For the Sox, truck day happened while I was on vacation in DC, and all teams have now reported to spring training. The Sox are enjoying a very quiet camp, whilst further up the gulf coast the Yankees turmoil continues day by day.
Despite spending more money than Iceland's national debt, the Yankees are far from a sure thing. Without a doubt, the rotation has improved - how could it not when they added the #1 and #2 pitchers available on the market? However, as good as Burnett's stuff is, he only seems to be able to get through a full season when he's in a contract year.....which he won't be for another 4 years....
And whilst the Yankees offense will be formidable, their defense still leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, Teixeira will be a huge upgrade at 1st from previous seasons, but the other side of the infield is not getting younger or better. In fact, Baseball Prospectus article at ESPN highlights the defensive liability that Derek Jeter has become. (You have to be an ESPN Insider to read the full article.)
While there are arguments over the accuracy and effectiveness of different contemporary defensive metrics, they are nearly unanimous on The Captain's limitations. Clay Davenport's new play-by-play metric that debuts in this year's edition of the Baseball Prospectus annual says Jeter's work with leather cost the Yankees 18 runs in 2007, and another 12 in 2008. John Dewan's plus/minus system from the Bill James Handbook rates Jeter the worst shortstop in total plus/minus of the last three years. On a scouting level, as strong-armed as he is, his range afield has become an obvious issue, just as it did for Cal Ripken in his mid-30s.
Will the Yankees front office have the brass balls, and the ability, to convince Jeter that CF is a great position for him? I for one hope that they don't, because that would indeed make the Yankees better....
The first ST games start this week, and then we have the WBC to look forward to in March.
Bring it on.
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