New York Yankees

2009: 103-59 (1st)

So Long: OF Melky Cabrera, P Phil Coke, OF Johnny Damon, 3B Jerry Hairston Jr, 1B Eric Hinske, OF Austin Jackson, P Ian Kennedy, LF Hideki Matsui, C Jose Molina, RF Xavier Nady, P Chien-Ming Wang

Welcome: OF Curtis Granderson, 1B Nick Johnson, P Dustin Moseley, P Chan Ho Park, C Mike Rivera, P Javier Vazquez, OF Randy Winn

Projected Starting Lineup (courtesy of rototimes.com)
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Nick Johnson, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Robinson Cano, 2B
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Curtis Granderson, CF
8. Nick Swisher, RF
9. Brett Gardner, LF

Rotation - CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Javier Vazquez, Phil Hughes
Setup - Joba Chamberlain, Damaso Marte
Closer - Mariano Rivera

The Yankees are defending their first title since they defeated the pathetic Mets of 2000. Despite a fairly drastic roster overhaul, it's hard to argue that they're not once again the team to beat. Though they may grow to miss the solid defensive aptitude of Melky Cabrera, they did trade in the tired Matsui and Damon models for a slightly flashier 2010 Curtis Granderson. Really though, with a prodigious lineup that features the likes of A-Rod and Teixeira, these Yanks are still going to set the pace for the Red Sox and Rays to maintain.

Their starting pitching is upgraded with the addition of Javier Vazquez (from the Cabrera trade with the Braves). It's Vazquez's second go-round with the Yankees. They're counting on him having matured a bit and being able to adapt better to the volatile AL East than he was able to five years ago. They were also able to bail on Chien-Ming Wang, which of course provided journalists everywhere with months of "Wang" jokes.

Cashman and Girardi seem to have wised up on the Joba Chamberlain experiment. He is dominant as a reliever, and less than average when he's stretched out as a starter. They should have paid no heed to the calls for Chamberlain to be a starter. Now they'll have it right for a full season, and his one-two punch with Rivera may prove a death knell for the rest of the American League.

PRESEASON AWARDS

If this team were a disease/ailment it would be: crippling egomania. But you know what, they can be allowed a little recognition as the best. Hopefully just for this year though. At least it's based on a World Series win this time, unlike the entire last decade.

The "'Fra-gee-lay'. Must Be Italian" Award: Nick Johnson, and everything that goes wrong with his body. This guy has had a helluva rough streak with injuries over the years. If he can stay healthy, he could be a perfect bat for the two-hole, as Jeter is moved to the leadoff position.

The Bernie Williams Award: Shared by Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. Christ, can they just hang 'em up already? I feel like we're permanently stuck in 1999 when I see these guys in uniform. I swear they'll hit a wall soon, but I said that two years ago too.