players will likely see some time at this position.
INJURIES:
Nick Johnson's wrist is not 100% and will likely sap his power from him again. Steer clear until he has a clean bill of health. Otherwise, no major injuries to report.
ON THE FARM:
3B Drew Henson will be at Triple A again this year. His defense and batting eye still need improvement. May finally be ready to take over 3B in 2004.
BATTLE ROYAL:
Stay tuned- for DH and 5th starter battles.
