FanPost

30 Days Until Pitchers and Catchers: Where's The Excitement?

Normally once the winner of the BCS Championship game is determined, my excitement for the upcoming baseball season begins to build. I begin to make my Opening Day plans – trolling StubHub for seats in section 203 -- and count down to the season with great anticipation. This year, with about 30 days until pitchers and catchers report, I am struggling to build my usual level of excitement and optimism. Maybe it’s because we’ve been so spoiled for so many years, but I haven’t felt this concerned heading into a Yankee season in almost 20 years for 3 main reasons:

The Worst Off-Season In Recent Memory. For the first time in that entire time period or even longer --even with the signing of Soriano -- the Yankees didn’t appear to significantly improve the team during the off-season either via trade or free agency. While it’s true that there were fewer quality options in the market than in prior years, it is still troubling that not only didn’t the roster improve; it appears to have gotten weaker during the off-season. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand and buy-in to being patient and growing and promoting talent from within. However, as fans we’ll need to reconcile that strategic approach with the harsh reality that this year could be the beginning of an uncertain period of transition and rebuilding. And, as we know, Yankee fans are not the most patient bunch.

The Lineup and Defense Is No Longer Premier. In looking at the projected lineup and defense, somewhere along the way it’s gone from “premier and feared” to just slightly above-average -- especially when compared against the Red Sox, Rays, Rangers, and Twins. The Yankee offense is above average but not dominant or as daunting up-and-down the lineup as in year’s past. With the exception of the right side of the infield – which is arguably the best offensively and defensively in the Majors, the rest of the lineup is just above average. The left side of the infield should remain strong offensively, but we must acknowledge that it is aging and right now there appears to be little in depth in terms of back-up or longer term succession planning. With Posada moving to DH (he will be an above average DH), the catching position, which dropped substantially last year, looks like it will face another year without meaningful power, depth or defensive dominance. The outfield should remain strong defensively, but at best it is average offensively – again with little depth.

Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. As we well know, pitching wins championships and to state the obvious, I cannot remember entering a season with such a mediocre and shallow pitching staff. Beyond CC, Hughes, Soriano (hopefully he can handle New York pressure) and the seemingly ageless Rivera, the starting pitching staff and bullpen is full of holes and uncertainties. Maybe Burnett will turn it around (doubtful). Maybe Joba will finally live up to his potential (longshot). Hopefully some of the young prospects will surprise during the spring and help bolster the staff. Or, maybe as in year’s past, we will “catch lightning in a bottle” with a journeyman, but right now with so many questions, it’s hard to imagine the Yankee pitching as truly competitive against their key rivals. Yes, the back of the bullpen is strong – but we may need a “bridge” to the “bridge”.

So, with 30 days before pitchers and catchers, I’m struggling to get excited. I’m an optimist at heart and know when the calendar turns to April, when hope springs eternal, I will log my usual hours watching and listening to nearly every game during the season. However, maybe for this year, instead of setting our sights on visions of a 28th Championship, perhaps as fans, we should all focus our attention on enjoying and appreciating the “autumn years” of the glorious careers of Jeter, Rivera and Posada.




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