A little more than a week ago I took a stab at predicting the New York Yankees' Opening Day roster.
Well, a few things have changed in a week. Jorge Posada looks pretty healthy and it appears the Yankees will go with 12 pitchers. Edwar Ramirez also looks healthy and deserving of a spot.
Fortunately for me, Sweeny Murti of WFAN posted his lineup and 25-man roster today. It is an exact match for the one I would choose, with the only argument being the long man.
Here is Murti's roster.
The Lineup
LF Johnny Damon
SS Derek Jeter
1B Mark Teixeira
DH Hideki Matsui
CA Jorge Posada
2B Robinson Cano
RF Xavier Nady
3B Cody Ransom
CF Brett Gardner
Bench: Jose Molina, Nick Swisher, Melky Cabrera, Angel Berroa.
Rotation: CC Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain.
Bullpen: Mariano Rivera, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, Phil Coke, Brett Tomko.
The only battle I really see here is Tomko, Dan Giese, Alfredo Aceves and -- yikes! -- Kei Igawa for the long man. Ramirez pitched well enough last season to earn a spot this year, provided he is healthy.
Remember, to keep Berroa and a long man other than Giese the Yankees would have to drop other players from their 40-man roster. Could Giese be gone if he doesn't make the team?
Your thoughts?